With the final weeks of 2016 upon us, it’s a time to reflect on the past year and what the New Year will bring, but for some, this time of year is challenging. Fortunately, many online and phone services remain open to offer vital support to those facing tough times this festive season. Headspace and Cancer Council are just two of the services people can turn to if it all gets too much.

The holiday season can pose many challenges for people who are affected by cancer, but by using the range of services available, people affected by cancer can discuss their experiences and share coping strategies to help normalise concerns this festive period. The new Cancer Council Online Community provides anyone who has been affected by cancer the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and find information and support in a safe forum. It’s available 24/7 from any online device, regardless of location.

Cancer Council NSW’s Lead Supportive Care Manager, Hannah Baird said the Online Community aims to reduce isolation by encouraging people affected by cancer to share their stories with other people in similar situations.
“What we are seeing through our peer support programs is more and more people are now turning to digital platforms for information and support, to connect with others who can relate to what they are experiencing.”

The Cancer Council 13 11 20 telephone information and support service is still available over the holiday period. For
more information about Cancer Council Online Community, visit: www.cancercouncil.com.au/OC
The beginning of a new year can also be a turbulent time for many young people. They may be facing some big life changes like starting a new school, awaiting exam results to get into higher education, or commencing employment. When normal routines change and daily structure is altered it can cause pressure, which can be compounded by missing regular contact with friends or having to financially support themselves.

During these times, it is valuable for families and friends to be aware of signs and symptoms that something might be wrong with their loved ones. Being withdrawn, expressing ongoing worry, or irritability are just a few changes to look out for. If you need support or advice, headspace is here to help. The National Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace, provides support to young people aged 12-25 years old who are going through a tough time. This can include support around mental health, physical health, work and study, or alcohol and other drugs, and the service is also open to parents.

Visit headspace.org.au for mental health and wellbeing resources, or access help via eheadspace.org.au for online and telephone support between 9am-1am seven days-a-week.

Humans have strange habits. One strange habit many of us have is grinding our teeth. It may sound unusual, but most of us have this habit. Medically this is called Bruxism. It is not a harmful condition, but if it’s done on a regular basis it may damage teeth, and is known as chronic grinding. It can result in tooth loss and can also affect your jaws and how your face looks. Generally people grind their teeth while they are sleeping, but there are two other reasons why grinding occurs: stress and anxiety. The stranger fact is that people do not know they are grinding their teeth as it happens when they are sleeping. This results in headaches and a sore jaw. Your parents, your spouse or even your friends will be the best people to tell you whether you suffer from this problem while sleeping.

As soon as you find out you suffer from teeth grinding, you need to see your dentist. You can have a splint fitted, which helps in preventing teeth from grinding. If it is caused by stress you need to attend stress relieving sessions or start doing regular exercise. You can use muscle relaxants but try to avoid getting into medications. There are certain foods which if avoided, can help in reducing teeth grinding. These include:
• Any food containing caffeine, such as chocolate, cola and coffee.
• Alcohol intensifies grinding.
• Avoid chewing on pencils, pens etc.
• Before going to sleep you can use a warm wash cloth on your face. This will relax your jaws.

As far as kids are concerned, nearly 15% to 35% grind their teeth and mostly during the time when their baby teeth are coming out or when their permanent teeth are developing. Why do they grind their teeth? The reasons are mostly the same as that for adults.

Be cautious and vigilant about your condition. Early treatment can help avoid a lot of problems. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the team at Richardson Dental Surgery on 6862 1261.