A nutritious meal at lunchtime isn’t just important to give your child an energy boost to finish their school day – it can make a big difference in their overall and oral health. If you’re concerned about expenses, packing a healthy lunch doesn’t have to be costly. Here are a few ideas to help fill your child’s lunchbox with tooth-friendly snacks
that won’t break the bank.

PICKING THE RIGHT SNACKS
• Choose bacteria fighters. Crunchy vegetables like celery, apples or carrots require more chewing which produces increased saliva to attack bacteria in your child’s mouth.
• Sneak in Vitamin C. Proper Vitamin C intake is important for a healthy immune system and our overall health, but it also plays a part in keeping gums healthy. Opt for an orange or red pepper.
• Say no to juice. Instead of packing a juice box in your child’s lunch, consider a small water bottle or milk. Water is
great for rinsing away debris as well as keeping your child hydrated, while milk is packed full of calcium which is essential for healthy bones.
• Bonus tip: Cheese is another great way to get calcium into your child’s lunch – chop a block into cubes for fun, bitesized snacks.

HEALTHY LUNCH
• Involve your child in packing their lunch so they can learn about the importance of making healthy choices.
• If your child purchases their lunch at school, talk with them about making healthy choices for their teeth and overall wellness, and don’t forget to schedule their next appointment with Richardson Dental Surgery on 6862 1261.

Pink For October
Parkes Pharmacy is going Pink for October! Each Wednesday during October, the lovely ladies of Parkes Pharmacy will be donning some quite eccentric outfits to help raise money and awareness for women’s cancers. So, let’s band together and help the Cancer Council provide vital support, research and prevention programs for breast and gynaecological cancer.

Breast Cancer Statistics*
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Australia*
• 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime
• The five year survival rate for Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89% Ovarian Cancer Stats*
• Ovarian is the second most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer in Australia
• This cancer is most common in women over 50 years of age
• In 2014, there were 974 deaths from ovarian cancer in Australia. By the end of 2017, it is estimated to grow to 1047
deaths Cervical Cancer Stats*
• About 800 women in Australia are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year
• Cervical cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer
• In 2017, the estimated number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer is 912
• The five year survival rate is 72.1%
• The incidence of cervical cancer in Australia has decreased significantly since a national screening program was introduced in the 90’s
*Statistics from Australian Cancer Research Foundation website

Despite having access to a test that can significantly reduce the chance of developing cancer, the latest figures from the Cancer Institute NSW show that more than 30,000 women in Western NSW have not had their Pap test in the past two years. Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women around the world. However, in Australia rates have halved over the last 25 years due to the free national screening program and the introduction of the HPV vaccine.

Professor David Currow said: “These days, women are less likely to know someone who has been diagnosed with the
disease, so they may not feel they are at risk. In fact, five women still get diagnosed every week in NSW, yet 96% of cervical cancers could be prevented.” With changes to the National Cervical Screening Program due to start this year,
there are also concerns that women may be putting off their test until then.

Professor Currow said: “It is vital that women have their Pap test as soon as it’s due. This is the best chance to find and treat cellular changes before cancer develops.” The main message from the Institute is for women who are overdue to book their Pap test today.

To find your nearest GP or women’s health nurse, visit www.csp.nsw.gov.au.

The Dental Board of Australia has launched its first ever video for patients to help make sure they are getting safe care from their dentists. The video aims to help patients know what infection prevention and control protocols to expect, encourage patients to ask questions about infection prevention and control, and to inform patients on what to do if they have a concern.

To view the video go to www.dentalboard.gov.au. The video gives dental patients seven easy to remember tips to consider whether their dentist is following the correct infection control protocols.
1. Is your dental practitioner registered?
2. Does your dental surgery look clean and tidy?
3. Is your dental practitioner wearing appropriate clothing, gloves, a mask and glasses?
4. Does your dental practitioner have a sink in their surgery where they can wash their hands?
5. Does your dental practitioner work with an assistant?
6. Are the instruments used on you clean or new and disposable?
7. Are the instruments sterilised or does the dental practitioner have an autoclave (which is a machine used to sterilise instruments)?

If you have concerns, it is usually best to resolve any problems with your dentist if you can. If you still have serious concerns you can make a complaint to: AHPRA and the Dental Board of Australia on 1300 419 495.