Health & Wellbeing

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.

Hayfever Season

October 9, 2020 By editor

Did you know? Hay fever effects nearly 4.5 million people, making it the most common allergic disorder in Australia.

Crops are flourishing and spirits are high, however it does come with an increase in pollen and unfortunately, hay fever. While some people experience symptoms now and again; for others they are persistent and severe. It can have a significant impact on sleep, concentration, learning and daily function.

The most common symptoms for hay fever are sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy throat and watery eyes. Symptoms are triggered when pollen grains get trapped in the lining of the nose or eye and release their allergens, causing irritation and an increased production of mucus or tears. There are lots of things you can do to manage hayfever:

• Stay indoors until after midday, particularly on windy days and avoid going out during and after thunderstorms.
• Monitor daily pollen counts and forecasts at www.pollenforecast.com.au
• Wear sunglasses, carry tissues, shower when you arrive home and rinse your eyes regularly with cold water to flush away pollen.
• Keep windows closed at home and in the car and use recirculating air conditioning in the car.
• Avoid activities known to cause exposure to pollen, like mowing the lawn. If it’s not possible to avoid these activities take preventive measures to reduce impact.

There are also many treatment options available at Parkes Pharmacy. These include nasal sprays, non-sedating antihistamines and eye drops.

Speak to our friendly staff at Parkes Pharmacy and we will help you determine the best treatment for you!

Active Citizens Of The Future

September 25, 2020 By editor

The group of students at one of their activities they’ve done so far this year as part of the Active Citizen Program.

COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of many events so far this year, but fortunately for three students from Parkes the Active Citizen Program will still be going ahead, albeit in a modified form.

Trudy Richardson, Charlie Oraha and Jayden Pope have joined ten other Year 10 students from Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo in the program run by the NSW Police Force’s Central West Police District.

The aim is to build leadership skills, confidence, increase employability and awareness in being an active citizen in their local community whilst enhancing cultural knowledge.

Activities this year have included visiting significant local cul- tural areas with local elders talking about the history of the town, completing workplace courses, artefact activities and visiting the Condobolin SES unit.

The highlight so far has been an online link-up with former NRL star, Jonathan Thurston, giving the students an opportunity to ask questions.

Upcoming activities include completing courses, health checks, presentations by a NSW police officer and Aboriginal elder andYouGotThis program through the Jonathan Thurston Academy on life choices and building self-confidence.

The students will also visit local businesses and community groups to discuss ways on being an active citizen and why they choose to give back to their communities.

Central West Police District Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Shane Jessep, said police were pleased to be able to offer the modified version of the program this year.

“The Active Citizen Program gives local police and businesses an opportunity to be involved in developing leadership qualities of young people in our community,” Shane said.

“Participants also have this exciting opportunity to build their skillsets and learn – not only from local identities, but also famous people – which will help them become the best versions of themselves as leaders.”

Central West Police District Youth Officer, Senior Constable Daniel Greef, said: “We are excited to be able to work with and buildup these future leaders of our communities and see them grow.”

Attending one of the Active Citizen Program’s activities were Trudy Richardson from Parkes, Billie O’Bryan (Condo), Kiara Harris (Condo).

Warren Keeps On Walking

September 25, 2020 By editor

Warren Edwards has walked the equivalent of going to Orange and back and to Orange again so far this month. Tomorrow you can help him get back to Parkes!

It is a personal quest for the Parkes resident, who is one of almost 3,500 Australians taking part in The Long Run, The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s first ever fundraising event. Warren has several family members diagnosed with prostate cancer, the greatest threat to men’s health.

He is close to doing 300km, which is well over the required 72km for taking part. He has also smashed his fundraising target with almost $4,000 raised so far.

Members of the local Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group and the Parkes Action Group have ‘Walked with Waz’ each Saturday morning during September. Tomorrow, Saturday 26th September, Warren invites the broader community to join him for his final push starting at Lions Park at 9am and ending with a victory celebration.

Warren and his supporters welcome any more support for his effort and donations are still accepted to assist in developing research and medical care for those suffering with prostate cancer. You can do this by making a tax deductable donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia online www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/warrenedwards or give your donation to a member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer and Awareness Group 0408 975 643 or a member of the Parkes Action Group.

Do You Need Probiotics?

September 11, 2020 By editor

What are probiotics? Probiotics are ‘live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host’. While probiotics are mostly bacteria, certain yeasts are recognised as probiotics, too. They are delivered to the gut, where they interact with our gut microbiota to help our bodies function correctly.

What are the benefits of taking a probiotic? The most well-known benefits of probiotics relate to their ability to support the health of our digestive tract and immune system. In addition to these benefits, certain strains of probiotic bacteria can target specific aspects of our health and wellbeing through various pathways.

While there is still a lot unknown about probiotics, research has shown benefits in the treatment and prevention of many conditions. These conditions include:
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Diarrhea; infectious or antibiotic induced

There has also been proven benefits in other parts of the body. For example, they have helped with:
• Skin conditions, like eczema
• Urinary and vaginal health
• Preventing allergies and colds

Probiotics have a range of benefits in the treatment and prevention of these condi- tions; however, they are also very useful when taking antibiotics! When taking antibiotics, your good bacteria is also affected and can throw your body out of whack. Taking a probiotic while sick can help replace those good bacteria, making you feel better quicker!

Come and have a chat to our lovely staff to see which probiotics may be beneficial to your health!

My COVID Test

September 11, 2020 By editor

The drive-through testing clinic is the quickest and most convenient means of being tested.

It was 10:02am as I pulled up behind a line of 14 cars in front of the Vandenberg Hotel, and within a few minutes there were more cars in line behind me. I felt a wave of relief wash over me to see so many others waiting to be tested for COVID-19, although this was not my first test.

Two months earlier I presented myself at Forbes Hospital with what I knew to be an all too familiar case of tonsillitis, I was given a mask and told very assertively by the receptionist to “step back!” from the marked line I was already standing behind. When the only other patient in the waiting room saw me, she slouched back and used her collar to cover her mouth. Thankfully, the nurse who took the swab was friendly and patient with my dramatic display of discomfort during that infamous nasopharyngeal swab which has since been replaced by a much gentler nasal swab.

The first time I was tested I was sure that I did not have COVID-19. However, this time upon hearing about last week’s case in Parkes, I wondered if this cough of mine was due to a change in season or a mild case of COVID. If it was the dreaded COVID, how many of my friends, contacts and family members would be forced to self-isolate? How many people did I, at best, inconvenience greatly or, at worst, put at risk? Would I be lynched? Word spreads quickly in small towns and it would not take long before I became the hottest topic in town.

These fears of mine were eased in seeing so many others in line to be tested on Monday, and while it meant that I had to wait over half an hour to be tested it will be a relief to have a negative result back.

The drive-through process was easy enough, firstly a man came to hand out information about registering to receive a text message for a negative result. Secondly, a woman came to take my details before placing the paperwork on my windscreen for the nurses in the final pathology gazebo. Finally, the nurses took my temperature, swabbed my mouth; so far so good, and took a nasal swab, which was thoroughly unpleasant but over in just a few seconds.

By Alexandria Irvine

Men ‘Shed’ Their Solitude

September 4, 2020 By editor

The Parkes Men’s Shed is one of 390 groups in NSW and has about 120 members. Under COVID regulations they can currently only have 15 members at the shed per session. These sessions are extremely valuable to members, especially during these times. Here is what three members say about their involvement and why they keep on going back.

John Barnham: The community and company of men is fantastic, and to get away from our wives…!

Hedley Nicholson: I can talk about the benefits of the Men’s Shed all day long. It is one of the best groups for older men, especially widowers or single men. We have many farmers who worked alone all their lives and who enjoy some company now. We come here and talk about everything. Just like women, men also like to talk to their friends. Coming here does wonders for mental health, and we get such good support from the community. Better response than anything else I’ve been involved with.

John Maynard: It is a great opportunity to get out, meet with people and to learn new skills.

Winter Blues

August 14, 2020 By editor

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD. People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression.

The symptoms usually occur during autumn and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring. While it is less common, some people experience SAD in summer.

It is more than just the “winter blues.” The symptoms are often overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning.

SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain and is prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter.

As seasons change, people experience a shift in their “body clocks” that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.

Common symptoms of SAD include fatigue, even with too much sleep, and weight gain associated with overeating and carbohydrate cravings. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include many symptoms similar to major depression.

SAD can affect anyone at any age, however is more common in women and young adults aged 18 to 30.

You should consider seeing your GP if you think you might have SAD and you’re struggling to cope. Your GP can carry out an assessment to check on your mental health.

There are also changes you can make to your routine which may help improve symptoms. Try going outside more often, try a few relaxation exercises and talk to someone about how you’re feeling.