Seniors Health Information & Resources

Health Information and Resources

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:
- Health and Ageing
- Family and Community Services

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

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.

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Drug database at myDr. Information on prescription, over-the-counter and some alternative medicines available in Australia.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Holistic Medicine. Holistic-online provides detailed information about holistic, integrative, alternative, and mind-body therapies. Topics include natural remedies, nutrition, vitamins and minerals.

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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

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

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.

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Men's Health Program is from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. While aimed at veterans, most of the information is applicable to all men.

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Multicultural Health Communication Service, NSW provides information on various health topics in many languages including English.

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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

Overcoming shyness

Most people experience shyness from time to time but it can be a real hindrance for some, excluding them completely from social situations.

Some very famous and successful people suffer from shyness – Donnie Osmond, Barbara Streisand and even Sir Lawrence Olivier have found themselves red-faced and speechless when facing an audience. Understanding what causes shyness and the symptoms, can help you develop mechanisms to deal with tricky situations.

Blushing, sweating, stuttering, sweating, feeling faint or dizzy are all common symptoms of shyness. New situations, speaking in public, job interviews or talking to someone important are just some of the situations, which may bring on a bout of shyness.

If you suffer from shyness, taking a few steps before you find yourself in an awkward situation can help you deal with the symptoms:
· Learn some breathing exercises – slowing down your heart rate will stop the dizzy feelings and will give you a little time to compose yourself.
· Practice a standard response for meeting new people – introductions usually follow the same patter so have a few answers ready and you won’t feel as though you’ve been put on the spot.
· Practice speaking to small groups – try family and friends and talk about subjects which interest you and with which you feel comfortable.
· Slow your speech down if you tend to stutter or stammer. Just take your time, try to relax and let the other person hear what you have to say.
· Always have a tissue on hand to wipe away those beads of perspiration. You may not be able to stop the sweating but you can make sure few people notice.
· Improve your social skills, smile and be friendly and, if you feel comfortable enough, say hello to someone who catches your eye.
· Be upfront – tell people you are shy. More often than not, people will have felt the same at some point and will be able to relate to what you are going through.

Of course, sometimes shyness can be so extreme that it has a devastating effect on your life. In these cases, it is more likely to be anxiety and you may need to consult a doctor or seek some counselling to get to the bottom of these feelings.

For more information on shyness and anxiety, visit Shyness and Social Anxiety Treatment Australia.

Taking the test

We could understand the humble X-ray, but what do all those mysterious acronyms associated with today’s medical imaging really mean?
Di Websdale-Morrissey explains.

You leave your doctor’s consulting room happily clutching a prescription and referrals for blood tests and an MRI, but the language is foreign and the nature of the tests is unclear. Now, did the GP tell you to fast for the MRI, or was that for the blood test? Is it the test that is expensive, or was it the new medication? Doctors’ appointments can be fraught affairs in which you are often given both feedback about your symptoms and several sets of instructions. However patiently the doctor explains your management plan, barriers such as fear of diagnosis and even feelings of intimidation can block much of the information. No wonder many arrive at the radiology appointment unsure of what is about to happen.

We live in an age when medical imaging has reached extraordinary heights. In addition to the traditional radiograph (X-ray), medical practitioners have a veritable alphabet soup of imaging techniques with which to create images of our bodies’ interiors: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagery); PET (Positron Emission Tomography); CT scans (Computerised Tomography). They are marvellous aids to diagnosis and treatment, but even when the acronyms are spelt out, most of us are still unclear about how they work or why they have been requested. Even the department names can be confusing – whereas we used to look for the X-ray or radiology
department, we are now more likely to find what we need labelled Diagnostic or Medical Imaging. This makes sense given the vast array of imaging wizardry such departments house, but for the uninitiated, it can be confusing.

Then there is the niggling issue of radiation – how much is too much? We have been told for years that too many X-rays can cause problems and some tests require an injection of radioactive isotopes. Will one more chest X-ray, or a sojourn in a PET scanner, leave us glowing in the dark? Clearly no, but any questions you have are valid and
you have a right to ask them. Often the best person to ask will be your radiologist (see ‘Testing terms’ box).

The term ‘radiation exposure’ comes laden with thoughts of atomic bombs and reactor breakdowns. Yes, it is something of which we should be mindful, but a little knowledge can allay fears and debunk apocryphal stories. Let’s examine the facts: we are constantly bombarded with low amounts from cosmic background radiation and other environmental sources that pose no great threat. In Australia, we have little cause to worry about radiation from our geology, although in places such as Cornwall and Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, granite deposits emit radon gas, which has been implicated in a higher incidence of lung cancer.

A four-hour flight involves the same X-ray exposure as one chest X-ray – that is, it poses a one in a million risk of causing cancer. Higher dose health examinations, such as CT body scans, carry a one in 10,000 to one in 1000 risk. Considering that we all have a one in three chance of developing cancer anyway, the test’s risk is worthwhile if it materially helps our health management. Radiologists are skilled in using the least amount of exposure to produce optimal results.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) representative Dr Catherine Mandel says, “One of the guiding principles in radiology is ALARA: As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Still, you shouldn’t have a test that does not have the potential to alter your management. Unnecessary tests are a waste of time and money, may cause stress and anxiety and can expose patients to more radiation than they need.”

Medibank statistics indicate a high level of referral for CT of the lumbar spine. Dr Mandel says, “This is a high dose procedure and some patients seem to be referred for a CT every time they have back pain. Guidelines suggest that unless there are ‘red flag’ sign/symptoms, or the pain persists for several weeks, imaging is not appropriate. This situation is made more complex in Australia because GPs cannot refer patients for MRI of the spine (the test of choice if imaging is needed) so they fall back on CT. It would not be appropriate to perform an MRI on every patient with back pain, but GPs tell us that patients often expect them to order a test.”

An independent report commissioned by RANZCR’s Quality Use of Diagnostic Imaging (QUDI) program flagged a significant incidence of referrals for spinal X-rays from chiropractors – far more than any other allied health profession. These are usually images of the whole spine and pelvis, some of the higher dose plain X-rays, and thus involve incidental higher dose exposure to more sensitive tissues such as thyroid, breasts and gonads.

RANZCR is committed to helping demystify the world of radio-diagnostics so that patients can understand the
nature of their imaging tests. To this end, QUDI is producing a helpful guide and hopes this will answer many of our questions; leaflets will be available in June 2009 from www.ranzcr.edu.au.

Dr Mandel has this sage advice for anyone using an imaging service:

• If you don’t understand the nature of the test or why it has been requested – ask. This is your body and your money, so find out the reason for the test and how it will help your health management.

• Keep your old films and bring them with you. Radiologists who see a spot on your images cannot know how long it has been there, or whether it has grown, unless they have a past image for comparison.

• Provide the radiologist with relevant information. Some conditions and implants can preclude the use of some imaging techniques. For example, a pacemaker eliminates MRI from the radiology options. Any metal must be discussed before MRI. Tell your radiologist about any recent metal implants such as screws, plates (even tattoos, which often have metal particles in the dye). As a rule, the MRI can proceed once implants have attached firmly to surrounding tissue, but even then radiologists can better interpret the results if they know about the metal implants. Aneurysm clips must be declared, as should any metal lodged in the eye. The MRI’s magnetic field might cause them to shift and damage delicate tissues.

• Be patient if you have been asked to wait while the films are checked for technical adequacy. If more are required don’t worry – it might simply mean that the image was not of sufficient quality for effective assessment.

• You will usually be sent home and asked to contact your doctor for the results. Many tests take considerable time to assess accurately, and radiologists should not be hurried – their work is exacting and a thorough check is undeniably better than a cursory one.

• Ensure that you contact the referring doctor to get your results, even though some doctors will take a ‘don’t call me, I’ll call you if there is a problem’ attitude. Mistakes happen. Occasionally a report goes astray and an organizationally challenged doctor might not realise the report is missing.

Be your own best advocate in matters of medical imaging. Ask the practitioner – whether medical or allied health practitioners such as physiotherapists or chiropractors – what the results of any tests will mean for your treatment. If the answer does not justify the test, consider carefully before proceeding. The exposure should be weighed against the benefits and often the knowledge gained by the procedure far outweighs any small risk. If in doubt – ask a radiologist or go to the RANZCR website, which is reliable, current and comes clean of vested interest.

We live in an age of great medical technology, but also an age of easily accessed expert information, so don’t feel confused or intimidated by that radiological referral.

Testing terms
Radiologist: a doctor who has specialised in the use of imaging techniques for diagnosis and treatment.

Radiographer: a medical imaging technologist skilled in the use of imaging machinery.

Plain X-rays pass small amounts of radiation in the form of X-rays through a part of the body to detail the structures through which it passes. They are mostly used to image uncomplicated bone fractures, breasts (mammography) and chest problems.

Fluoroscopy uses a continuous beam of low dose X-rays to watch what is happening inside the body in real time. It allows radiologists to perform interventions such as angiography, thrombolysis and other guided procedures.

Computerised tomography uses X-rays to visualise slices of the body in affected areas. Radiologists can reconstruct the axial images to visualise other planes and use 3D rendering. It is used to examine soft tissue and the spine.

Ultrasound uses low energy sound waves. It is most effectively used to examine the kidneys, liver, ovaries/testes and thyroid.

MRI uses strong magnetic fields and non-ionising radio waves. It usually examines the brain and spinal cord and also the joints, rectum, cervix, prostate, breasts and liver.

PET tracks pairs of gamma rays emitted by short-lived radioactive isotopes and is introduced into the bloodstream by injection (nuclear medicine also uses injected radio isotopes). PET can detect cellular changes and be used to identify tumours and certain brain diseases.

Fact sheets on health and ionising radiation:
Web - www.arpansa.gov.au

Medicines and travel

If you are a slave to your medication, going on holiday can be more of a chore than a fun journey. Follow these few simple rules to ensure smoother travel.

Before you go, consider the following:
· Do you have enough medication to last the whole of your trip? If not, ask your doctor for a repeat prescription that you can be filled while away.
· Does your medication require specific storage? If your medication needs to be kept cold, consider a small cool box to keep it at the required temperature.
· Do you have the right documentation if travelling overseas? Some countries may not allow you through immigration if you don’t have the correct documentation, original packaging or a letter from your doctor.

If you have any doubts about travelling with medication, ask your pharmacist or visit the National Prescribing Service – for some useful travel tips

Cancer cure research

Cancer is Australia’s biggest killer, with more than 35,000 deaths and 88,000 people diagnosed each year. With worldwide research, a cancer diagnosis may no longer be a death sentence.

Hearing the dreaded ‘C’ word still sends shivers down spines but early diagnosis and a healthy lifestyle, along with the correct treatment, may be the difference between life and death. There have been a few recent discoveries which could help those diagnosed overcome the disease.

Prostate cancer
Canadian scientists have claimed positive results from tests on an electronic devise that can detect indicative changes from blood and urine samples. Researchers have indicated that samples can be analysed within 30 minutes, dramatically reducing crucial waiting time for those tested.

Initial tests have indicated that the device may also be able to differentiate between aggressive and the more benign types of prostate cancer, giving those diagnosed a better chance of receiving the correct treatment.

Find out more about prostate cancer screening.

Breast cancer
While early diagnosis and treatment is still the best cure for breast cancer, research has shown that for those diagnosed late enough for the disease to have spread, finding the original tumour can significantly increase life expectancy.

Research at the Jeroen Bosch Hospital in Den Bosch has found that between 3 and 10 per cent of all women diagnosed have stage IV breast cancer at first diagnosis. This is commonly considered to be too advanced to treat. The study found that patients who had their initial tumour removed lived 17 months longer on average than those who did not. Further, 25 per cent were still alive five years later, compared to 13 per cent of those who did not have the tumour removed.

Find out more about Women’s health issues.

Bowel cancer
Each week, 80 Australians die from bowel cancer. With a simple test, that number could be reduced by over a third. The Cancer Council have a campaign to get the Australian Government to act now by making screening for bowel cancer free to all Australians over 50.

Get behind the campaign by sending an automated email to your local Member of Parliament before 31 October 2009.

Find out more about bowel cancer.

Finding a doctor online

If you’re looking for a new GP or pharmacist, whatever the reason, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) can assist.

Both the RACGP and the PGA provide online services that may assist you in locating appropriate health professional care.

If you’re looking for GP close to home the RACGP have an online tool that can help you locate your nearest practice. Using the Find a practice tool, you can locate details of your local practice by entering your postcode or suburb and have the results displayed on a Google Map.

To locate your nearest GP, visit the RACGP.

Perhaps you need a pharmacist that can help you manage your asthma, cholesterol problems or to provide mobility equipment. The PGA offer an online Find a pharmacy tool which can help you find a pharmacy offering a range of services, trading hours and even languages spoken.

To locate a suitable pharmacy for your needs, visit the PGA.

Check out our Technology articles for helpful tips.

Want to live to 100?

How long you live can be partly accounted for by your genes but a healthy lifestyle goes a long way to extending your life-expectancy.

Eating healthily, drinking in moderation and not smoking are obvious factors to achieving a longer life but what else can you do to ensure longevity?

· Get moving – 30 minutes of exercise daily, even something as simple as walking, can add three years to your life.
· Get married – having someone to care for and someone to look after you can ensure a healthier outlook on life.
· Shift the fat – losing weight not only helps you look better but you can reduce your risk of death by 20-40 per cent
· Floss daily – inflamed gums can be an indication of heart disease. Keeping gums healthy can lead to a healthier heart

Calculate your life expectancy, visit livingto100.com.

Dump a decade

Looking fabulous at any comes naturally to some but others may have to work a little harder. Looking good is more about a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude than make-up and surgery. Ten simple steps are all it takes to make the most of what you’ve got.

1. Take a look in the mirror
What do you see? Balance what you would like to change with what you like about yourself.

2. Wardrobe clear out
No matter how sentimental some of your clothes are, get rid of items that no longer fit or you haven’t worn for years. Remember, if something’s been out of fashion for 30 years, there’s a good chance it’s never going to make a comeback! Make the most of what’s left by some clever accessorising. A new scarf, jewellery or classic coat can give your remaining items a new lease of life.

3. Top to bottom approach
Ok, so more people look at your face than your feet but a visit to the podiatrist or a simple pedicure can put a spring back in your step.

4. Undercover unmentionables
Just because no one sees your underwear doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be revamped. Elastic does loosen with age so tighten those bra straps or get refitted to make sure your wearing the correct size. And boys, baggy undies do no one any favours!

5.Non-surgical facelift
Spend a little time pamper yourself with a home facial. A good moisturiser works wonders on tired skin for males and females and doesn’t need to cost the earth. Tidy up eyebrows for an instant eye-lift and change the colour of your lipstick for the feel good factor alone.

6.Your smile is your best asset
Confidence in your smile shows in your demeanor. A visit to the dentist or using whitening toothpaste can help get your pearly whites in show-stopping condition.

7. Stand tall
Good posture helps you look younger and less downtrodden by life. Laughter is not only good for the soul but also opens up your face, making you much more approachable and attractive.

8. Mind games
Keeping your mind active will help you remain more alert. No point in looking fabulous if you’re as dull as dishwater!

9. Inside out
You are what you eat. A poor diet will not only dull your skin and cause spot breakouts but will make you feel lethargic and show on your waistline!

10. Finishing touches
If your budget stretches to it, a new hairstyle or pair of glasses will finish of your new look, taking the final years off your look.

Some “must haves” for women
Support hosiery
Basic long-sleeve T Shirts
Classic short-sleeve T Shirts
Three-quarter length coat or jacket
A good hairdresser
A magnifying mirror and tweezers
A well-fitting bra

Some “must haves” for men
Contemporary specs
Well-cut trousers or “chinos”
Jacket not cardie
Groom nose and ears
Leather watch strap
Classic T-Shirts
Plain Polo Shirts

Got your own fashion or age-defying tips? Share them with About Seniors subscribers on the Meeting Place.

Hearing technology with visual appeal

Hearing loss affects some 3.55 million Australians. It can impact on nearly every part of your life, even though you might not realise it. (It’s a bit like having a broken thumb — you don’t appreciate how useful it is until it’s gone!) But these days, there’s really no reason to put up with poor hearing, and once your hearing is restored, you’ll be amazed at how much more interesting and colourful the world around you is.

The latest hearing devices will change your world

Over the past few years, hearing devices have become more and more sophisticated. An excellent example is the award-winning Oticon Dual®, from AudioClinic.

Dual® is so tiny it’s virtually invisible, and so comfortable you hardly know you’re wearing it. It offers high-definition audio with the help of a new technology called ‘Spatial Sound’. Spatial Sound is a little bit like 3D vision — it provides a richer, more natural sound ‘platform’ which helps you identify the source of sounds and conversation.
Another great innovation available with Dual® is a wireless connection accessory called ‘Streamer’. With Streamer, you can connect, and easily switch between, face-to-face conversations, a mobile phone, TV, MP3 player, computer or any other Bluetooth® compatible device.

Dual® wins major design award

As another indication of just how advanced the Dual® is, it recently won the prestigious 2009 Australian International Design Award, in the Medical and Scientific category.

These Awards are an annual event organised by Standards Australia and recognise exceptional product design and innovation. It’s high praise indeed for this remarkable piece of hearing technology.

Early identification of hearing loss helps minimise deterioration

There is now evidence to suggest that the earlier in the hearing loss process a person is treated, the better the long-term outcome.

If you are experiencing any form of hearing loss, make an appointment for a free hearing check at your local AudioClinic. We have more than 200 clinics right around Australia — to find one near you, call 1800 057 220, or visit www.audioclinic.com.au.

Safe sex

It used to be that all you had to worry about when having sex was getting pregnant. For some that may no longer be a risk but a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be a nasty side effect from a night of passion.

If you’re embarking on a new relationship, or rekindling one that has gone astray, it’s important to ask the right questions of your partner. Never be ashamed or embarrassed about asking whom they have slept with and whether they have been tested. It could save your life. Regardless of how many assurances you are given, practicing safe sex is vital to ensure your own health and wellbeing.

For more information on STIs and how to protect yourself, visit the Department of Health and Ageing

Viagra on PBS

Hailed as the wonder drug for those suffering from erectile dysfunction, Viagra is unattainable for some due to the cost. However, for those suffering service-related disabilities, it may be available on the PBS.

Nocturnal cramps

Leg cramps during the night can disturb a good night’s sleep as About Seniors subscriber, John, has discovered.

Q. John
I was wondering if you can seek information on a health problem I have and I am sure many other elderly people and that is cramps one gets at night time whilst in bed.

A. Nocturnal cramps can happen to anyone, old or young, and can be incredibly annoying, though not usually a sign of anything serious. While worth mentioning to your doctor if the cramps persist, there are natural measures you can take to relieve the symptoms.

Stretching – gentle stretching of the calf muscle before you go to sleep can relieve the tightness that can cause cramp
Increase calcium and magnesium intake - cramps can be a sign of electrolyte imbalance, which may be fixed by increasing calcium and magnesium consumption. Low fat diary products and sardines with bones are good sources of calcium while, nuts, whole grain foods and beans can help boost your magnesium intake.
Muscle pressure – pressing hard on painful muscles for about 10 seconds can relieve pain
Increase potassium – eat more potassium rich foods such as bananas or maybe consider a supplement.
Quinine – quinine is often prescribed for cramps but it can have side effects. A glass of tonic water, which contains quinine may be a safer option.

As with all ailments, consult with your doctor if they are prolonged, become particularly painful or effect your days to day life.

Spec savers

Even with the many deals around, the cost of prescription glasses can be high. About Seniors subscriber, Barbara, is keen to know if there’s any Government help available.

Q. Barbara
Can you please tell me how to apply for the Government supplied glasses and the eligibility requirements?

A. Each state and territory government has their own scheme for the supply of prescription glasses, so it really depends where you live. For information relating to your particular state, click on the links below.

Queensland
Victoria
NSW - VisionCare NSW on (02) 9344 4122
Tasmania
NT
ACT
SA
WA

Prevention better than cure

As there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, protecting the health of your mind is key to ensuring neurological wellbeing.
The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription details simple yet effect changes in lifestyle and diet that can help stave off the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s. With Australians living longer than ever before, the fear of ending our days unaware of what’s going on around is very real. Damage associated with Alzheimer’s occurs decades before symptoms appear so it’s never too early to start taking the health of your mind seriously.

Dr Vincent Fortenesce is the Rehabilitation Director at the Fortanasce Neurology Centre in Arcadia, California and has over 20 years experience in dealing with medical issues. Through the Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription, he helps you to identify your risk profile and follow a simple four-step program to brain health. The steps are:
1. The Anti-Alzheimer’s anti-inflammatory diet
2. Brain boosters (smart exercise for brain health)
3. Brain boosters (mental challenges to build cognitive reserves)
4. Rest and recovery (finding your circle of quiet)

Also included in the book are chapters on how to obtain a medical diagnosis and the latest medical treatments available. Living with Alzheimer’s is a terrible way to end a life which has previously been rich in experiences and memories and can destroy family relationships.

If simple steps can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, then surely they’re worth trying.
RRP: $34.95
Dr Vincent Fortenesce
Random House

Flying after DVT

Long distance travel can be daunting after you have suffered a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, About Seniors subscriber, Wyn, doesn’t want to let a small matter of DVT stop her.

Q. Wyn
In mid July 2004 I had deep vein thrombosis. I was treated with Warfarin for nine months and since then have had no obvious problems. But, I am now afraid to fly! Last year, for the first time since the episode, I flew to Hobart from Perth, via Adelaide with absolutely no problems. BUT, I would like to do an overseas trip sometime in the next year, which will involve an 11 hour non-stop flight. Could you please let me know what the latest thinking is on flying after having had DVT and what, if any, precautions I can take, apart from the obvious one of regular walking around or at least moving legs while sitting. Any information you can supply which may help me overcome what I am sure is a psychological barrier will be gratefully accepted.

A. What a fantastic idea to travel in 2010. You have plenty of time to “Get fit to travel”. You should consult your doctor before travelling. Especially in regards to taking Warfarin but About Seniors expert physio, Jane Banting, has the following advice.

I suggest you start walking regularly, and include calf stretching and calf raising exercises before and after you walk. Five walks a week, with elevation of your heart rate to a moderate level of exertion is appropriate. Drink plenty of fluids during these exercise periods and don’t rely on feeling thirsty - this means you are already dehydrated.
You have had one DVT in July, 2004 and have had no further problems, even when flying from Perth to Hobart and return last year. This is promising for future travel. The use of compression socks to knee height is good for long distance flights. Again, talk to your doctor about this.

Three key factors to reduce the risk of DVT are reducing immobility, avoiding dehydration and restrictive clothing. My key tips are :
· take an aisle seat, so you can move around the plane when possible
· perform the in-seat exercises advised by the airline
· drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine which can increase the risk of dehydration
· wear loose clothing and comfortable socks that are not tight around the calves
· on the plane, adopt a comfortable posture, without crossing legs and reclining when possible

Have a fabulous time getting fit over the next year and preparing yourself for your trip next year.

Swine ‘flu – over 50s a lower risk

With 23 confirmed cases of swine ‘flu in Australia, bizarrely, it appears that the young and healthy are most at risk, with those born before 1957 resisting the disease.

While those with compromised immune systems should always be vigilant when it comes to any strain on influenza, it appears that exposure to the H1N1 strain of the virus pre-1957, may have helped produce antibodies against the current virus.

Antibodies have been detected in the blood of older people by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, USA. But why is 1957 a key year? As with many virus’, H1N1 mutated over the years and in 1957 became the H2N2 virus. Therefore, anyone in contact with the virus post-1957, would have developed antibodies to a different strain than the H1N1 which has now resurfaced.

H1N1 swine flu is hitting young people hardest, with more than 60% of cases are in 5 to 24-year-olds and remarkably, 37% of people hospitalised with swine flu are 19 to 49 years old.

If you suspect you are suffering from swine ‘flu, contact your medical practioner. For up-to-date information, visit the Department of Health and Ageing.

Menopause webcast

Getting through the menopause is one of a woman’s great achievements. The Jean Hailes Foundation has an easy-to-understand webcast that will give you the information you need to get through it without losing your sanity.

Click here for more information.

Reduce your cancer risk

With over 2,800 alcohol related cancers diagnosed each year and 1,400 deaths as a result, adhering to new alcohol guidelines could save your life.

Alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, bowel, liver and is a significant cause of female breast cancer in women of all ages. Alcohol can also lead to weight gain in postmenopausal women, further increasing the risk of breast cancer.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), has revised and simplified the alcohol intake guidelines and are based on risk over a lifetime. Keeping to below two standard drinks per day keeps your risk to 1 in 100 of dying as a result of alcohol.

To view the full guidelines, visit the NHMRC.

Free hearing help

Most pensioners are entitled to free hearing aids, which is great news for those struggling to keep up with conversations, or hear what is going on around them. But what if you’re not a pensioner but still struggling with your hearing? All is not lost, there is money to be saved if you know how.

If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 21 or older, you may be eligible to apply for a hearing services voucher. The first step is meeting one of the following criteria:

· Pensioner Concession Card Holder
· receiving Sickness Allowance from Centrelink
· the holder of a Gold Repatriation Health Card issued for all conditions
· the holder of a White Repatriation health Card issued for conditions that include hearing loss
· a dependant of a person in one of the above categories
· a member of the Australian Defense Force
· undergoing an Australian Government funded vocational rehabilitation service and you are referred by your service provider

So what do you do if you meet the criteria, are eligible and suffering from hearing problems? Audio Clinic offers a comprehensive range of hearing services free of charge to those eligible. This includes a hearing assessment and if a hearing aid is recommended, you will then receive professional advice on what model will best suit your needs.

What are your hearing aid options? If you are found to have a clinical need for a hearing aide, you are entitled, under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, to obtain a pair free of charge. These are valued at approximately $1600 and servicing is included. This is the basic model which will help you to hear satisfactorily however, you may opt for more features, such as a smaller aid. If this is the case, you will be able to pay the additional cost, over and above the $1600 covered by the Government program.

All hearing aids are GST free and a regular supply of batteries and servicing is available free to those who are eligible.

Don’t meet any of the above criteria but still having hearing problems? All is not lost. If you are a member of a private health fund, then you may be eligible to have some of the cost covered by your provider. For example, MBF offers a refund of $1,000 per hearing aid. And your new hearing aid can also be deducted as a medical expense on your tax return. A tax rebate of 20% of every dollar spent over $1,500 on medical expenses is claimable.

You can get an application form for a hearing services voucher from your doctor or by visiting health.gov.au.

And for those Australians who aren’t eligible under the OHS scheme, some providers also give great discounts and service packages for self-funded retirees.

If you are experiencing hearing problem, ask for a free hearing assessment at your local Audio Clinic.

Cancer fighting super foods

While the obvious factors of smoking, obesity, alcohol and sun exposure are leading causes in increasing the risk of developing cancer, the foods we eat can influence our susceptibility to certain types of cancer.

Some of the foods with the strongest protective anti-cancer effects are:
- carrots
- tomatoes
- citrus fruits
- broccoli
- cabbage
- brussel sprouts
- bok choy
- asian greens,
while limiting the following foods in your diet will help influence your susceptibility to cancer:
- fatty processed red meats
- highly processed foods that are low in fibre
- heavily salted and pickled foods

For more information on how to eat better and reduce your risk of cancer, visit the Better Health Channel.

Testing, testing…

Advances in medical research have produced several tests, some more simple than others, than can be undertaken to give an early indication that something is not quite right health wise.

Early diagnosis is often key to ensure successful treatment of disease such as cancer and containment of diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Simple blood tests that can be prescribed by your medical practitioner, and are often fully covered by Medicare, can help put your mind at ease.

You should consider requesting the following tests on your next visit to your doctor:

Blood pressure – should be checked every two years between the ages of 18 and 50, then annually. If at risk of high blood pressure, checks should be done every six months.

Blood sugar – if you have a higher risk of diabetes, taking into consideration family history and weight (see How do you measure up? for details), you should be tested annually.

Bowel cancer screening – from mid-40s, testing should be carried out annually.

Cholesterol – get this checked every five years and if found to be high, take medical advice as to how regular it should be checked.

Dental – get those nashers checked and cleaned every six months

Eyes – should be checked annually for cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration

Hearing – get tested at the first sign of hearing loss or from age 65

Heart – an ECG should be carried out to test and measure heart rate every three to five years

Skin check – in a country with high UV rates such as Australia, it’s important to keep a check on any skin blemishes for abnormal changes. From your 20s onwards, get your doctor to check any moles annually and seek immediate treatment for itching, bleeding or changes in size and colour of any skin blemishes.

Of course, men and women are biologically different and there are specific tests that each sex needs. Check out tests for men and women.

How do you measure up?

There is a direct correlation between how much fat we store in certain parts of our bodies, and how much at risk we are of chronic diseases but when is just a little extra weight too much?

Certain cancers, type 2 diabetes and heart disease are just some of the chronic diseases people are at risk of when carrying extra weight. Getting fitter means eating less and exercising more and doesn’t need to be difficult. Sometimes people just need a gentle push and others a loud wake-up call to face up to the fact that their lifestyle is dangerous to their health. Knowing your risk factor is vital to understanding what you need to do to limit the risk of disease.

Measure up is an Australian Government better health initiative aimed at getting people to understand their health habits and the risk these pose. Simple steps such as measuring your waistline, increasing your exercise regime and eating more fruit and vegetables can help improve your health. OK, so there is nothing new in this but understanding just what you need to do is incredibly helpful.

This is where the Measure up website comes in handy, with an explanation of why you should measure yourself, how to measure properly and when your measurements become a concern. Did you know that if you have a waistline of over 94cm for men and 88 for women, you have an increased risk of suffering a chronic disease?

To make things even easier, there is a downloadable 12-week plan, to get you more active and eating better.

For more information, visit Measure up.

Hollistic health care

Hollistic health care is being followed by more and more people these days with regular hearing checks part of today’s holistic approach to health.

Audio Clinic Ambassador, Dr Ross Walker, explains the virtues of hollistic health.

You’ve probably noticed ‘holistic’ being used more these days when talking health. It’s derived from the Greek word ‘holism’ and means that a system as a whole determines the condition of the individual parts.

We humans are a collection of tissues, cells, organs and body systems. Take the ears for instance - they are quite amazing. They pick up sound and translate it to your brain but the process is completely mechanical. Our sense of smell, taste and vision all involve chemical reactions, but hearing is based solely on physical movements. Our ears are complex mechanisms that need to be checked regularly by hearing health professionals such as AudioClinic.

In fact, every aspect of your health should be looked after - it’s a body, mind and spirit approach.

With the demands of today’s world, the holistic approach makes sense:
· Healthy eating - nutritious foods like lots of fruits and vegetables. Choose whole grain breads and cereals rather than over-processed products high in sugar and salt.
· Moderate exercise - do what you enjoy, a walk, a bike ride, a hit of tennis, a round of golf. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week and feel the benefit!
· Stimulating hobbies and interests - don’t just sit in front of the TV. Join a community group, or an arts or historical society. Try something you’ve never done before - learn how to play bridge, take a cooking course, join the local library, even playing a board game like Scrabble regularly is a great way to keep your mind active.
· Regular health checks - it’s very important you monitor your health. Don’t put these check-ups off! Keep track of:
blood sugar
blood pressure
cholesterol
eye health
hearing health (hearing tests are often overlooked, but are very important)

Take the holistic approach to your health, it’s the key to your well-being for years to come!
For more information, visit Audio Clinic.

Can you trust online genetic tests

It is important to have as much information as possible about possible health risks but is genetic testing going too far and once you have the results, what do they really mean?

With people’s growing need for knowledge and an understanding of their health risks, a surge in businesses offering online genetic testing has followed. All you need is a computer and a credit card, you are then sent a testing kit and a few weeks later, you’ll have the details of your whole genetic make up. So now what do you do with them?

This is where a little knowledge is dangerous. Undertaking any kind of genetic testing without medical advice or counseling can open up a can of worms unnecessarily. Advances in genetic testing are key to understanding hereditary illness and the effect defective genes can have to one’s health. So how does a sheet of numbers help you understand your health risks?

Quite simply, it can’t, unless you have had several years of medical training. Sure it might tell you you have a higher risk of cancer or heart disease but that is no real indication that you will actually suffer from the disease. And to manage any risk, you will need to consult your doctor who will take all factors into consideration. The other real danger is that for some illnesses the data available is limited and telling someone they have a higher than average risk on contracting a disease that may have no real medical consequence could be construed as unnecessary.

Genetic testing has it’s place in medical science and people have the right to know their medical prognosis but everything needs to be taken in context. Before considering genetic testing, consult your doctor and discuss why you feel you need to know and what you are hoping to achieve. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.

For more information on genetic testing, visit Lab Tests Online .
or listen to the arguments for and against on The Health Report

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Medicare bulk billing

You may be lucky enough to be offered a bulk billing service by your medical practitioner but what exactly does this entail?

Medical practioners have two ways of charging for patient services, they can either issue the patient with a bill, or bulk bill Medicare directly. When issued with a bill, the patient has the responsibility of paying and then claiming from Medicare. This usually results in a deficit for the patient as the medical practitioner may charge more than the Medicare benefit.

The option of bulk billing is usually preferable. Medical practitioners bill Medicare directly, which means the patient doesn’t need to pay the bill, nor are they out of pocket. The patient will be asked to sign a form authorising that their Medicare benefits can be assigned to their treatment by the practitioner. Medical practitioners usually bulk bill children, pensioners, those receiving benefits and those being treated under a Government health scheme, such as the Mental Health Care program.

For more information on bulk billing, ask your medical practitioner or visit Medicare.

Your body’s warning signals

As we get older we accept that a few niggling pains are a fact of life. But which symptoms are due to old age and which are our body’s way of highlighting something more serious?

Given the amount of time you’ve lived in it, you know your body well and can usually tell if there’s something more serious going on than run-of-the-mill aches and pains. There are six important flashing signals that should not be ignored.

1. Stroke - paralysis of the arms or legs, tingling, numbness, dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, weakness, especially on one side of the body. These symptoms should not be ignored. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms call an ambulance straight away.
2. Heart attack - Chest pain or discomfort, pain in the arm, jaw or neck, cold sweats, extreme weakness, nausea, shortness of breath. Call an ambulance immediately if you suffer from one or more of these symptoms.
3. Blood clot - tenderness and pain in the back of your lower leg, chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood. If these have arisen after a long journey or when you’ve been immobile for a period of time, you should seek assistance straight away.
4. Kidney stones, bladder or prostate infection – blood in your urine but no pain. If there’s blood in your urine, call you doctor. Just because there’s no pain, doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong.
5. Asthma – shortness of breath and wheezing that doesn’t ease. An asthma attack that is left untreated can cause serious damage and can lead to death.
6. Depression – feeling low for a prolonged period of time, lethargy, losing the will to get up and do things or feeling suicidal. These feeling can creep-up on you when you least expect it. Depression can be treated and is not something to feel ashamed about.

For more information on what to look out for, visit Your Body’s Red Light Warning Signals.

Back in the Saddle

If you’ve been single for a while you can get set in your ways and the thought of sharing your life with someone new can be daunting. This week we try to take some of the fear out of starting a new relationship and in our handy downloadable PDF, Back in the saddle, Kate Johnston looks at bringing the passion back into your love life. Two can live as cheaply as one, or so they say.

Value of work

Many Australians find their workplace is where they feel most valued. It also offers a valuable social outlet. But what happens when you lose your job and are feeling undervalued or lonely?

The loss of income, social support and having extra time on your hands can lead to a feeling of disillusionment, despair and depression, leaving some suicidal. Hope for Life was initially set up by the Salvation Army to counsel those suffering bereavement through suicide but the helpline has been overwhelmed with calls from those feeling suicidal themselves.

Trained counsellors can help you talk through your issues and through their Employment Plus program, can offer help with retraining or finding a job. Working hand-in-hand with employers and potential employees, trained consultants will take the time to ensure the needs of all involved are understood and met. If the thought of registering with an employment agency fills you with fear, the down-to-earth approach of the Salvos’ consultants will help you feel at ease.

Dealing with people from all walks of life, looking for full-time or part-time work, the consultants are well placed to help you find what you are looking for, as stress free as possible.

For more information, visit Salvation Army.

If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned about someone close who may be, you can call the Hope for Life line on 1300 467 354.

Beyond Blue also offers a counselling service for those suffering from financial loss or struggling to come to terms with retrenchment. For more details, click here.

Fruit and vegetables

We all know that eating fruit and vegetables is important to keep us healthy but what exactly is a serve?

Adults are recommended to eat five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit per day. To make this easier to understand, a serve of vegetables is equal to 75 grams or:
· ½ cup cooked vegetables
· 1 medium potato
· 1 cup of salad vegetables
· ½ cooked legumes (dried beans, peas or lentils)
One serve of fruit is 150 grams of fresh fruit or:
· 1 medium-sized piece (e.g. apple)
· 2 smaller pieces (e.g. apricots)
· 1 cup canned or chopped fruit
· ½ cup (125ml) 100% fruit juice

For more information on how to increase your fruit and vegetable intake, visit Go for 2 and 5.

Weight and BMI

Always a touchy subject but maintaining a healthy weight is important for good health. The best indication of your weight is your Body Mass Index or BMI. This measures the amount of fat you have on your body, determining whether you are overweight or not.

A key to BMI is given below, although in older Australians, general wellbeing may a better indicator than weight.
· Under 18 - you are very underweight and possibly malnourished.
· Under 20 - you are underweight and could afford to gain a little weight.
· 20 to 25 - you have a healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults.
· 26 to 30 - you are overweight
· Over 30 - you are obese.

For more information on healthy weight and to calculate your BMI, visit Better Health Channel.

Alcohol

Keeping your alcohol intake in check can be difficult as a “standard” drink for one person may be different to that for another. Too much alcohol can lead to liver damage or, in extreme cases, chronic liver disease, so how much is enough?

For women, two standard drinks per day and for men, four standard drinks per day are the maximum recommended guidelines. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol and is equivalent to:
· one ordinary beer
· a small glass of wine (100 mls)
· a nip of spirits (30 mls)

For more information on healthy alcohol intake and associated liver disease, visit gastro.net.

Kidneys

We’re told that drinking plenty of water is good for our kidneys, skin and general wellbeing, with many of us believing that two litres of water per day is the key figure we should be aiming for. But is it?

As with most health measures, each individual has differing needs when it comes to water consumption.
You should drink when you feel thirsty, and water is the best option. Sugary drinks should be taken only in moderation and tap water has the same nutritional value as bottled water. Simple ways of increasing your water intake are:
· Keep a jug of water in the fridge
· Ask for a bottle of water for your table when dining out
· Drink one for one - a glass of water to an alcoholic drink
· Add lemon, lime or orange to add zest to your water
· Try substituting a second cup of coffee or tea with a glass of water
· Take a bottle of water with you wherever you go, especially when travelling
· Suck on ice-cubes in hot weather

For more information on kidney health, visit Kidney Health Australia.

Diabetes

Waist size can be an indication of your likelihood of suffering from Type 2 diabetes, although there are other factors that should be considered.
· Women – more than 80cms indicates a risk of Type 2 diabetes
· Men – more than 94cms is an indication of risk
· South Asian men – more than 89cms inches is an indication of risk

To asses your risk, visit Diabetes Australia.

Healthy feet

With the average person walking up to 24 kilometres per day, keeping your feet health is important to ensure you keep mobile.

We look after our bodies by having regular checks-ups at the dentist, optician and doctor but often our poor feet are forgotten. Poor vision and limited flexibility as we get older makes it more difficult to treat simple foot problems at home, this is where a podiatrist can help.

Those suffering from diabetes need to visit a podiatrist at least every 12 months as the condition can result in reduced blood flow, causing minor ailments.

For more information on keeping your feet healthy, visit HealthInsite.

Heat smart

Summer may have been a little slow in coming this year but the recent warm temperatures have many hot under the collar. As the mercury rises, make sure you keep your cool.

The key to keeping healthy in the heat is making sure you’re hydrated.
· Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and maybe a fluid replacement drink now and again.
· If you’re sweating more than usual, remember you need to replace the salt that you loose, don’t over do it but a little extra salt in your diet will help replace what you loose.
· Don’t drink alcohol, coffee, tea or sugary drinks, these dehydrate.
· Check with your doctor that increased water intake will not interfere with any medication you may be taking.
· If you’re passing urine less frequently, or your urine is darker in colour, then drink more water.

As we get older, it can become more difficult to regulate our body temperature and we may not feel just how warm it is. When the temperature rises, it’s important not to overdress. Wear light coloured loose clothes, long sleeves and a sun hat. And make sure you reapply sunscreen regularly when outdoors.

Eat smaller and lighter meals and avoid cooking if possible. These are easier to digest and will make you feel more energised throughout the day.

Of course, the best way to keep cool is to find a nice shady spot, a good book and sit tight until the weather cools down. Try to avoid outdoor activities between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest. Use blinds and curtains to keep the sun out when indoors and make sure your house is properly ventilated.

And finally, be a caring neighbour. If there are elderly people in your neighbourhood pop in and see them now and again, or give them a call to make sure they’re ok. Also, running air conditioning can be expensive, so what not arrange a rota system with friends and neighbours. Arranging a social gathering at different houses spreads the cost of air conditioning and takes your mind off the sweltering heat.

If you start to feel a rising body temperature, dry mouth and eyes, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle weakness or cramps, these are all signs of heat stress. Drink more and maybe take an additional cool shower. If it continues, seek medical assistance.

For more information on how to combat the symptoms of overheating, visit MyDr.com.au.

Just a habit

Many things in life are habit forming and taking medication long term is no exception. A fear that symptoms will return often means unnecessary pill popping with no real benefits.

Research by David Le Couteur, Director of the Centre for Education and Research on Ageing at the University of Sydney, has shown that in 85% of people over 65, blood pressure remained stable from periods of six months to five years, once medication was stopped and there was no increase in the death rate.

Drowsiness caused by long term use of sleeping pills or anti-depressants could be to blame for many falls, and ceasing to take such medications actually improved the mental alertness of patients.

With 40% of people 65 years and older taking five or more medicines, being able to stop taking unnecessary medication may mean a less complicated medication routine and the reduction of side affects associated with multiple drug use. Of course, before stopping any prescribed medication, your GP or specialist should be consulted.

For more information, visit Centre for Education and Research on Ageing.

Feeling down

One sad aspect of Christmas and the holiday season is that, for those who are feeling a little down, these sad thoughts seem to be exacerbated by images of happy families who never have disagreements or negative sentiments.

The reality of depression is that it can affect anyone. People with depression don’t get better on their own and generally need to get support from their family, friends and/or doctor.

You can help them by doing the following:
- Assist the person to get information on their condition
- Suggest they visit a doctor or health professional
- Assist them in making an appointment
- Accompany them to their appointment
- Follow them up after the appointment
- Encourage them to get involved in social activities
- Discourage the use of alcohol or other drugs

It is important to note that it would be unhelpful to:
- Pressuring them by blaming them for the condition and saying phrases such as “snap out of it”
- Stay away or avoid them because of their condition
- Tell them they need to stay out or keep busy
- Pressure them to party more or wipe out their feelings with alcohol and drugs

The good news is that there is a wealth of online resources for the many different types of depression – including depression in older people. For more information, visit Beyond Blue.

Sarcasm study

Sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit but not being able to detect it may be a sign that something is not quite right.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have published study results that link the detection of sarcasm with the behavioural form of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The result could be used to provide an early diagnosis of FTD, as those suffering from the disease are unable to detect sarcasm. It may also help to manage the condition.

Frequently misdiagnosed, FTD is the second most common form of dementia in people under 65 years of age, with an estimated 5,000 sufferers in Australia, many of whom do not know they have it. Through video technology, researchers noted that people suffering from FTD had difficulties in picking up on the subtleties of communication, in particular negative emotions. As people with FTD are often very gullible and may part with large sum of money, early diagnosis is vital to ensure appropriate treatment.

For more details, visit the University of New South Wales.

Chickens live it up

Reports on how battery chickens are kept and fed antibiotics may put you off your roast bird on a Sunday. However, their organically reared cousins have the last laugh, with many living better than those people who eat them!

According to the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), organic birds eat better than most consumers, and enjoy an idyllic life on the farm before reaching your table for Sunday lunch. To qualify as an organic chicken, strict conditions must be met and no battery caged production is allowed. The food they are fed is of the purest quality and contains no chemical supplements.

Organic farming is not a new concept, and many people may remember when food tasted like it was supposed to, before so called advances in farming practices. Rearing chickens in an organic way means leaner, tastier birds with no unwelcome additions.

For more information on the benefits of eating organic food, visit the BFA.

Get active

The cost of some sports can be prohibitive but keeping active and getting gentle exercise needn’t cost the earth.

YMCA Australia is not only for the young, they offer programs for people of all ages, at little or no cost. In particular, their Life Long Movers program is geared towards keeping older Australians active for longer. They also have specific exercise programs for those interested in aqua aerobics, yoga, tai chi, low impact aerobics and many more. Also, if recovering from a fall or injury, they offer a rehabilitation service which may help you get back on your feet quickly.

Classes and service offer vary from Location to location. To find out what’s available in your area, visit YMCA Australia.

40 Tips for a Better Life in 2009…

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 2008.

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.

Keeping up

Looking after grandchildren will keep you on your toes, and you’ll need plenty of energy to keep up with the little darlings! So how best do you look after the wellbeing of your charges, and yourself?

Eat smart, play smart is a program design by the Heart Foundation and is aimed at children attending after school programs. However, the information is relative to anyone needing a bit of guidance on how to keep children active, healthy and eating well. There are downloadable information sheets on how to deal with body image, fussy eaters, role modelling and physical activities. And for tips on how to feed children, ensuring all their nutritional needs are catered for, there’s also a few recipes to inspire healthy eating.

For more information, visit The Heart Foundation.

Looking after your own wellbeing is also vital if you are to continue caring for your grandchildren in the long term. Simple concessions such as reducing salt in food, walking more, and lowering your alcohol intake can help you feel better and live longer. The Heart Foundation has simple to follow ideas to keep your own health, physical and mental, on track.

For more information, visit the healthy living section of The Heart Foundation.

Life after stroke

This year, 40,000 Australians will suffer a stroke. This which can happen at any time, any place. If prompt medical diagnosis and treatment is received, prognosis for recovery can be good. But what happens after you’ve suffered a stroke? How do you get your life back on track and reduce the after effects? In our downloadable PDF, Life after stroke, Di Websdale-Morrissey highlights some of the practical steps that can be taken to minimise the impact of a stroke, and how simple lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of suffering a second one.

Sunny outlook

For years we’ve been told that sunbathing may cause cancer but now we are being told that sunshine, or more specifically vitamin D, can actually protect against cancer.

Vitamin D is the new wonder vitamin, linked to protecting the body against cancers of the lung, breast and colon. Richard Setlow who originally established a link between UV exposure and melanoma has headed a team from the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York that has studied the synthesis of vitamin D and its positive effects on the body.

Dr Setlow still considers excessive UV exposure a risk and advises sensible precautions and protection but moderate exposure to UVB, which stimulates vitamin D production, can have health benefits.

Other possible benefits of exposure to sunlight are a lift in mood and as a treatment for depression. Many of us may feel better as the sunnier days and lighter nights of summer roll round each year and this is due to increased production of vitamin D. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is commonly suffered during long winter months and an effective treatment is exposure to a light box. A 2008 study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry links decreased levels of vitamin D and depression.

If you suffer from depression, a simple blood test to check your levels of 25(OH)D (vitamin D) is recommended by the Vitamin D Council. Levels below 35 ng/mL suggest a vitamin D deficiency and require treatment. Something simple such as a vitamin D supplement may correct levels and alleviate the symptoms of depression.

For more information on vitamin D links to fighting cancer, visit the Brookhaven National Laboratory.

For more information on vitamin D links to combating depression, visit the Vitamin D Council.

PBS input

Over 3,000 medicines are subsidised by the Australian Government through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and now you can comment on those being considered for inclusion.

New measures implemented will increase the transparency of the PBS listing process, with agendas for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) being published six weeks before each meeting and consumers being invited to post comments online. The PBAC comprises of health professionals and a consumer representative and meets in March July and November annually, to review applications from companies seeking inclusion on the PBS.

From publication of the agenda, individuals will have two weeks to complete online comment forms, to explain benefits form them or their family that would be derived from the inclusion on the PBS. Comments will be considered by the PBAC and the relevant pharmaceutical company before any decision is made.

As the next PBAC meeting will be held from 5 to 7 November 2008, comments can be given online before 8 October 2008 by visiting the Department for Health and Ageing.

Diabetes medication rebate

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85-90% of all diabetes cases so the inclusion of a new type of oral medication to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a welcome addition for sufferers.
Januvia® (sitagliptin) is a new class of diabetes medication which enhances the body’s natural ability to lower blood sugar, without the common side affects of weight gain and low blood glucose levels. Developed after two decades of research, the break-through medication has now been included on the PBS list making it more affordable to many Australians.

Reducing blood glucose levels to as close to normal levels as possible is key to treating Type 2 diabetes. Taken in combination with other commonly used medications, Januvia® enables the body to produce more of its own insulin and helps control high blood glucose levels that can lead to serious long-term health problems.
Patients should consult with their own GP as to whether or not their diabetes can be better controlled by using Januvia® and if they meet the criteria, the drug costs $31.30 per month or $5 for concession/pension cardholders.

For more information on Januvia® and how it may be suitable for you, visit the National Prescribing Service Ltd.

Like a thief in the night

Diagnosing dementia is difficult, with many of us young and old going through times when we find it difficult to remember the simplest of things. Once diagnosed, suffers can learn to cope with the help and support of doctors and family, as explained by Di Websdale-Morrisey in Like a thief in the night.

Prevention better than cure

Even if you have lived in your home for many years, getting around as you get older does get more difficult.

Following simple guidelines provided by Aged Care Australia can reduce the likelihood of damaging falls, common accidents due to confusion and may enable you to live in your own home for longer.

If you have problems getting around, find yourself becoming easily confused or experience sight or hearing difficulties, there is help available to make your home more “user friendly”.

Useful links to publications such as COTA’s Home Safety and Security and frequently asked questions, provides a good starting point for families and carers to ensure maximum home safety. For more information, visit http://www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au/

Boost your health

We all have little aches and pains that we can’t explain and conventional medicine can’t cure. Traditional Chinese medicine is an alternative to pill popping that’s worth a look.

For thousands of years medicine in China and other parts of east Asia has developed into a system of primary care that offers more than just prescribing medicine. Based on the principal of a balanced energy flow resulting in a healthy mind and body, traditional Chinese medical practioners take into account all aspects of lifestyle, such as diet, stress, environment and disease pathogens to make a diagnosis and suggest a suitable treatment plan.

Treatment is focused on the underlying conditions as well as the presenting symptoms and can ranges from herbal medicine and remedial massage to acupuncture and breathing therapy.

Chinese medicine can be taken in addition to, or instead of treatment prescribed by your GP, and is often useful for treating those niggly little feelings of lethargy or just feeling off colour.

For details of what treatment is available, what it involves and how it may be able to help give you a boost, visit the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd.

Gently does it

If you’re looking for a simple, easy exercise that you can practice anywhere then Tai Chi should get you moving.

As a branch of ancient Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi promotes health, improves concentration and overall wellbeing, as well as helping you develop combat and self-defence skills. The slow gentle movements of Tai chi make it ideal for those less mobile or new to exercise and enable improved mobility, mental alertness and suppleness.

Through various studies, Tai Chi has been linked to easing the symptoms of diabetes and arthritis.

Tai Chi classes are available throughout Australia, many free and some run especially for seniors. For more information, visit
Tai Chi Association of Australia.

Another useful site is Tai Chi Australia. Though the information regarding classes is aimed at those based in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Tasmania, it has plenty of additional/more general information available to all.

Use it or lose it

You can almost half your risk of dementia by keeping your brain active. Stimulate your brain with fun activities and save yourself from losing your marbles.

In a meta-analysis of 29,000 individuals, Dr Michael Valenzuela discovered that those who throughout their lives had carried out mental activities which were diverse and complex, were 46% less likely to develop dementia. Individuals with a history of high mental activity only had a decrease of 5% in their overall cognitive abilities, whereas people with a history of low mental activity suffered a 20% decrease.

During his research, he also found that it’s never too late to get your brain working. In order to understand the effect of activity of the brain’s centre, the hippocampus, he carried out a training exercise over five weeks on a group of over 65s. He found an increase in creatine, which helps protect brain cells from dementia.

Dr Valenzuela’s study was published in the Public Library of Science’s One journal and he was awarded a prestigious Eureka Prize for Medical Research. To keep your brain active, or to get it in gear, try our daily crossword and sudoku puzzles.

Easy pill to swallow

Vitamin supplements can be just as important as prescribed medication, however, for some it can be one pill too many.

Researchers at Cenovis Health have developed a new coating which tastes of berries and helps pills slip down easily, a bonus for those who usually find it difficult to swallow medication.

Currently awaiting a patent, the technology has been incorporated into the new Cenovis® Flavour Glides™ range and gives tablets a sweet taste without using artificial colours or flavours. The coating works by stimulating saliva production, which assists with the swallowing process. Incorporated in the technology is a polymer coating, which quickly dissolves and makes the coating less tacky.

The range includes calcium, glucosamine, vitamin B and a multivitamin and are available in major supermarkets and selected pharmacies, with prices starting from $12.95. For more details on the products on offer, visit the Cenovis website.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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
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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.
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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.
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Better Health Channel has an alphabetical list of all the food facts articles, plus health promoting recipes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Foodwatch. The site for information on healthy food, nutrition, food labelling, weight reduction and more.
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Nancy Frawley's Healthy Eating. Linking you to nutrition and fitness info with one of the largest collections of healthy online eating/fitness links.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Sex & Ageing. From the Sexual Health InfoCentre, one of the most popular sources of sexual health information on the Internet.
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Sex and the Ageing Process. An article from another Australian site, myDr.
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Seniors Health Information & Resources

Health Information and Resources

Overcoming shyness

Taking the test

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Medicines and travel

Cancer cure research

Finding a doctor online

Want to live to 100?

Dump a decade

Hearing technology with visual appeal

Safe sex

Viagra on PBS

Nocturnal cramps

Spec savers

Prevention better than cure

Flying after DVT

Swine ‘flu – over 50s a lower risk

Menopause webcast

Reduce your cancer risk

Free hearing help

Cancer fighting super foods

Testing, testing…

How do you measure up?

Hollistic health care

Can you trust online genetic tests

Medicare bulk billing

Your body’s warning signals

Back in the Saddle

Value of work

Fruit and vegetables

Weight and BMI

Alcohol

Kidneys

Diabetes

Healthy feet

Heat smart

Just a habit

Feeling down

Sarcasm study

Chickens live it up

Get active

40 Tips for a Better Life in 2009…

Keeping up

Life after stroke

Sunny outlook

PBS input

Diabetes medication rebate

Like a thief in the night

Prevention better than cure

Boost your health

Gently does it

Use it or lose it

Easy pill to swallow

APEX medication storage

Fruit flies defy ageing

Black moods

Happy Vietnam vets

Medication made simple

Recognise a stroke

Silent killer

Forget me not

Genetic diseases

Love therapy

Older and Wiser

PBS Changes

Low Haemoglobin

Medicare clarification

Weight loss website

Medicare rebate

Enjoy a cuppa?

Nuts about nuts

Palliative care improvements

A sympathetic ear

Exercise and the f word

Know what you’re eating

Old-fashioned rememdies

Tackling depression

Women and heart attacks

Parkinson’s breakthrough