Category: Uncategorized

Today we celebrate the important work that Allied Health Professionals do. Allied Health Professionals make up a third of the health care sector in Australia.

An allied health professional assists individuals with identifying and assessing issues, providing treatment, and supporting the acquisition of skills and recovery

The allied health sector is extremely diverse, with professions the following areas:

• Speech Pathology
• Sonography
• Social work
• Rehabilitation Counselling
• Psychology
• Podiatry
• Physiotherapy
• Pharmacy
• Perfusion
• Pedorthist Custom Makers
• Paramedic Practitioners
• Osteopath
• Orthotics/ Prosthetics
• Orthoptics
• Optometry
• Occupational Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Medical Radiations
• Genetic Counselling
• Exercise Physiology
• Dietetics
• Credentialled Diabetes Educators
• Chiropractic
• Audiology
• Arts Therapy

To learn more about any of these fields, visit: https://ahpa.com.au/advocacy/allied-health-professionals-day/

We work closely with many types of Allied Health Professionals. Get in touch with us on 03 9863 6149, or 1300 912 155 if you’re in need.

Today we are raising awareness for Thrombosis, which is often overlooked and misunderstood. Thrombosis is a very common and deadly condition, in fact, there are more people who die each year from thrombosis than from AIDS, breast cancer, and automobile accidents combined.

Thrombosis can affect people at any age, however adults over the age of 60 are at a greater risk of developing it.

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel which can restrict or stop normal blood flow, and even shift to another part of the body.

*Available tests to detect blood clots

• A blood test called a D-Dimer
• An ultrasound of the arm or leg to look for the DVT
• A CAT scan of the chest with intravenous dye to look for a PE

*Risk Factors

• Smoking.
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Lack of activity and obesity.
• Poor diet.
• Family history of arterial thrombosis.

*Available medication

Individuals who are deemed ‘at-risk’ should be given appropriate prevention treatment, such as:
• Anti-clotting medications (e.g., blood thinners, referred to as “anticoagulants”)
• Mechanical devices (e.g., compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression devices or rapid inflation venous foot pumps)
Hospital patients may also be advised to do foot/leg exercises frequently.

Visit the World Thrombosis Day website to get a deeper understanding of the different types of Thrombosis, to access a plethora of resources, or to get involved in with WTD.  https://www.worldthrombosisday.org/

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that damages the nerve cells that produce dopamine, an essential chemical for smooth muscles and movement control. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms.

It is unknown how people get Parkinson’s disease, and less than 10% cases are the result of it being genetically inherited.

In most cases, Parkinson’s disease affects people over the age of 65, but it can appear at a younger age as well.

Some of the main symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Muscle rigidity
• Slowness of movement
• Changes in balance
• Quiet voice

There are several forms of treatment for Parkinson’s disease which boost the level of dopamine in the brain. Medication comes in pill form, injection or administered directly into the small intestine via a tube.

The Department of Health and Aged Care has released an aged care specific covid infographic update with data from 5 September 2022.

As of today 7 September, there are 12,270 active cases in the state of Victoria with 2,237 new cases.

Covid cases are slowly decreasing but it’s still important to make sure you’re protected by social distancing where possible or wearing a mask where social distancing is not possible or on public transport, cleaning hands frequently, self-isolating when you develop symptoms or test positive.

This week is Women’s Health Week, which is focused on boosting the health and wellbeing of Australian Women and gender diverse people.
The Woman’s Health Week website features lots of useful topics, resources and tips.
• Health checks
• Menopause and perimenopause
• Pelvic floor health and pelvic pain
• Mental wellbeing and brain health
• Physical activity

View the all the resources here: https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/get-involved/health-resources/

Assistive technology is any item, equipment or software that can be used to increase functional capabilities of the user. The following is a list of assistive technology that is available but not limited to these items.

• Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, prosthetics, orthotics.
• Hearing aids.
• Home modifications such as ramps, handrails, wider doorways, stair lift.
• Bathroom assistive devices such as over toilet aid, and shower stool.
• Computer software, such as voice recognition, and screen enlargement.
• Adaptive switches.

We can assist seniors to source and acquire assistive technology. Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

Prime Minister Albanese reduces the COVID-19 mandatory isolation period from 7 to 5 days for individuals who no longer show symptoms after 5 days which will come into effect September 9. However, workers in high-risk settings such as aged care and disability will continue to be permitted to isolate for 7 days. The Paid pandemic leave will be reduced to $530 for isolating for 5 days and will end all together on September 30.

Daniel Andrews has announced that the Victorian Government will invest $270 million to fund University studies for all new domestic students enrolling in a professional-entry nursing and midwifery course in 2023 and 2024 as a scholarship of up to $16,500 to cover the full amount of course costs to make it easier to fill rosters and allow more nurses to take up flexible work arrangements.

Students will receive $9000 over their three years of study and the remaining $7500 would be paid off if they work in Victorian public health services for two years.

The package also includes:

• Scholarships for postgraduate nurses to complete studies in specialty areas such as intensive care, emergency, paediatrics and cancer care – worth an average of $10,000
• $11,000 scholarships for enrolled nurses to become registered nurses, covering course costs and boosting the number of registered nurses
• $12,000 scholarships to support training and employment of 100 new Nurse Practitioners in both acute and community settings
• More than $20 million to provide more support to the growing numbers of graduates and postgraduates as they transition to working in our hospitals – ensuring they have access to the clincial educators, preceptors and study time they need.
You can view all the details of Daniel Andrew’s Media release from August 28 

The aim of World Alzheimer’s month is to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia. Many people still wrongly believe that dementia is a normal ageing. We want to spread awareness to the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia. By recognising these signs early, people can benefit from information, support, and treatments.

Some common symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia includes:
• Memory loss
• Difficulty with activities requiring coordination
• Problems with language
• Disorientation to time and place
• Misinterpretation of information
• Problems keeping track of things
• Lack of interest or ability to begin activities