POPULATION HEALTH & WELLBEING NEWSLETTER
Community update #7
August 2020
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The recent news of Stage 3 restrictions for regional Victoria is tough for many of us. We all felt like we could see the light at the end of the tunnel and now, unfortunately, it feels like we have taken a step backwards. Make sure you are aware of what restrictions are currently in place in your area. You can view this update which details restrictions in both Metropolitan and Regional Victoria.
During this time it's important to look out for everyone in our community. We will all get through these tough times, but only if we stick together and follow the rules.
It's important to remember that if everyone does the right thing now and leaves home only when necessary, the quicker we can ease restrictions and be out and about doing all the things we love.
While you are at home during this time, make sure you look after your own health and check in with your family and friends.
Stay Home. Stay Safe :)
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FACE COVERINGS
It has now become mandatory for all persons aged 12 years or over to wear a face covering when leaving your own home, unless you have a lawful reason not too. This reason may be a physical or mental illness which would prevent you from wearing one or when undertaking strenuous exercise such as running. To view a detailed list of those who may be exempt from wearing a face covering head to the Victorian DHHS website.
It is recommended to wear a face mask, however this may not always be possible and therefore other face coverings such as scarves and bandannas are appropriate. For a face mask to be correctly worn, it must fit securely over your nose and mouth and be secured by ties around the ears or back of head. Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton demonstrates how to safely wear a face covering in this video.
If you are wearing a reusable cloth mask, it needs to be washed daily or changed earlier if it is visibly dirty. Failing to do this may mean it is not protecting you or may become contaminated.
Reusable face masks are available to purchase from a variety of chemists and local shops or the DHHS website has a pattern - if you're handy with a sewing machine!
We understand that having to wear a face covering is new to everyone and it will take some time to get used to. However if being inconvenienced a little bit means we are protecting Victorians from COVID-19, then we're happy to do it!
Some great resources to check out, which may help during this time are:
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VULNERABLE VICTORIANS
The Victorian Government is distributing reusable face masks to agencies and organisations that deliver services and support vulnerable Victorians. Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) has been allocated a supply and upon receiving them, these are available to our vulnerable community members. To see if you or someone you know qualifies, visit the DHHS website.
If you are eligible please contact Daylesford Community Health Reception on (03) 5321 6550 to discuss and arrange pick-up.
We understand that some of our most vulnerable community members may be unaware of this service, so we are asking our whole community to pass this information on to those who it may benefit.
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DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE
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Even during COVID-19 restrictions if you’re escaping harm from family violence you are able to leave your home – support is available. Regardless of the restrictions in your area, you will not be fined if you are leaving home to escape family violence.
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If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000
If safe to do so call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can support you to understand your family violence risks, explore safety options and make appropriate and timely referrals to services that exist to meet your specific and individual needs.
There is NEVER an excuse for family violence. If you are worried about your behaviour, help is available during this time. For more information call the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit the No To Violence website.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATE
Despite the difficult time that we are facing, our Community Health services are still open and accessible. We understand that some clients may not feel safe visiting our clinics, so we are offering TeleHealth services - which you can find out more below. If you do attend one of our Community Health locations you will be required to wear a face mask, have a temperature check and answer a few questions. If you are feeling unwell or awaiting a COVID-19 test result, we ask that you reschedule your appointment or change to Telehealth.
Now, more than ever, it is important to look after your health and wellbeing. Be sure to keep attending your appointments, where practicable, to help you stay on top of any health issues you may have.
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TELEHEATH
Given the current circumstances, Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) is expanding it's use of TeleHealth with our clients. This technology allows clients to still attend an appointment, but at a location that is more convenient to them, whilst ensuring the safety of both the client and the clinician. As everyone is trying to spend more time at home and interact with less people, this is another way we have adapted to continue to provide safe and effective services to our community.
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At CHRH we are prioritising the use of Telehealth with our clients. To request this service or find out more please contact your clinician or the appropriate reception to discuss:
Clunes Community Health - (03) 5345 9750
Creswick Community Health - (03) 5345 9100
Daylesford Community Health - (03) 5321 6550
Trentham Community Health - (03) 5421 7200
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What is it?
TeleHealth is as simple as a phone call, but with the added benefit of using video to be able to see your clinician. During the last few months you may have participated in a Facetime or video call with your loved ones. Telehealth is essentially the same process, but utilising a safe and secure platform that ensures privacy and confidentiality.
How do I use it?
To use TeleHeatlh services you need a device with a camera and microphone that has access to Google Chrome v.72, Firefox v68 or Safari 12 and a good internet connection (hint: if you can watch a YouTube video, then your internet is good enough). Your clinician will then provide you with a link to click on at your required appointment time. You can access more information about using Telehealth here.
Things to remember:
- Ensure you are in a well lit, private room and try not to sit with bright light behind you (Eg. face the window instead).
- Click on the provided link and be ready for your appointment 10 minutes prior, to ensure you can sort out any issues if necessary.
- Have a list of questions or topics you would like to discuss, as well as all relevant documents, prescriptions, medications and anything else that may be necessary
- If there is someone else in the room, bring them in to the view of your camera and introduce them. Your clinician will do the same to ensure client confidentiality.
- Participate in your appointment with your clinician as you would in person and be sure of any next steps.
- For more information on what to remember during a consult, click here.
If you need assistance with TeleHealth Services please make contact with your clinician who will direct you to the relevant support.
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SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER TO REDUCE THE STIGMA OF COVID-19 TESTING
As we enter the winter months, many of us may be experiencing common head colds and viruses that have many of the same symptoms as COVID-19. Previous to the COVID-19 pandemic, having a few days rest allowed us to return to everyday life. However within our current landscape we are encouraged to attend COVID-19 testing clinics if we are displaying any symptoms that relate to that of the COVID-19 virus.
Attending a testing clinic is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
It shows that you care about your own health, and that of your family, friends and the wider community.
A large majority of people who test positive for COVID-19 follow the advice from the Department of Health and Human Services, isolate in their own homes until they are no longer infectious, and can then return to obeying the same restrictions that are in place for our community and state. Once these people have been told they are no longer infectious and there is no need to self-isolate, there is no risk of community transmission of the disease from these people.
By encouraging one another to get tested when displaying symptoms, and supporting those who test positive throughout the recovery process, we are doing our bit to ‘stop the spread’.
CHRH is operating two testing clinics. To receive the test for COVID-19 please call ahead and speak to one of our staff members on:
Daylesford - (03) 5321 6654
Kyneton - (03) 5422 9900
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COVID-19 COMMUNITY SURVEY
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The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted us all in many ways. As a result Central Highlands Rural Health is conducting a survey to learn more about how the impacts of COVID-19 are affecting the wellbeing of people across our community. Knowing more about this will help as we seek to find positive ways to continue to support people now and into the future.
We want to say a big THANK YOU to the 300+ community members who have already completed this survey and ask that you pass it on to your family and friends in the community. If you haven't yet completed and are aged 18 years and over we would really appreciate you taking the time to complete this survey by August 15.
The Courier in Ballarat did a recent write-up about our survey and the themes that have emerged so far. You can check it out here.
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RESOURCES FOR PARENTS:
With many children returning home for remote learning, there may be parents out there who are struggling to find activities to keep them entertained. Below are a couple resources which you might find beneficial:
Cosmic Kids Yoga - Online yoga and mindfulness platform for children.
Videos are fun, interactive and are tailored for children. Video duration ranges from 5 to 20 minutes. These can be accessed for free on the website or YouTube channel.
The Cosmic Kids website has school lesson plans and resources to purchase. There is a sample one that can be downloaded for free.
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The Resilience Project - Through presentations, school curriculum, the mobile app, and wellbeing journals, The Resilience Project shares easy and practical ways to practice and benefit from activities that explore Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness.
In a way to connect with their audience, The Resilience Project uses humour, vulnerability and emotionally engaging stories.
The website has a range of activities that focus on Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness which can be done at home with children of all ages. This can be found under the ‘TRP@HOME’ tab on the website.
The Resilience Project has an abundance of resources for people of all ages, helping them to develop and build resilience - which is exactly what we need during this time!
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PUBERTY EDUCATION
Did you know that CHRH delivers a Puberty Education program to grade 5 and 6 students across the region?
Entering puberty can be a difficult time for some young people to navigate the physical and emotional changes. The Puberty Education program provides important health information to students and builds a shared understanding of the changes associated with puberty. The program has been developed in accordance with the Victorian Curriculum and Respectful Relationship Program and includes evidence-based information and resources, many sourced from Family Planning Victoria.
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The program has received positive feedback from both students and teachers and we look forward to re-commencing later in the year when schools return to face-to-face learning.
If you would like further information about the program or to express interest in your local school participating, please email pophealth@hhs.vic.gov.au.
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GOOD GRUB CLUB
The Good Grub Club (GGC) in Daylesford has been operating for 8 years serving hot meals on site weekly to approximately 30 people.
Due to COVID-19, from March this year the ability to serve a hot meal face-to-face was no longer possible. The GGC adapted the way they offered their service within the community and began preparing and delivering hamper boxes to those in need or in isolation within the community. To date, hampers are providing food to approximately 350 people per week.
This initiative is made possible by the 24 motivated and passionate community people who volunteer their time to the service. These individuals are packing hampers, driving and delivering the hampers, cooking meals, cleaning, and coordinating the service.
Due to Stage 3 restrictions and increased knowledge and awareness of the GGC, the demand for the service from the community is growing. Due to this, the GGC is seeking volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering please phone 0475430326 or visit us at the Uniting Church Hall at 66 Central Springs Rd, Daylesford, Monday to Thursday.
You can check out this video which shows the GGC in action and a little of what they do.
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Photo: Coordinators Natasha Hall and Andrew Matthews at the Good Grub Club in Daylesford.
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Women’s Health Week is a yearly campaign run by the Jean Hailes Foundation which aims to improve women’s health and empower women to make healthier choices.
This year the campaign runs from September 7-11 and the Population Health team at Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) will again be taking part.
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The Population Health team will be implementing a local public awareness campaign, which will promote to women the importance of taking time for oneself and looking after their own health and wellbeing. We hope to share a series of photos of what the women in our community do to look after their health and practice self-care as well as share resources and services that are available locally. If you have an image that you think we could share, email it through to us at pophealth@hhs.vic.gov.au. We want to promote to our community the importance of looking after yourself.
The disruption that COVID-19 has brought to our lives has placed many of us under considerable stress and may have meant that you neglected your own health and wellbeing in order to support your family and friends. This Women’s Health Week we encourage all women to set aside some time – it may be just five minutes or an hour, whatever you can spare; to do something for YOU! This might be enjoying a cup of tea in the sunshine, reading a book, listening to a podcast, taking a long bubble bath or heading out for a walk in the sunshine.
We are hoping to bring you some interviews with guest speakers as well as a couple yoga/meditation sessions that you can utilise at any time. These will be recorded and shared via our website and social media – stay tuned!
If you or anyone you know would like to be involved in promoting Women’s Health Week please make contact with the Population Health team via email at pophealth@hhs.vic.gov.au.
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MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES
Heading back into Stage 3 lockdown is tough for everyone and many of us will struggle at some point or another. The most important thing to remember is that there are people and support services out there that you can reach out to.
It's vital we check in on our friends, family, colleagues, neighbors and all those we think might need some extra help during this time. It can be as simple as a message or a phone call, which might bring a smile to someone's face.
If you are struggling and don't feel comfortable talking to your loved ones, there are plenty of online support services that you can access. Beyond Blue and Black Dog Institute are two main services and have plenty of information available on their websites.
If you feel that you need more support than just online or would like to speak with a professional in person, please visit your GP. Your GP can discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan with you, allowing you 10 free visits with a Psychologist or can refer you on to the right person.
If you have already utilised your 10 free sessions, you may be eligible for an additional 10 sessions, subsidised under Medicare, if you are impacted by the second wave of COVID-19. To find out more about this speak with your GP or Mental Health clinician.
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And remember if you are in an emergency or require crisis support please contact 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you feel uncomfortable talking with someone, you can text Lifeline on
0477 13 11 14 between 6pm - midnight for support.
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THE SHED WIRELESS
The Shed Wireless is back for Season 2!
This weekly podcast discusses all things Men's Shed related as well as looking after your mental and physical health. With new guest speakers each week, from all aspects of life, you don't need to attend a Men's Shed to enjoy the conversation.
You can check out the podcasts here.
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DENTAL HEALTH WEEK
Last week (August 3-9) we celebrated Dental Health Week. The theme of the week was "How much sugar is hiding in your trolley?" The main focus of the week was to help Australians 'get sugar savvy' by being aware of sugar (and the many names it has) and how much of it is contained in many of the food and drink products that we all know and love.
As well as being careful to not consume too much sugar, it's important to remember these key steps to good oral health:
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MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH UPDATE
Due to Victoria entering into a State of Disaster from 6pm on 2 August until Sunday 13 September, Hepburn Shire MCH Service, will be offering telephone consultations to all clients followed by a short face to face consultation to all families to complete physical and developmental assessments until further notice. Central Highland Rural Health (CHRH) has decided to close the Trentham MCH Centre as it shares the waiting area with the medical practice and the building with an Age Care Facility. Trentham clients will be offered a short face to face consultation in Daylesford after their phone consultation and families with babies between 0-8 weeks will receive visits in their homes.
We will be following the CHO/Commonwealth advice, all nurses will now be wearing a surgical mask, face shield, gloves and a gown when face to face with clients. We ask that only one adult and the child/baby being assessed is brought to the consultation. To ensure the continued safety of our community we request that families only attend their appointment with the MCH nurse if well, have not been in close contact with positive Coronavirus case and do not have a fever or cough.
CHRH have introduced a policy that all clients attending appointments within CHRH facilities will undergo a temperature check upon arrival and requested to put on a surgical mask (which will be provided). If you choose not to wear the surgical mask and/or your temperature or your child’s temperature is above 37.5 you will need to go home and the MCH nurse will contact, you to offer you another appointment.
Please remember to bring the Green Book, 2 bunny rugs, a clean nappy and a nappy sac with you to your appointment.
Our team would like to give a huge thank you to all our wonderful families for being so understanding in these unusual times we find ourselves in.To make an appointment contact our central booking on 53216500. Our team will take your contact details and a MCH nurse will contact you to arrange your appointment.
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The Population Health team endeavours to keep you updated with everything health and wellbeing within our community. If you would like to stay updated with a range of services across the organisation, please check out our Central Highlands Rural Health Community newsletter.
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CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI MUFFINS
As we all spend more and more time at home, it can be easy to constantly snack and find ourselves having a sweet biscuit a little too often. This delicious recipe will satisfy that craving, as well as provide a little extra vege into your day. You'll want to eat these all at once but remember to enjoy everything in moderation!
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Ingredients
Serves: 18
- spray olive or canola oil spray
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda (bicarbonate)
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup wholemeal plain flour
- 3 eggs
- 200 mL reduced-fat plain yoghurt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbs canola oil
- 1 cup zucchini, grated
- 1/2 cup sultanas
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Method
- Preheat oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan forced). Spray muffin tins with oil.
- Place sugar in a large bowl and break up any lumps. Sift in cocoa, baking powder, bicarb and flours, returning husks from the sieve to the bowl.
- Lightly beat eggs in a cup with a fork then add to flour mix with yoghurt, vanilla and oil. Stir to combine (mix will still be quite dry), then mix in zucchini and sultanas.
- Spoon mixture into prepared muffin tins (makes 18) and bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer poked into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in tin for 5 minutes then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Variations
- Try other dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
- Add 2 tbs chopped nuts or seeds.
Serving Suggestion:
- There will be little green flecks in the muffins. If this is a problem you can peel the zucchini.
- Once completely cooled, place in an airtight container and keep for up to 3 days.
- Freeze muffins in snap lock bags and keep for up to 3 months.
Check out this and may other delicious recipes at LiveLighter.
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Remember to drink water regularly (approximately 6-8 glasses a day) to stay healthy and hydrated and try to eat a variety of 5 portions of vegetables and 2 of fruit each day.
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RESPIRATORY TESTING CLINICS
Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) continues to operate two COVID-19 respiratory testing clinics at our Daylesford and Kyneton campuses.
To receive the test for COVID-19 please call ahead and speak to one of our staff members on:
Daylesford - (03) 5321 6654
Kyneton - (03) 5422 9900
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, no matter how mild, you should seek advice and get tested.
- Fever
- Chills or sweats
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Runny nose
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.
To get further advice, contact the 24-hour coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
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