Pittwater Life April 2019 Issue

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Health & Wellbeing Health & Wellbeing Time to think flu shot As we have seen from the unusual outbreaks of flu cases over the summer months, influenza seasons and severity are unpredictable. The one thing health experts do know is that vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. And once again local pharmacies as well as GPs are gearing up to provide flu shots to reduce the impact of flu on our community. Annual vaccination is recommended for anyone six months of age and older. Australians most at risk of getting sick when flu strikes are able to access free influenza vaccines through the Government’s National Immunisation Program. Those eligible for a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program include people 65 years and over, pregnant women, those who suffer chronic conditions as well as, for the first time, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from 6 months of age. If you are not eligible under the program you can purchase the vaccine. Influenza is a major cause of illness in the Australian community, and in some cases can result in death said the Australian Government’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy. Prof Murphy explained the more people who are vaccinated, the less likely that the flu will spread in the community. “It important to get the flu shot each year, as the virus changes each year,” he said. “In addition we know that the protection provided by the previous year’s vaccine diminishes over time.” Most people will develop immunity within two to three weeks of vaccination. “Experts have advised there is recent evidence suggesting that protection following influenza vaccination may begin to wane. “As influenza usually occurs from June, with the peak around August, vaccinating from mid-April 2019 will allow people to develop immunity before influenza transmission is at its peak.” – Lisa Offord Reducing the spread of flu It is important to exercise good infection control – hand washing, avoiding social situations – and to see your GP as soon as you have symptoms because flu treatment is available if diagnosed early. To minimise the spread of infection, take on board these simple tips – and make sure all the young folk in your house are encouraged do the same! Sneeze into your elbow Sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands, or cover your face with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues in a rubbish bin. Clean your hands Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Wash hands for at least 10 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Stay at home if sick If you are sick with flu, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people to prevent them from also becoming sick and keep sick children away from school and other activities. 44 APRIL 2019 The Local Voice Since 1991
Funded heart health checks Life-saving Medicare-funded heart health checks will be available from your GP from April 1. The Heart Foundation advises all Australians over 45 years old to have a Heart Health Check – for Indigenous Australians, the checks should start at 35. The specialised health check for those at risk of the nation’s biggest killer, heart disease, could involve your GP or health practitioner taking blood tests to check cholesterol and glucose levels, checking your blood pressure and asking you about your lifestyle and your family’s heart health history. Once your doctor or health practitioner has your test results, ask them for your report which will state if you have high (more than 15%); moderate (10- 15%) or low-risk (less than 10%) of a heart attack or stroke. According to the Heart Foundation at least 51 Australians die from heart disease every day. Routine screening with Heart Health Checks that leads to better treatment for people at risk, could prevent 76,500 heart attacks and strokes over the following five years and 9,100 deaths, said the Heart Foundation’s Chief Medical Adviser, cardiologist Professor Garry Jennings. One of the most important things you can do to reduce the risks of heart disease is to take charge of your health, The Local Voice Since 1991 seek advice from your GP and other health practitioners and be informed. Not sure what questions to ask your doctor? These suggestions from the Heart Foundation (heartfoundation. org.au) might help. Family history n Does my family history mean I’m at more risk? n If I feel palpitations in my heart beats, should I get it checked? Blood pressure n What should my blood pressure be? n How often should I have my blood pressure checked? Cholesterol n What do my cholesterol levels mean? What should my cholesterol levels be? Lifestyle n What changes can I make to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels? n How much physical activity should I be doing and what? Medicines n Do I need to take medicines and what do they do? Are there any side effects? Referrals n Do I need to see another health professional, such as a dietit ian, physical activity professional or cardiologist? * More information will be available in the lead up to Healthy Heart Week (28 April through 4 May) when the Heart Foundation and health professionals will focus on the importance of having a Heart Health Check. – LO APRIL 2019 45 Health & Wellbeing
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Page 7 and 8: nature to be successful across all
Page 10: News Businesses effecting sea chang
Page 13 and 14: Performance space near Construction
Page 15 and 16: tests have? species to temporarily
Page 18 and 19: Bid for a ‘classic’ bargain New
Page 20: Newport filip for Aussies News It d
Page 23 and 24: Sunday March and Wreath Laying Cere
Page 26: Haneef, the innocent doctor accused
Page 29 and 30: gies will include replacing single-
Page 32: Pittwater News News Continued from
Page 35 and 36: unchallenged for first place in Spi
Page 37 and 38: among hippies!” he laughs. “And
Page 39 and 40: Life’s a beach ‘In Full Colour
Page 42 and 43: Surfing Life Surfing Life Surfboard
Page 46 and 47: Health & Wellbeing The link between
Page 48 and 49: Health & Wellbeing Health & Wellbei
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Page 52 and 53: Business Life: Money Business Life
Page 54: Business Life Business Life: Money
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Page 59 and 60: for chronic and acute pain, sports
Page 61 and 62: the good life clubs & pubs 62 food
Page 63 and 64: oasts (Mondays), rump steak with ch
Page 65 and 66: Local Call Get cozy on the inside A
Page 67 and 68: For more recipes go to www.janelleb
Page 69 and 70: Pittwater Puzzler Compiled by David
Page 71 and 72: Every home should have a Citrus tre
Page 73 and 74: Times Past HISTORY: This aerial sho

Pittwater Life April 2019 Issue

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