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October is Australia’s breast cancer awareness month, which is a good opportunity to bring light to a very common cancer that affects the lives of many Australians and others worldwide. Fortunately, early detection saves lives, so we encourage women to look out for the following:

• New lumps, thickening, change in size or shape, especially if it’s one breast
• Change to nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness, or inversion
• Nipple discharge
• Change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
• An unusual pain that doesn’t go away
• discomfort or swelling in the armpit

The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, and it can be hereditary. Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, lack of physical activity and excessive consumption of alcohol can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

For detailed information types of breast cancer, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, screening and early detection, as well as prevention, and prognosis, visit the cancer council website here: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer

It is essential to know these tips to maintain eye health!

1. give your eyes a break from screens every 20 minutes
2. spending time outside can help protect your eyes.
3. wear sunglasses outside to avoid damage caused by the sun.
4. if you need prescription glasses, you should wear them to avoid strain on the eyes and headaches.
5. check your expiry on cosmetics and replace brushes regularly to avoid eye infections.
6. Regular exercise can lower pressure in your eyes and increase flow of blood to the optic nerve and retina.
7. nutrients in a healthy diet reduce decline in eye health
8. don’t smoke. Smoking increase eye health decline.
9. book an eye test to detect problems before they arise.
10. prioritise your eyes – you need them to last all your life.

We provide a range of home care support services for seniors. Send us a message, an email or call us on 03 9863 6149, or 1300 912 155.

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