Medical Dental Physio Podiatry Psychology Nutrition Remedial Studio Exercise

Spring Edition 2016

Pro Health Care Groupprohealthcare.com.auHOPE VALLEY • 8396 40001290 Grand Junction RoadKIDMAN PARK • 8356 2299 380 Grange RoadSTIRLING • 8339 2677104 Mount Barker RoadTORRENS PARK • 8271 2222 105 Belair Road

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Time to unclutter your mind?Martha Landman, Psychologist

Spring is in the air. Optimism is buzzing. We wash the windows, do our spring cleaning and unclutter the house and the beds from all the warm winter woollies. We may even rush back to the gym to get rid of that extra winter fat. This may be a good time to unclutter the mind too – to drive out those cobwebs and get rid of feeling blue or stressed or whatever emotion it is we don’t want. And this may be much easier than you think it is. There is a burst of new research and understanding of how the brain works and how we can change those nasty patterns or loops that keep the brain stuck in self-sabotaging behaviour. This new research results in better therapies working faster and that are more lasting in dealing with our issues.

One of the big fears about psychological therapy is the fear of having to “tell your story”, drag up the past, exposing your inner self. Not true! With the latest therapies you don’t have to do these things to get results. You only need to know what the goals are that you want to achieve for yourself and then you will be taught strategies to release the emotions that stop you from achieving those goals. There are amazing little techniques to help people overcome the fear of fl ying, phobias for spiders and snakes, anxiety, unwanted thoughts and images relating to trauma and other issues.

Cell biologist, Bruce Lipton, found that the rut we are in is not our fault – it is the environment; the things that happened to us, that can keep us stuck. The old principle of “garbage in, garbage out” still counts. The mind is our biggest environment – fi ll it with toxic events, behaviours and messages and that is what you will get. This can lead to underlying core beliefs like “I’m not worthy”, “I don’t count”, “I don’t deserve”, “people can treat me like dirt”, etc. While dealing with those events from an empowered self helps to release those old stress emotions, frees up the mind and sets you on the path to create the future you want. Hypnosis is one quick way to achieve this eff ortlessly.

Just like your car needs to be oiled and serviced from time to time, so does the mind. This can be done by practising yoga, Tai Chi and other relaxing practices, meditate and exercise regularly, following healthy eating patterns, listening to good music, attend uplifting events, have hobbies and above all – have fun! When the Dalai Lama was asked how we can lower the suicide rate in Australia, he thought for a second, chuckled and said – “Have more fun!”.

So, this Spring – have more fun.

Annual Golf DayThe Pro Health Care Foundation is a not for profi t organisation that was founded in 2012. The aim of the Foundation is to encourage our practitioners, staff and patients to become actively involved in supporting and increasing awareness of health related, not for profi t organisations within the broader community.

On the 7th of October the Pro Health Care Foundation will be hosting their Annual Foundation Golf Day, where all proceeds will be pledged to The Mary Potter Foundation.

foundation

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Home Medication ReviewsFabian Bucco, Pharmacist

Medication related hospital admission is a signifi cant burden on Australia’s healthcare system, costing the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars per year. A substantial proportion of these medication related hospital admissions are preventable through better medication management. A home medicines review (HMR) is an interview that occurs between an accredited pharmacist and a patient within the patient’s home. The interview focuses on the drug/medication therapy for the patient and the aim is to maximise the potential benefi ts of the medications and minimise adverse eff ects. Other aims of a HMR include increasing patient knowledge of medications and identifying any potentially unnecessary medications. A HMR will often involve general health and medication education to help patients improve their overall quality of life and benefi ts from their medications. Every HMR involves an initial consultation between the patient and their GP, followed by a referral to an accredited pharmacist who will then see the patient in their own home. Shortly after the interview, the accredited pharmacist will send a report to the patient’s GP in time for a follow up appointment between the patient and the GP to discuss the fi ndings of the HMR.

To arrange an HMR for yourself or a loved one, please enquire with one of our receptionists who will arrange an initial discussion with your treating GP.

Caring for the Diabetic FootJosh Kinsman, Podiatrist

For those suff ering with diabetes taking care of your feet is especially important. Diabetes can have potential impacts on your feet ranging from;

• Muscle weakness,

• Nerve damage e.g. loss of sensation, numbness/pins and needles

• Blood fl ow/circulation issues

With increased risk of these and other issues occurring in the diabetic foot it is particularly important to take additional steps to help prevent any issues. Here are three simple tips to help keep you on your feet.

Step 1. Get checked by your podiatrist

Diabetes Australia suggests booking an appointment at least annually with the professionals in foot care. Your podiatrist is there to help advise and guide you on footwear choices, exercise programs and on any injuries or pain you may be experiencing. Your podiatrist will be able to assist you in the monitoring of your feet along with providing professional care for them on a regular basis.

Step 2. Check yourself

Daily foot checks are an excellent habit to get into. Keeping an eye on your feet and understanding what is normal for them is of the utmost importance for a diabetic patient. Be aware particularly of any sensation or

even physical changes in the feet, as you may not actually be able to feel what is happening around your feet. I often suggest people check their feet at night while applying some moisturiser or using a mirror if you are unable to see the under surface of your foot. Checking your feet at night gives you an opportunity to look for any issues like blisters, redness, hard skin or bruising that may have been caused throughout the course of the day. Any changes in your feet like skin colour or swelling should be reported to your podiatrist and your GP as soon as possible for clarifi cation on the issue and guidance in treatment.

Step 3. Protect your feet

Diabetics who have nerve or circulation issues should always wear shoes and socks to help protect from injury. For those who have a lower risk of complications, the fi t of the shoe should be the highest priority. Assessing for appropriate length, width and also depth in the shoe will help prevent rubbing or blistering that could lead to further complications. When purchasing shoes, bear in mind that your feet tend to swell throughout the course of the day, so it’s best to try shoes on at the end of the day to allow for this.

Following these simple tips will keep you healthier and on your feet!

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Spring Edition 2016

Mastitis - What is it and how can Physiotherapy help?Rebecca Gigney, Physiotherapist

Spring has sprung! What better time to talk about new life. For a woman, having a baby is one of the great joys in life. A woman’s body uses so much time and energy over 40 weeks to grow a baby and it doesn’t stop once she has given birth.

For some women who breastfeed, it can be quite a painful experience. You may experience pain, swelling, heat and or redness in one or both of your breasts. The skin may be shiny and you may notice red streaks. You may also notice that your baby refuses to drink from the aff ected breast. These are symptoms of Mastitis. Mastitis is infl ammation of breast tissue. It is usually the result of a blocked milk duct that has not cleared. The milk which is banked up behind the blockage can be forced into nearby breast tissue, causing the tissue to become infl amed. It commonly occurs when the supply of milk exceeds the demand causing it to back up in the breast. Occasionally you may also have symptoms similar to the fl u and feel unwell, achy and have increased fatigue

levels. This is a sign that you may have a bacterial infection and need to see your GP to commence antibiotics.

Physiotherapy can help with Mastitis

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) recommends Physiotherapy for Mastitis.

If you are experiencing any of the signs of Mastitis it is important that you seek treatment as soon as possible. The earlier the intervention, the more rapid the resolution of your symptoms, no more painful feeds and a happy mum and baby!

Dental ErosionAlba Tessitore, Oral Health Therapist

Dental erosion is the loss of tooth structure caused by chemical agents, predominantly through acid attack. Frequent and persistent exposure to acids essentially softens and dissolves the teeth.

There are various causes of dental erosion and they can be divided into the following groups:

• Diet • Stomach • Environmental

Physiotherapy treatment involves the use of therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound uses sound waves to dilate deep milk ducts where many blockages occur. Causing the milk ducts to dilate allows more space in the ducts for blockages to pass. This can assist in the resolution of your symptoms quite often in only 2 to 3 treatments.

Your Physiotherapist will also teach you gentle self-massage techniques to help move the blockage, educate you on appropriate feeding positions which can help assist to drain the blockage and give you handy self-management techniques for home. It is also very important that you continue to feed from the aff ected breast and if your baby isn’t taking, then you could hand express under a warm shower.

If you are seeking treatment for Mastitis then contact our Kidman Park, Stirling or Kingswood clinic to book an appointment with one of our women’s health physiotherapists.

Dietary sources of acid

Some examples of dietary sources of acid that can lead to erosion are listed below:

• Citrus fruits and fruit juices

• Carbonated drinks ie. soft drinks

• Acidic sports drinks

• Win /cider

• Vinegar and pickled produce

• Vitamin C

• Tea

Gastrointestinal sources of acid

Acid wear may arise from the gastric liquids or gas escaping from the stomach. For example, refl ux, vomiting and belching produce an acidic environment in the mouth. Common conditions likely

to increase the incidence of dental erosion include recurrent vomiting associated with pregnancy, travel sickness, and eating disorders ie. bulimia.

Environmental sources of acid

Some occupations have greater risk of developing acid wear, such as a professional swimmer with constant exposure to chlorinated water.

Symptoms of dental erosion vary depending on its severity, though usually present as tooth sensitivity to cold, hot and sweet items. Erosion is a serious condition as it is irreversible and the tooth structure is unable to reform. For more information, assessment or management please contact Pro Dental SA.

Avocado and Chicken Noodle Salad with Sesame DressingServes 4

Time to make: 20 mins

Ingredients:

• 270g dried udon noodles

• 300g snow peas, trimmed, thinly sliced

• 1/2 small barbecue chicken, skin and bones removed, meat shredded

• 1 bunch watercress, washed, drained, leaves picked

• 1/2 fi rm ripe avocado, diced

• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted

• 1 tablespoon reduced-salt soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons mirin

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Dietitian’s Corner

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Method:

1. Cook noodles in a large saucepan of boiling water following packet instructions or until al dente, adding the snow peas for the fi nal minute of cooking time. Refresh under cold running water. Drain well and set aside.

2. Place shredded chicken, watercress, avocado and half the sesame seeds with the noodles and snow peas in a large bowl.

3. Place soy, mirin and sesame oil in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add to noodle mixture and gently toss to combine. Sprinkle over remaining sesame seeds and serve.

http://www.healthyfoodguide.com.au/recipes

Allergic RhinitisPro Medical SA

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hayfever or seasonal allergy, is caused by the nose and eyes coming into contact with allergens. Allergens include things such as dust, mites, mould, animal hair or pollen. The allergic reaction causes the inside of the nose to become irritated, swollen and infl amed and also aff ects the back of the mouth and throat. There are immediate symptoms of allergic rhinitis and symptoms that may develop later.

Immediate symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

• Itchy, runny or blocked nose

• Sneezing

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Problems with smell

Symptoms that may develop later:

• Congested nose

• Snoring

• Coughing

• Blocked ears and decreased sense of smell

• Sore throat

• Dark circles and puffi ness under the eyes

• Facial pain or pressure

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Poor sleep

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can range from moderate to severe and will often persist if not treated properly. The best treatment is to avoid or limit your exposure to allergens that trigger your symptoms. It may not be possible to avoid allergens altogether, so you may require one of the following treatment options:

• Medications (antihistamines)

• Intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays

• Decongestants

• Allergy shots (immunotherapy)

• Sublingual immunotherapy treatment (medicine you put under your tongue)

Allergic rhinitis is a manageable condition and usually responds well to treatment. If you think you may be suff ering from allergic rhinitis then book an appointment with one of our GP’s for an assessment to discuss your symptoms, suitable test and treatment options.

On-Line Booking Systems

Pro Health Care is pleased to announce that appointments with all our doctors, dentists and allied health practitioners can now be made on-line for each site.

Just visit our website at prohealthcare.com.au

and click on the ‘appointments’ tab to see how easy it is to book an appointment anywhere, anytime.