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Parkes Phoenix

No More Struggles With Sleep

February 26, 2021 By editor

Maryann is a sleep consultant located in Parkes. She supports children from birth to five years to get the best possible sleep they can. Her support to families include writing personalised plans that are suited to their parenting style and the child’s temperament. Maryann believes there is no one solution and each family and child has individual needs. The personalised plans take a holistic approach. They include feeding, nutrition, sleep environment, sleep associations, routines, night-time needs and much more.

Maryann is excited to offer in home consultations to families in the central west, saving families trips to Sydney or Canberra. She also offers phone and email consultations. She has supported families across the world from the UK, USA, Germany, to the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and all over NSW.

To book a consultation with Maryann to to her website www.littlezzzsleepconsultant.com.au or give her a call on 0400 319 626.

 

Parkrun Launch ‘Blessed’ With Torrential Rain

February 12, 2021 By editor

READY, SET, WET… Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith cut the ribbon as parkrun volunteers organisers Ronel van Wyk (right) and Dan Greef (left) look on at the start of the 5km course. Photos: Keith Turk

It took two years of planning and organising and on Saturday even the weather made a special effort to make the launch of parkrun in Parkes a memorable one.

Parkes participants were joined by runners from all over the Central West, the Blue Mountains and even Canberra in torrential rain to run the 5km course starting at North-parkes Oval.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith turned up with his raincoat and umbrella to cut the ribbon to set off the 41 participants. The Mayor welcomed the worldwide phenomena to Parkes, saying he had seen it by chance on a recent visit to Newcastle. “It was just wonderful to see the whole community taking part. After all the serious runners had left, the parents with their children, some still in strollers, joined in.” He said he hoped the Parkes community would embrace the local event, and thanked the volunteers who had put in all the effort to bring it to our town. After his official duties he showed his support by walking the course.

A very happy runner at the finish line of the 5km parkrun course.

Dan Greef, one of the volunteers who was instrumental in organising the event for Parkes, thanked the Parkes Shire Council for a grant through the Sports Council and Northparkes Mines to get the starting kit for parkrun. He said the Council staff who offered great assistance in setting up the 5km course was greatly appreciated.

The heavy rain on Saturday not only proved challenging for the runners who had to traverse puddles, mud, wet grass and other obstacles, but the volunteer time keepers experienced difficulties with the wet screens on their mobile phones. All participants who have registered with parkrun receive an email after the event with their time and other statistics of the run. The volunteers had to try and fit the times to runners like a jigsaw puzzle after Saturday’s event.

The free, weekly, community event with no time limit for all ages and levels of fitness for running, jogging and walking is organised by volunteers. Participants on Saturday were full of praise for the Parkes volunteers’ friendliness and encouragement in the rain.

The runners and walkers spread out over the 5km course, which follows a double loop behind the sports ovals. It is a challenging course with some steep hills and a variety of surfaces.

Parkrun has over 1,400 events in 22 countries, with Australia boasting over 400 events. Parkes was one of four new events to launch in NSW on Saturday.

Parkrun is a good event to attract tourists as dedicated parkrunners will travel far and wide to increase their tally of events as was evident on Saturday with so many runners travelling to Parkes despite the inclement weather.

A runner from Canberra was wearing his special 250 parkrun shirt, indicating he had already done that amount of events. Two other runners from the Blue Mountains said they had competed at all the events in NSW and made sure thet were at the first one in Parkes.

By Maggi Barnard

Some of the 41 participants at the starting line of the first official parkrun in Parkes.

Parkrun (5km) every Saturday morning at the Northparkes Oval 7:50 am for 8am start. Register for free to get a barcode and print it out to bring for every run. Go to www.parkrun.com.au. Be there at 7:50am for a start at 8am. Open to all walkers, joggers and runners.

Diabetes: What You Need To Know

February 12, 2021 By editor

Diabetes can affect anyone, from any walk of life and is currently affecting the lives of approximately 1.8 million Australians. Diabetes a series complex condition which can affect the entire body.

When you eat, your body turns food into sugars, or glucose. At that point, your pancreas is supposed to release a hormone called insulin. Insulin serves as a “key” to open your cells, to allow the glucose to enter – and allow you to use the glucose for energy. In people with diabetes, insulin is no longer being produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body.

It requires daily self-care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and could reduce life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and how to effectively manage it.

Parkes Pharmacy’s aim is to help people with diabetes be confident in managing their medicines and blood sugar levels (BGL), to better manage their condition for improved day-to-day quality of life and reducing long-term complications.

Our goal as pharmacists is focused on supporting patients with diabetes’ effective use of medicines by offering Diabetes MedsChecks, and discussing effective BGL monitoring. The Diabetes MedsCheck is a government-funded pharmacy program, involving a private, face-to-face consultation and medication review with the pharmacist.

We can also help those at risk of diabetes due to genetic and lifestyle factors. Evidence shows type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 58% of cases by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan.

Come and have a chat with our friendly pharmacists.

300km Walk For Cancer

February 12, 2021 By editor

Anne-Marie Randell of Eugowra.

Anne-Marie Randell of Eugowra walks from Parkes to Canberra every second year in support of brain cancer research. She has done this walk since 2016 after losing her cousin, Annie Lymbery, to brain cancer in November 2015. Annie was only 62 years old when she passed away leaving behind her partner, Stewart, of 10 years and four beautiful children.

When Annie was diagnosed, she was only given a few weeks. With only her pure will and determination to live and beat the cancer, along with radiation treatment, she was able to spend some precious time with friends and family. Still, she was taken too soon.

Anne-Marie was very close to her cousin Annie and when she passed away, Anne-Marie felt moved to raise awareness, show her support of those affected by brain cancer and raise lifesaving funds. That was when she came up with the idea of the walk. A group of Anne-Marie’s closest family and friends, including her cousin Annie’s daughter Caitlin and Annie’s partner Stewart, will join her for the 300km journey through country NSW. If you would like to support Anne-Marie go to her fundraising page at Do It For Cancer – Annie’s Walk For A Cure 2021

Child Immunisation Reminder

February 5, 2021 By editor

Parents and carers with children starting childcare, primary or secondary school are urged to ensure they are up to date with their immunisations. Director of Health Protection, Dr Richard Broome, said while the NSW vaccination rate was high, some children have missed important vaccines to protect against highly infectious diseases like whooping cough and measles.

“Last year and this year continue to be challenging for many families, but timely childhood vaccination must remain a top priority in the daily lives of busy families,” he said. Children can only be enrolled in childcare in NSW where documented evidence is provided that they are fully immunised for their age, are on a recognised catch-up schedule or have a medical reason not to be vaccinated.

“Making sure that all children are up to date with their immunisations reduces their risk of getting a serious illness and also helps those who can’t be fully vaccinated, like newborn babies and the elderly.”

Immunisation requirements in primary schools were extended in 2018 to include secondary schools. Principals are now required to request an immunisation history statement when students enrol. Parents can download their child’s statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) from myGov, the Medicare Express Plus App or the AIR enquiry line on 1800 653 809. GP clinics are safe to attend during COVID-19. For more information visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/Immunisation-in-schools.aspx

Electronic Prescriptions

January 22, 2021 By editor

A convenient alternative to paper prescriptions

What is an electronic prescription?
An electronic prescription is a digitally generated prescription that is sent to you via SMS or email by your health care provider. When visiting an authorised prescriber, you may be given the option to choose an electronic prescription.

To access your medications, you will need to present your SMS or email to the pharmacy. The pharmacy will then scan the QR code attached to unlock your prescription and dispense it as per normal.

If you have repeats, a new SMS or email will be sent to you when you get your medicine from the pharmacy.

What are the benefits?
All medicines can be prescribed using an electronic prescription. The message containing the link to your electronic prescription is stored on your digital device, so you can access it whenever you’re ready – saving you time, streamlining the process and improving medicine safety.

What other services can help me manage my medications?
There are a range of different supports and services we provide to help ensure easier access and improved safety when it comes to managing your medications.

We are here to help. Electronic prescriptions are new to all of us, and with that comes questions. Please feel free to call or pop in if you have any questions about electronics prescription or anything regarding your health and managing your medications.

Stay Safe In The Heat

December 11, 2020 By editor

Summer has set in and while everyone wants to soak up those summer rays, it is extremely important to stay SUN SAFE.

Increasing temperatures lead to an increase in dehydration, particularly in the elderly and young children. Your body needs both water and electrolytes to help you through the day. Water helps you digest food and maintain a normal body temperature, while electrolytes help keep your muscles functioning.

In the heat, or if you are unwell, the balance of water and electrolytes may become disturbed leading to dehydration. Look out for the following signs and symptoms: a dry or sticky mouth; increased thirst; fatigue; headache; decreased urine output and dark yellow urine.

In young children, it can be quite hard to see the signs of dehydration. Look out for dark yellow urine, fewer wet nappies or dry lips.

If you are getting older or care for an elderly person, it’s important to recognise the above signs as elderly persons are at a higher risk of dehydration. A vital sign of dehydration in the elderly is reduced sweating.

How to stay hydrated:
• Keep a water bottle nearby to make a habit of drinking water regularly – at least 8-10 glasses per day.
• At the first signs of dehydration, increase your fluid intake by drinking a large glass of water or sipping on replacement solutions such as Hydralyte (might be better tolerated if frozen).
• Avoid sugary drinks.
• Introduce more ‘wet’ foods into your diet, such as jelly or soup.

Come and see our pharmacists or staff about what else you can do to stay hydrated and safe this summer!

Sunshiny Days

November 13, 2020 By editor

The warmer months have arrived! While everyone is enjoying some reprieve from winter and basking in some bright sunshiny rays, it’s extremely important to stay SUN SAFE. Over the past decades, outdoor activities and recreational sun exposure have become increasing popular, however this is strongly related to a rise in skin cancers. Overexposure to sunlight is widely accepted as the underlying cause for harmful effects on the skin, eyes and immune systems.

Did you know? Experts believe that four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented! Enjoy the sun, but enjoy it safely with a few simple precautions! The world leading SunSmart program is a multi-focal program recognised for providing leadership and innovation in sun protection. The message is simple: SLIP! SLOP! SLAP! SEEK! SLIDE!

• Slip on clothing: Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slop on sunscreen: Sunscreen should be the last line of defence after clothing, a hat, shade and sunglasses. Apply SPF30 (or higher), water-resistant sunscreen to any skin not covered by clothing.
• Slap on a hat: The skin on your face, ears and neck is much thinner and more sensitive to UV damage. Choose a hat that provides good shade to your face, head, neck and ears.
• Seek shade: Shade is a practical, user-friendly form of sun protection. Well-designed and positioned shade can significantly reduce UV exposure as well as create cool, comfortable spaces for physical activity and recreation.
• Slide on sunglasses: Your eyes are very sensitive to UV damage. Choose a close-fitting, wrap-around style of sunglasses.

To learn more about sun safety, come and chat to our friendly staff and pharmacist at Parkes Pharmacy, in the Metroplaza!

NSW Hits 3 Million Tests

October 30, 2020 By editor

COVID-19

As the state marked three million COVID-19 tests this week, the NSW Government called on the community to continue to work together to fight the deadly virus.

“I want to thank everyone in NSW who has come forward to be tested – three million COVID-19 tests is an incredible result,” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

The 3,000,641 COVID-19 tests have been performed on 2,247,101 people in NSW. Of those people tested, 63.7% had a single test and 36.3% had more than one test, with 1.16% having more than five tests.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said: “Get tested at the first sign of even the mildest of symptoms, wash your hands regularly, physically distance and wear a mask in places where you can’t physically distance.”

Restrictions eased include: 30 people outdoors in public spaces (up from 20 previously). A maximum of 20 people in households. 30 customers per booking, and 30 customers per table, at hospitality venues (up from maximum of 10 customers). Corporate functions of up to 300 people can be held at restaurants, subject to a COVID safety plan. Religious gatherings/places of worship (excluding weddings and funerals) can have up to 300 people. Gyms only require a COVID-19 safety marshal if there are more than 20 people in the gym at one time.

From 1st December, the number of people at weddings will increase to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors.

Free Health Checks

October 9, 2020 By editor

Identifying children’s developmental issues before they start school can change their developmental path, and improve outcomes for the children, their families and communities.

The free Project Sprouts developmental screening program coming to Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore for children aged 3-5 years old, will help to identify lifestyle, development or illness-related issues.

It includes fine and gross motor skills assessment, speech and language assessment, hearing and a dental check.

A speech pathologist will check if the children have any difficulties with speech, language, swallowing, fluency or voice, and an occupational therapist will check if children have difficulties with their motor skills, sensory processing, behaviour or regulation.

Children requiring further assessment will be referred to appropriate local services, and those with complex needs may be referred to Royal Far West’s Paediatric Developmental Program.

Screenings will be held in Peak Hill, Parkes, Tullamore and Trundle from 19 to 23 October. Go to www.royalfarwest.org.au/programs/clinicians-in-community/ to see the times and locations, and to register.

Children must be registered to attend. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information please call Grace on 8966 8557.

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