Health Matters Newsletter Spring 2012 - GHA Central

SPRING 2012, ISSUE 36
Health Matters Newsletter
A Regional focus on health supporting the needs of the Omeo Region & Dinner Plain Ph: (03) 5159 0100
Inside this issue
1. WALKTOBER
2. Reports from the Health
Promotion Desk.
For more Walktober
events happening across
East Gippsland see page 7.
3. High Country Men’s Shed
Now Open
Jean Hails- Fifty Shades of
Midlife webcast
4. Omeo District Physical Activity
Calendar
ODH Community Gym
5. ODH Service Updates
6. Get the facts about food labels
7. Walktober Events East
Gippsland
8. Youth Matters
9. Calendar
Important Telephone Numbers
Omeo District Health
51590100
Omeo Medical Centre
51590140
Swifts Creek Bush Nurse
51594210
Ensay Bush Nurse
51573215
Emergency 000
Omeo District Health is about to
embark on its strategic planning and
will be seeking community feedback
in the months ahead. ODH welcomes
your input so please keep an eye out
for further information about how
you can be involved.
Omeo District Health and Department of Sustainability and Environment
invite you to come along and enjoy a walk through Sphagnum Moss beds
surrounded by Mountain Gum and Alpine Ash forest at:
BENTLEY PLAIN, NUNNIONG
Bentley Plain and Douglas Reserve Walks
(30km North of Ensay)
Thursday 11th October 2012
Commencing 10am, meet at Ensay Little River Inn. Concluding 3.30pm.
BBQ lunch provided.
Walks are formed tracks that include short steep hills and some obstacles including
steps and logs. No wheelchair access available. The walks also include boardwalks,
viewing platforms and informative signage. There are many opportunities for photos, so
visitors are encouraged to bring a camera.
Wear: Closed toe footwear- sneakers or boots preferable.
Bring: A water bottle and jacket (just in case). BYO camping chair (optional).
Getting there: Gravel Road Access, 2WD in dry conditions. AWD/4WD Car Pooling
Available.
For Registration (inc. transport and catering) or for more
information please contact:
Lou-anne Mooney at Omeo District Health Ph: 51590100

Health Matters Newsletter 2
Reports from the Health Promotion Desk!
High Country
Men’s Shed
Update
On the sunny winter’s day of Sunday 22 nd July 2012,
the Omeo Region celebrated the official opening of
the High Country Men’s Shed.
The day was a great success and it was fantastic to
see so much community support for the shed. Over
50 people attended the opening with guests
attending from across Gippsland and interstate.
The day welcomed special guest speaker, Gary Green,
Community Engagement Coordinator from the
Australian Men’s Shed Association. Gary shared his
knowledge about what men’s shed’s mean and the
benefits for their communities. He also spoke about
the Men’s Shed movement taking off across Australia
and how the initiative is also being adopted in other
countries across the world.
The shed was officially opened by Tim Bull, MP for
Gippsland East with the unveiling of the High Country
Men’s Shed sign.
Louise Vuillermin, Chief Executive Officer / Director of
Nursing from Omeo District Health, the auspice
organization for the High Country Men’s Shed, also
took a moment to thank everyone who had been
involved in the project and discussed the next stages
of the shed’s plans and developments.
Acknowledgments were made to the key project
partners including the Country Fire Authority (CFA)
for the donation of land, and to the Victorian
Government Department of Planning and Community
Development Men’s Shed Program (now overseen by
Department of Human Services) for the funding to
build this facility. Recognition was also given to
Ambulance Victoria Omeo, and to the community
volunteers and local businesses who have been
involved in the project.
The High Country Men’s Shed, located at 110 Bilton
Street, Omeo will be open regularly on Thursdays
between 10am-3pm, commencing Thursday 2 nd
August.
Community members interested in being involved in
the shed can contact Lou-anne Mooney at Omeo
District Health for registration forms and details.
Get off the Couch- a journey of change
The Get off the Couch Healthy Activity Project (GotCHA), April 2012-
June 2012, resulted in a number of strategies and actions implemented
to improve physical activity across the Omeo District. The following
story is a reflection of the Most Significant Change that occurred as a
result of the project.
How did you become involved in the project?
Through the newssheet and word of mouth. I have been a participant
in the circuit classes.
From your point of view please describe the most significant change
that has resulted from the GotCHA project?
Before I started the circuit class I was aware that I was unfit and
needed to engage in some physical activity but kept telling myself I
didn’t have the time or energy as I was too busy helping to run a
business (self employed) and raising a family.
Once I heard about the classes commencing I made the decision to
commit to attending. I started to notice an improvement almost
immediately. I was feeling more energized, motivated, fitter, sleeping
better, less aches and pains (dissipating) and coping better with any
issues arising at home and work.
I have felt a change in my demeanor i.e. feeling happier, more willing to
allow myself ‘my time’. E.g. having a coffee and a laugh with the girls
after class and letting everything else wait. This has been beneficial not
only to me but to my family as well. A lesson learnt and willing to share
so others take that step.
Why did you choose this particular change? Why was it significant for
you?
I felt that I was going into a bit of a spiral with my health and aware of
it, but I got to a point that I wasn’t sure what to do. Last year one of
my children was having serious issues with their health and I felt I
needed to make sure I was well enough too look after them and get
him better.
When something comes along, an opportunity, I felt I needed to do
something about it.
In addition advertising by the government ‘Can you find a healthier you
in 2012?’ Has been a key motivational logo that I have taken notice of
and has motivated me as well as the classes. It’s encouraging people to
get off the couch or out of their doldrums and do something proactive.
It seems the more active and fitter you become, more things seem to
be happening. Life seems fuller and busier in a positive way- embracing
things more.
Lou-anne Mooney
Health Promotion Worker

Health Matters Newsletter 3
High Country Men’s Shed
Men’s Shed is NOW OPEN
The High Country Men’s Shed is an informal
local space in which men of the community can
come together to share knowledge and
technical skills, work on projects and have a
yarn with other like minded blokes.
The Shed is now open
When: Thursdays 10am-3pm
Location: 110 Bilton Street Omeo, behind
CFA/Ambulance Station.
Transport Available. All men welcome.
Men interested in joining the shed can register
by contacting Omeo District Health for a
registration form. Registration is $10.00, valid
for 12 months commencing 1st August 2012–
31st July 2013.
If transport is required or for registration forms
please contact Omeo District Health Reception
51590100.
DONATIONS
The High Country Men’s Shed welcomes
donations of working equipment, tools and/or
$$$ to help develop the resources of the shed.
If you would like to make a donation please
contact:
Graham Symons on: 0427 091 223 or 51591223
or
Mike Henry on: 51591578
For all other enquiries regarding the men’s shed
please contact
Lou-anne Mooney
Health Promotion Worker
Ph: 51590100
Email: health.promotion@omeohs.com.au
FIFTY SHADES OF MIDLIFE
Menopause, mood and more…
via Webcast
WEDNESDAY 31 st OCTOBER, 2012
7.30pm-9pm
Venue host: Swifts Creek Bush Nurse
Centre
Wine and Cheese provided
HOST:
Dr Sally Cockburn (aka Dr Feelgood), GP &
media health advocate
Guests:
Dr Elizabeth Farrell, Gynaecologist at Jean
Hailes for Women's Health
Professor Jane Fisher, Clinical Psychologist
and Jean Hailes Director of Research
Maureen Matthews, Sex Educator and
Columnist for The Sunday Age
Sandra Villella, Naturopath at Jean Hailes
for Women's Health
To register your interest and for
catering purposes please contact:
Sue Carroll, Nurse Manager
Swifts Creek Bush Nurse Center
Ph: 51590100

Health Matters Newsletter 4
Omeo District
Physical Activity Calendar
TIMETABLE valid as 24 th September- 21 st December 2012
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Kindy Gym
10.30am-
11.30am
Rec Reserve
OMEO
Gentle
Exercise
Class/ HF
Walking
Group
9.30am-
10.30am
Benambra
School
Gentle
Exercise Class
11.00am-
12.00pm
Swifts Creek
Bush Nurse
Gentle Exercise
Class
11am-11.30am
Community Gym,
ODH
OMEO
Men’s Group
1pm-1.30pm
Community Gym,
ODH
OMEO
Better Health
Group
2pm-3pm
Community Gym,
ODH
OMEO
HF Walking
Group
5.30pm-6.30pm
Tongio West,
Cassilis
Rd/Stockyards Tck
No Classes run on Public Holidays.
Gym Classes do not operate during school holidays.
Yoga
10am
Swifts Creek
Bush Nurse
Centre
Balance Circuit
11am– 11.30am
Community Gym,
ODH
OMEO
BareFoot
Bowls
5.30pm onwards
From 11 th
October
Tambo Valley
Bowls Club
Swifts Creek
Gym Class
9.30am-10.30am
Swifts Creek Hall
Life Ball
11am
Netball Courts,
SWIFTS CREEK
For enquiries, expressions of interest and/or feedback please
contact:
Lou-anne Mooney, Health Promotion Worker.
PH: 51590100, Email: health.promotion@omeohs.com.au
NOW OPEN
ODH
Community Gym
Open 6am-8pm, 7 days.
Conditions apply.
The ODH Community Gym has had a successful 6
months of operation with up to 30 members
utilizing this wonderful facility.
From 1 st September we commence our second
membership period (1 st Sept- 28 th Feb). The ODH
Community Gym continues to welcome new
members.
FEES
Full membership:
New Member (first 6 months): $120.00
Ongoing (every 6 months following): $100.00
If ongoing members wish to review their gym
program additional charges will apply.
Concession
(Includes students aged 16 years +, aged
pensioners and health care card holders)
New Member (first 6 months): $100.00
Ongoing (every 6 months following): $80.00
Memberships include:
• Initial assessment
• Induction orientation
• Standard program
• Access to gym and classes
Memberships will be renewed at set 6 month
periods (March- August, September- February).
Fees will be charged from the month of
commencement at a pro-rata rate.
5 Session Class Only Pass: $25.00
Valid during 6 month membership period
(March- August, September- February)
Applies only to the Circuit/Stretch and Balance
classes (Omeo or Swifts Creek).
To register your interest in becoming a member
if the Community Gym please contact:
Omeo District Health Reception on:
Ph: 51590100
Email: reception@omeohs.com.au

Health Matters Newsletter 5
ODH SERVICE NEWS
ODH In-Venue Family Day Care- Pilot Program
Due to the increasing demand for child care in the region, ODH
has commenced a trial of in venue day care from the Pink
Palace at ODH with hopes of a successful application for
ongoing in -venue day care.
Currently the service is available 2 days per week- Mondays
and Wednesdays, 8.30am-3.30pm.
It is hoped that with a successful application, this service may
be made available on more days.
We encourage anyone interested in day care to contact ODH
Reception on: 51590100. Without your support this program
may not continue.
Residents Garden- Honor Board
The honor board showcasing the many contributions made for
the residents garden is now on display.
Dietician and Diabetes Services
Dietician Nicole Creaser and Diabetes Educator Anne Walker
visits Omeo District Health on a monthly basis.
They are able to provide consultations for:
- specific medical conditions
- weight loss or weight gain
- general nutritional advice across all ages
- education on a wide range of issues which concern
diabetes
- diabetes prevention support
Nicole is next visiting on:
12 th October
9 th November
Anne is next visiting on:
1 st October
5 th November
For appointments contact ODH Reception on ph: 51590100.
There is no fee charged for this service.
Physiotherapy/Allied Health Services
Omeo District Health would like to wish Emma Anthony all the
best as she approaches maternity leave and welcome David
McLaughlin (Exercise Physiologist) to the Allied Health team.
David will be working with us initially for a four month period
and will be in attendance on a fortnightly basis (opposite
fortnight to Nicole Kee- Physiotherapist)
The Exercise Physiologist role will compliment the
physiotherapy role by providing treatment for the following
conditions:
- Chronic low back pain
- Acute ankle and knee injuries
- Reconditioning following injuries
- Chronic conditions requiring exercise programs; and
- Gym Assessments
Physiotherapy Dates:
Nicole will be next visiting on the:
October: 3 rd /4 th, 17 th /18 th , 31 st
November: 1 st , 14 th / 15 th , 28 th /29 th
December: 12 th /13 th

Health Matters Newsletter 6
Get the facts about food labels
Food labels can make it easier for you to make healthy choices
– if you know what you are looking for.
Food labels contain a lot of important information for shoppers.
They inform us about the key ingredients in a food, the date it
should be consumed by, whether the food contains any known
allergens and how the food should be stored.
Food labels are particularly important for people with health
conditions who may have specific nutritional requirements such
as those with allergies, coeliac disease, diabetes, hypertension
and heart disease.
What’s in a label?
All food labels in Australia must comply with the Food Standards
Code (implemented by Food Standards Australia New Zealand
(FSANZ)) and include the following:
Ingredient list
Ingredients are listed in order of weight. The ingredient that
weights the most is listed first and the smallest last. So if sugar,
fat or salt is listed near the beginning of the ingredient list, it is
likely the product contains a large quantity of this ingredient.
Nutrition panel
Nutrition panels provide information on specific nutrients and
allow you to make comparisons between similar foods. The
nutrients listed include energy (in kilojoules), fat (broken into
saturated fat, trans fat, polyunsaturated fat and
monounsaturated fat), total carbohydrate (broken into sugars
and starch) and sodium (salt).
Information is given per 100g and per serve or portion. Be
cautious when comparing products that provide information
using serving size, as the manufacturer decides the serving sizes,
which can vary widely between brands. You should always
compare products using the 100g panel first, then consider how
much you actually eat.
What to look for:
Fat:
Not all fats are bad; however we do need to keep the intake of
some types of fat reasonably low. Avoid saturated and trans fats,
and aim for polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats that
include the important omega 3 fatty acids.
• Healthier options have less than 5g total fat per
100g (or 5-10g total fat per 100g if saturated fat is
less than 1/2 total fat).
Sugar:
Total carbohydrate value includes both sugar and starch.
The total sugar value comes from both natural and added
sugar. Products such as milk, yoghurt or fruit are naturally
higher in sugar but are still healthy (just watch out for added
sugar).
Tips:
• 5g sugar is equal to 1 tsp. If the label indicates 25g
of sugar per serve then that is equal to 5 tsp of
sugar per serve
• sugar may be listed as malt, malt extract, maltose,
maltodextrines, dextrose, glucose, glucose syrup,
raw sugar, fruit juice or fructose
• per 100g of food product, 15g of added sugar or
more is a lot, 2g or less is a little
Salt:
Salt is found naturally in some foods and many people add
salt to their food however, the majority of our salt intake
comes from processed foods.
Tips:
• table salt, salt flakes, rock salt and sea salt are all
equally high in sodium.
• per 100g of food product, 500mg of sodium (salt)
or more is a lot, 120mg or less is a little
Fibre
To increase your fibre intake, choose foods that are high in
fibre; preferably wholegrain.
Tips:
• in high fibre products, the ingredient list will
contain words such as wholegrain, wheat or
wholemeal flour, whole oats or bran
• ‘high fibre’ means the food must contain at least 3g
of fibre per serve
• per 100g of food product, 10g of fibre or more is a
lot, 2 g or less is a little
For more information about food labelling, see
www.fsanz.com
Tips:
• 1 tsp of fat is approximately 5g, so if a label says 25g fat
per serve, that is equal to about 5 tsp per serve
• Low-fat products that are labelled light, lite, or fat free,
are often high in sugar. Fat can be disguised in
ingredient lists as animal fat, vegetable oil, coconut,
copha, cream, diglycerides, monoglycerides, lard,
mayonnaise, milk solids, palm oil, shortening or tallow

Health Matters Newsletter 7
Walktober dates
and venues
Are you interested in walking in different
locations this October?
Just check out the dates and venues below.
Everyone is welcome!
2 October Bruthen’s Green Walk.
Meet at the car park @ 10am for a cuppa and a guided walk by DSE ranger Gus. Walk through the forest and discover the explosive
magazine and plane crash site.Gold coin donation. BYO your own lunch etc. Call Sue Svetlik@ CHC to register on 51 575017.
4 October Community Wide Event at Orbost.
The River walk incorporates the new exercise station. 2 km walk one way or 4 km return with bus to pick up those only doing one
way. Leaves from Forest Park, Orbost 11am, guided walk by Parks & DSE, gold coin donation for BBQ on return.
11 October BRHS - Bairnsdale Swamp Walk.
Starting behind the BARC at 9am. For more info contact Heather Daly at BRHS Community Health on 51520222
11 October Lakes Entrance –Admire Our Beautiful Lakes
Leaves from GLCH Community Health at 10am. A leisurely walk along side our beautiful lakes.
Clients with walking aids catered for –shorter walk with GLCH staff. Gold coin donation. Refreshing morning tea on return. Any
enquires contact Andrea Farley on 51520010
11 October Omeo District –Bentley Plan, Nunniong
Two guided walks with DSE–Bentley Plain Walk 11am –12.30 pm and Douglas Reserve
Walk 1.30pm – 2.15pm. BBQ lunch provided. Meet at Ensay Little River Inn, 10am. Getting there: Gravel Road, 2WD access in dry
conditions. AWD/4WD car pooling available.
To register and for more information contact Lou Anne Mooney for details on 51590100.
13 October Buchan History Walk - Buchan
Leave from: Buchan Neighbourhood House, Time: 1:30pm Led by: Rhonda Coates, local author and historian. Route: Historic sites
in Buchan, including the 100 year old Butter Factory, John Flynn Memorial Reserve and the WWII Nissen Hut. Length: 2 km. Grade:
Easy The Buchan Heritage Group will provide afternoon tea at the Neighbourhood House after the walk.
Call to Register: Leanne Stedman 5159 4477
21 October Jirnkee Water Race Walk –Swifts Creek
Leave from: approx. 10kms from Swifts Creek on the Cassilis Road (Swifts Creek/Omeo Road)@ 1pm
Route: Along a miners’ track to part of the Jirnkee Water Race, which was last used for mining in 1908 and, at 76 kms, is the longest
in the Southern Hemisphere. Led by: Marijs Last.
Length: 2kmsGrade: Medium – some steep and rocky sections.
Call to Register: Leanne Stedman 5159 4477
27 October The Poets Walk - Swifts Creek
Leaves from: Swifts Creek Police Station at 1pm. Led by: John Butler, local poet and sculpture artist
Route: Along the Tambo River, through an area the subject of John’s well known poem “A River’s Mark”. John will read his poem in
sections at stops along the way. Length: 1 km. Grade: Easy.
Call to Register: Leanne Stedman 5159 4477

Health Matters Newsletter 8
“Like and Win”
Omeo District Health is excited to launch a youth facebook
page for our areas young people, to stay up to date with what
events are happening in our region.
To celebrate this we are holding a “like and win” competition
all you have to do is be between the ages of 12-25 and go to
our “Omeo District Health – Youth Service” like….. and WIN!!
Safer Internet Information
One of the outcomes from the recently conducted youth
wellbeing survey has alerted Omeo District Health to the fact, if
young people in our region need information, advice and/or
support to deal problem, the majority will turn to family and
friends. However, a large number will turn to the internet for
information. There is a mass of information out there, some of
this information is great and extremely helpful, but a lot of
information is ill informed, incorrect or in some cases dangerous.
Below is a list of safe and reliable sources of information for
young people, parents, friends etc
http://www.youthbeyondblue.com
http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/youthissues.htm
http://www.somazone.com.au
http://www.projectrockit.com.au
Young Professionals Group
Be Heard
OSCAR Radio is up and functional again, if you are young and
interested in getting the chance to Be Heard! on community
radio, you need to let us know… You can play the kind of music
YOU WANT! Talk about things YOU are interested in and HAVE
FUN!!
Check out our latest OSCAR activity. A radio training day with
SYN…
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qALg1QCgnw&feature=plcp
Please contact:
Carla Smith (03) 5159 0100 Or OSCAR Radio (03) 5159 1505
Get Published on Youth Central!
If you’re between 16 and 25 and living in Victoria, then we
want YOU to write for Youth Central! We’re after reviews,
interviews and articles about the things that you’re interested
in and the experiences you’ve had. Contributing to Youth
Central is as easy as contacting us with your idea, then writing
about it. Anyone from Victoria between 16 and 25 can do it!
http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
CONTACT:
Carla Smith
Youth Services Worker, Omeo District Health
(03)5159 0100 or Direct (03) 51590164
Email: youth.servces@omeohs.com.au
Mondays: 8.30am-12.30pm Swifts Creek School, 1pm-5pm
Swifts Creek Bush Nurse Centre
Wednesdays: 8am-4.30pm Omeo District Health