May / June 2022
Anxiety in
High Achievers
Develop YourSelf-care
PLAN
Lifting
MOOD with
Movement
Running in
Pregnancy part 1
THE POWER OF WORDS • WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY • STARTING BABY ON SOLIDS • RESISTANCE TRAINING BENEFITS DISCLAIMER GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 1
ontents MINDSET
08
ANXIETY IN HIGH ACHIEVERS
Learning how to release yourself from the shackles of anxiety Dr Jenny Brockis
12
RESETTING MY THERMOSTAT FOR STRESS Finding easy self-care strategies to reduce stress Dr Suzanne Henwood
16
CONFRONTING WHAT IS
Experiencing a fun activity to help you be more empowered Terry Sidford
RELATIONSHIPS
20
THE POWER OF WORDS
What words would you want say if you knew that they had power?
08
Dr Matthew Anderson
ANXIETY IN HIGH ACHIEVERS Dr Jenny Brockis
23
DEVELOP YOUR SELFCARE PLAN
Including a powerful tool to assist you in developing your own plan Mellita Bate
2 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
GREAT HEALTH
38
BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING PART 1
Carrick Dalton & Margarita Gurevich
28
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY: AM I SUITABLE?
Hear about the four ideas to help you decide if this is for you Dr Kenneth Wong
31
YOUR WELLBEING & CARING FOR OTHERS
Your wellbeing is a priority to ensure you stay strong & healthy Lyndal Hughes
FITNESS
35
LIFTING MOOD WITH MOVEMENT
Discover how movement produces natural mood enhancers Jane Kilkenny
38
BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING PART 1 Learn how increased strength, bone density & less abdominal fat will benefit you Carrick Dalton & Margarita Gurevich
41
RUNNING DURING PREGNANCY PART 1
Discover how exercise is generally good for the growing baby’s health Yvonne McKenny
KIDS MATTERS
46
STARTING SOLIDS FOR BABIES
Understand this very important information for your babies diet
26
BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING PART 1
Carrick Dalton & Margarita Gurevich
Nicola Jaffrey
50
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO HOSPITAL?
Be empowered with a detailed list of conditions to bring you certainty Assoc Prof Dr Sandy Hopper
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 3
Team
GHG
FOUNDER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kathryn Dodd
DEPUTY EDITORS Dr Helen J. Dodd Dr William A. Dodd LEAD DESIGNER Oleksandra Zuieva DESIGNERS Belhamra Mehdi, Belinda Nelson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr Matthew Anderson, Mellita Bate, Dr Jenny Brockis, Carrick Dalton, Margarita Gurevich, Dr Suzanne Henwood, Assoc Prof Dr Sandy Hopper, Lyndal Hughes, Nicola Jaffrey, Jane Kilkenny, Yvonne McKenny, Terry Sidford, Dr Kenneth Wong.
CONNECT WITH US:
SUBSCRIBE: W: www.GreatHealthGuide.com.au P: +61 (0)7 3394 8263 E: CustomerCare@ GreatHealthGuide.com.au
During COVID lockdown, we have been living in an artificial environment that has changed many of our normal routines. It has created new habits that have slowed down our usual activity so now is the time to get moving again. Movement and exercise are the main themes in the articles written for this issue Great Health GuideTM. Exercise can be rapid or slow and both speeds produce neuro-transmitters such as endorphins and dopamine that affect our energy levels as well as increasing oxygen to the brain. Thus, movement, exercise, walking, running and sport, can deliver a change in the person’s life. It can decrease anxiety, reduce the level of stress and improve your mood and outlook on life. It can improve the body function, with stronger muscles and stronger bones to cope with normal everyday life. Here is a list of articles that cover all of these areas:
Anxiety in High Achievers Develop Your Self-care Plan Lifting Mood with Movement Running in Pregnancy Part 1 Your Wellbeing & Caring for Others Resetting Your Thermostat for Stress Benefits of Resistance Training Part 1 While reading these articles you will move into an even stronger and improved lifestyle, which will take both planning and discipline. Each one of us can choose what we want to achieve, where we want to be in the future and how we want to live. The time to decide is now. Here’s to good health and a bright and happier future.
Kathryn x
© Antalya Developments Pty Ltd 2022 Any information made available in the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats), or from Antalya Developments Pty Limited or Kathryn Dodd, including by way of third party authored articles or discussions, is made available for readers’ interest only. The purpose of making the information available is to stimulate research, public discussion and debate. Readers are encouraged to undertake their own research and consult with professional advisors to form their own independent views about the topic/s discussed. The information made available in the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats) is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers should seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions regarding a potential or actual medical condition or the proposed use or decision not to use any particular product. Readers should not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it at any time, including because of the content of any information made available in the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats). Each of Antalya Developments Pty Ltd and Kathryn Dodd do not warrant, guarantee or make any representation regarding the accuracy, veracity, adequacy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of any information available on, or arising in relation to, the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats). Neither Antalya Developments Pty Limited nor Kathryn Dodd endorses the views of any contributing authors to the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats). 4 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
You’re ambitious, highly skilled and focused, but perhaps that breakthrough seems to be just beyond you. What’s preventing you from making progress? Or perhaps you feel you’ve lost that flare you once had. At Being All You Can Be, we believe that greatness is in every person. We specialize in human potential and delight in partnering with our clients to see them move beyond excellence. Kathryn Dodd, Human Potential Consultant
Develop your greatness by receiving insight into your professional thinking style
Meta DynamicsTM mini-profile tool + Profile unpack (30 min consultation)
Valued at $297
FREE DOWNLOAD
Kathryn Dodd provides a solid platform to partner with her clients to discover solutions, build strategic plans which leads to transformational results. With a passion for seeing everyone reach their maximum potential, Kathryn provides an empowering setting for her clients to initiate change and excel. With a well-developed capacity for listening, Kathryn enjoys enriching the growth of her clients while providing insightful and unbiased feedback. She believes that people are creative and resourceful, who can at times benefit from a trusted consultant to offer insight, empowering tools and feedback.
hello@beingallyoucanbe.com.au DISCLAIMER
+61 (0)7 3394 8277
www.beingallyoucanbe.com.au GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 5
Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail. Charles F. Kettering
6 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 7
Anxiety Achievers IN
High
Dr Jenny Brockis
8 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Mindset
IF
someone
called
you
high
functioning, that would be a good thing, wouldn’t it? The
implication being you’re doing fabulously well, achieving your goals and outwardly a hugely successful person. If they would fault you for anything, they might say you work too hard, you’re a bit of an over achiever or that you sometimes overthink things.
distance approach using the following five strategies. 1. Begin with acceptance. Acceptance that this is an issue, gives you permission to tackle it because you no longer have to hide your fear. 2. Develop awareness. This is about understanding who you are, why you think and behave the way
But high functioning can come with a
you do, and how stress impacts your
price, one that is frequently hidden from
thoughts, feelings and actions. It includes
view. It’s called anxiety. That relentless
awareness of what triggers your anxiety
gut-churning, nail-biting chasm of fear
which often stems from fear of rejection,
that others would never imagine is
of being judged or being excluded.
an issue, because you hide it so well.
The aim is not to eliminate or completely
Because let’s be honest, no one wants
suppress our anxiety – it’s not possible.
to be seen as excessively anxious. But
But also because anxiety serves a
the problem with unaddressed chronic
useful purpose. We have what is called
anxiety is that it becomes your normal.
a Goldilocks brain, too little anxiety is
Which is why recognising you’re dealing
boring, while too much can be paralysing.
with too much anxiety is the first step to
It’s about working out how much anxiety
unshackling yourself and reclaiming a
your system can handle effectively.
sense of inner peace and calm. Relax. Why don’t we?
Chronic
high
anxiety
means
your
brain is left switched on to constant
You may be the last person to recognise
hypervigilance against potential danger
you have a problem. Sometimes it is a
and hyper reactivity. This is where
close friend or colleague who shares they
checking in regularly to ask, ‘How am I
are worried that you’re always on edge,
going?’ is vital to learning how much, is
tense, unable to switch off or distracted.
enough.
Short-term solutions like going away for a long weekend or booking a massage
3. Commit to the process.
are not enough. It requires a long-
How badly do you want things to be
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 9
Mindset
different? Do you know WHY this is so
•
Play your favourite music,
important to you? Commitment to the
something that makes you feel
cause is the only way to embed new ways
good and helps you to appreciate
of thinking and responding to stress, and
what you have in your life.
it can be tough to do it on your own. Do you have a support crew – those 2 or 3
•
Anything. Just make it for you, no one
people who know and ’get’ you, to keep you on track and support you all the way?
else. •
4. Persevere.
Do something for someone else. This distracts you from your anxiety and helps the other person too.
Choose to implement several small lifestyle changes to help you bring about
Do something for yourself that is fun.
•
Give yourself permission to know you
the social proof you need to know ‘this is
are enough to let go of perfectionism,
working!’
imposterdom or other limiting self-
•
beliefs.
Get outside every day for 20-minutes in a green space to lower stress levels and reduce your anxiety.
10 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
•
Have a laugh or do something that makes you smile. SUBSCRIBE
Mindset 5. Celebrate all wins great and small. Our negativity bias draws us to focus on what goes wrong. It’s time to notice when things are going right, to show appreciation and gratitude for what you have and to celebrate. Studies have shown we feel more rewarded by small steps of progress compared to reaching
Editor ,s Choice THRIVING MIND- HOW TO CULTIVATE A GOOD LIFE
our ultimate big goal.
By Dr Jenny Brockis.
elevate your performance, stimulate your
Best-selling author Dr. Jenny Brockis draws on over thirty years’ experience as a medical practitioner & board-certified lifestyle medicine physician. It covers common issues such as:
creativity, and provide you the courage to
•
Loneliness, stress, relationship breakdowns
•
Loss of social connection & mental health issues.
Anxiety is a normal part of life when kept in the healthy zone. Used wisely it can
try out new and exciting things. Managing your anxiety may always be a work in progress, but like our other neural habits, the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Dr
Jenny
practitioner, medicine
Brockis
a
medical
board-certified
lifestyle
physician,
is
speaker
and
author. Jenny’s approach to overcoming life’s challenges is based on practical neuroscience which enables people to understand their thoughts and actions
Readers learn how to: •
Achieve happiness by engaging emotions & mindfulness
•
Harness your biology for better energy, resilience & mood
•
Enrich your relationships with compassion, respect & courage
•
Allows you to take full control of your life.
Thriving Mind empowers readers with the tools & strategies to reclaim humanity & happiness.
RRP AU$27.95 Paperback
leading to effective behavioural change. Jenny’s latest book Thriving Mind – How
BUY NOW
to Cultivate a Good Life (Wiley) is now available via her website. DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 11
Reset Stress Your
Thermostat For
Dr Suzanne Henwood
12 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Mindset
H
ave you ever heard the story
We adjust our set point, or thermostat
about ‘change’ that involves
for stress and we accommodate what is
boiling frogs? Allegedly, if you
going on in life – so the new level of stress
place a frog in cold water and heat it up
becomes our new norm. In fact, I know
slowly, the frog stays in the pan and dies.
people who would say they don’t know
Whereas, if you place a frog in boiling
(or remember) what peace, calm and safe
water, it jumps out to save itself. I wonder
feels like. Their nervous systems have
if we are in any way like frogs.
become so used to holding stress, that they may not even be aware that they are stressed. We work to find some comfort
If your stress set point has risen over time, it may benefit from being reset.
or ‘soothing’ in any way that we can, e.g., overeating, shopping, being busy all the time, alcohol, drugs, excessive exercise. We may inadvertently become stuck in a cycle of stress, and we can’t find a way out. Here are some signs that this may apply to you: •
You find it hard to be quiet and still and do nothing.
•
You are constantly feeling ‘on edge’.
•
You
struggle
to
focus
and
concentrate. •
You are drained and exhausted on a daily basis.
•
You are ‘jumpy’, reacting to things that may have been minor.
•
Your head is constantly looking for what can go wrong.
How often do we find ourselves in ‘hot
•
You have recurrent infections.
water’ and adapt our behaviours, and
•
You may have high blood pressure,
our thoughts, to accommodate whatever
a
is going on around us, to find a way to
shortness of breath.
survive in it? DISCLAIMER
•
fast
heartbeat,
maybe
even
You don’t remember the last time GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 13
Mindset
you laughed or felt joyful.
your body and assess where you are. You
•
may even like to give yourself a score
Living life feels like a huge effort.
While this is not an exhaustive list, if you have resonated with several points here, there is a chance your stress set point has risen over time and may benefit from being reset. Being aware is the first key step to making change and to taking action to get unstuck and to reduce your stress response, not only in the moment, but as your core way of being. Here are three key steps to shifting your set point: 1. Be aware.
and have a score beyond which you will always agree to yourself to act. A little bit of stress is not necessarily harmful, but beyond a certain level, it may take a toll on your health and wellbeing. 2. Take action. •
If your score is high – take action.
•
If your score is low – keep doing what you are doing to keep it low.
Commit to acting in the moment to reduce any recognised stress in your body. And on good days, keep doing your practices,
Check in with yourself and how your
to encourage your stress levels not to rise
body is feeling, at least daily. Feel into
into unresourceful levels.
14 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Mindset There are many easy self-care strategies
•
Floating in a pool or in the sea, or in
you can use to reduce stress: some simple ones include. •
•
3. Work to reduce your stress point
Having a physiological sigh. Andrew
One of the most effective ways of
way we can use sighing to reduce
reducing your stress point over time and
stress. A double in breath and
to rewire your brain to be more positive is
sighing out breath, for two or three
having a Gratitude Practice. List what you
cycles will reduce acute stressing in
are grateful for but using a process that
the body.
enables you to feel gratitude throughout
Use a breathing pattern that reduces seconds and exhale for 7 seconds. Do this for a few minutes regularly throughout the day, not just when you feel stressed.
your
body.
The
Ultimate
Gratitude
Journal is a great example of this. It gently changes your focus on to what is going well in life, creating deep neurological changes that can be sustained over time. Daily health and wellbeing routines such
Taking mindful walks in nature – being aware of the sensations of warmth, breeze and movement etc, while noticing the details of colour, shape and form around you.
•
over time.
Huberman describes the powerful
cortisol. For example, inhale for 4
•
a floatation tank.
Shaking off the stressed feeling from
as, good sleep, healthy diet, exercise and social connections are vital. It is important to feel and assess your stress levels and to take action to ensure you do not find yourself sitting in boiling water that you cannot get out of.
your body by shaking your arms and
Where is your stress set point? Is it time to
legs and moving your body – you
take action to change it?
can do this to music if you like. Feel free to make a noise as you shake •
• •
out any stress and tension.
Dr Suzanne Henwood is the Director
Listen to a guided meditation
and
specifically
mBraining4Success. She is also the CEO
designed
for
stress
Lead
Coach
and
Trainer
of
reduction.
of The Healthy Workplace and a Master
Rocking on a swing, or as you are
Trainer and Master Coach of mBIT
sitting.
(Multiple Brain Integration Techniques)
Humming a tune.
and can be contacted via her website.
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 15
Confronting What Is Terry Sidford
Mindset
L
ife can create many unpredictable
you experience discomfort, the more you
and uncomfortable challenges,
can experience joy. The darkest emotions
emotions,
circumstances
and the most exhilarating, are two sides
that we can’t always control. We will all
of the same coin. If you can experience
experience these discomforts. Human
one, you can experience the other.
and
nature is to run away from painful or uncomfortable situations.
Experiencing a variety of conditions and emotions helps us to know who we are and what we are capable of in this life. What we
“You will find peace, not by trying to escape your problems but by confronting them courageously. You will find, not in denial, but in victory.” ~J. Donald Walters. The problem with this instinctive approach is that if you don’t feel or experience things as they are, you may interpret them differently than they are intended. Or they may stay with you until you experience and process them by seeing what they truly are. This will expand your abilities to experience much more in life. The more DISCLAIMER
can’t confront makes life more difficult. Let me give you an example; you find out that one of your closest friends said something demeaning about you to another close friend, resulting in them not talking to you for months. When you hear this information from a third party, you are in disbelief and want to ignore that it is a possibility. You don’t know the truth in this situation because you have not heard it from your friend directly. It eats at you; you start to feel ill and can’t sleep. You are NOT confronting reality. If you pick up the phone and call your close friend to ask her if this happened, it is uncomfortable and scary because it could be true, but this will free you from the pain and discomfort of not knowing. Calling to get the truth is confronting what is.
“The best way out is always through.” ~Robert Frost. GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 17
Mindset Try this fun activity to help you feel more empowered: 1. Take a moment to visualize what it would look like if you could confront what is good or bad. 2. How would this ability set you free? 3. Is not confronting a problem, holding
Editor ,s Choice ONE HUNDRED HEARTS
you back now? 4. Take
a
day
By Terry Sidford.
to
practice
seeing
everything in front of you for what it is and what it isn’t. Keep a journal of what you are learning and the changing of preconceived ideas. 5. Take this new skill and help others do
You’ve probably faced adversity that made you question your ability to go on. But you did go on, and since then:
the same. Remember,
In the everyday lives of women, challenges such as relationships, money, health, and family often keep us from becoming all we imagine. One Hundred Hearts shares the deeply introspective responses to questions answered by one hundred women.
when
you
raise
your
•
How would you define courage?
awareness to the point that you can
•
Was there a defining moment that made you who you are today?
•
What do you want other women to know?
SEE and CONFRONT what is real, good or bad, your life will flow and expand beyond anything you ever imagined. Your anxiety, stress, and fear will start to dissipate. You will begin to trust the process of not being afraid of feeling, seeing, or experiencing anything. You will begin to know you are stronger and more able than you ever knew you could be. Your life will start to expand and grow with greater possibilities.
Terry Sidford has been a certified life
Through their answers, these women and their extraordinary courage come to life. The women you meet in this book display incredible courage and will inspire you to demonstrate courage in your own life on a daily basis.
AU$6.92 (eBook) AU$19.09 (Paperback)
coach in the United States for the past 15 years and has assisted scores of people in
BUY NOW
achieving their dreams. More information is available from Terry’s website. 18 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Rela ionships
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 19
Power Words The
of
Dr Matthew Anderson
20 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Relationships
T
he words, "Sticks and stones may
who lives as if this is not so, is one who
break my bones but words will
has either become soul-deaf or has been
never hurt me." are from the time
tragically convinced that her or his voice
when I was a child and even then, I knew it
and their very existence does not count.
was a lie. I knew that words could hurt and cut me far deeper than sticks and stones. I discovered very quickly that words could make me happy, frightened, sad or incredibly excited. They could give me a reason to live and on more than one occasion, a desire to end it all. I have always known that words have immense power and I have often wondered why so many intelligent people live their lives as if this was not an obvious daily fact. But the truth is many of us live and speak as if our words are throwaway noises that pour from our mouths hundreds of times a day with little meaning, on to our listeners, including ourselves. Somehow, we fail to notice how our utterances lighten or darken a room or a face; how our simple yes and no, bless or burden our loved ones, our co-workers and even the passing stranger. How many of us have waited, hearts aching, for years to hear three small words from a withholding parent? Then suddenly being soul touched when they reached our begging ears. The words, ‘I love you.’ Yes, words matter. Yes, words have power and yes, words can transform lives. Anyone DISCLAIMER
How would you speak if you believed that your words mattered? Therefore, I agree with James Hillman, Jungian analyst and author of the book, A Blue Fire, when he coined the phrase ‘angelology of words’ and made the following statement. ‘A new angelology of words is needed... angel means ‘emissary’ or ‘message bearer’... we need to recall the angel aspect of the word, recognizing words as independent carriers of soul between people...words, like angels, are powers
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 21
Relationships
which have invisible power over us. What
from your mouth with every word? These
a miracle it is to find the right words,
winged messengers of sound that rush
words that carry the soul accurately, where
out to touch and transform every listener.
thought, image and feeling interweave.
What words would you want these
Then we realize that soul can be made on
blessed angels to say when they share
the spot, simply through speech.’
their words with your world?
What then, my friends, would occur if you held each of your verbal expressions as a potential sacred agent of soul-making? What would you say and how would you speak if you believed that your words mattered? Would you speak more of love or forgiveness and joy and meaning? Would you resist the urge to utter words of hate and hurt, gossip and cynicism? Do you understand the immense power of your words?
Dr Matthew Anderson has a Doctor of Ministry specialising in counselling. He has extensive training and experience in Gestalt and Jungian Psychology and has helped many people successfully navigate
relationship
issues.
Dr
Anderson has a best-selling book, ‘The
What if you lived moment to moment
Resurrection of Romance’ and he may
with the awareness that angels burst forth
be contacted via his website.
22 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Develop
Self-care Your
Plan
Mellita Bate
DISCLAIMER 23 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
GREAT HEALTH SUBSCRIBE GUIDE | 23
Relationships
AS
we slowly emerge from
care in their daily lives. In fact less than
isolations,
10% of clients I come across in therapeutic
strictly
lockdowns,
working
from
group work, have ever really considered
home models, and move back to offices,
and planned self-care for themselves.
school schedules, and socialising, it can
It’s something we tend to do intuitively,
take some prioritising and planning to get
which is why, if we don’t leave time for it,
back into a healthy rhythm. Our attention
self-care can fall to the bottom of the ‘to
becomes taken up with the logistics of
do list’ or the ‘priority pile’.
school drop-offs and pick-ups, who can check up on our pets and how will they manage now that we’re not adorning them with love and kindness 24/7? Getting the washing done, meal preparation, homework, the continuing list of things to do, and of course self-care! With all of these activities, is there time for our selfcare? During COVID restrictions, working from home has created small spaces to do these little chores, and in some ways has made focusing time on ourselves and our loved ones, more accessible with limited access to other distractions. Now as we return to a more hybrid model of working from home and the office, our approach to self-care and planning is also in need of some rebalancing. It is a pivotal point that provides us with a unique opportunity to prioritise ourselves whilst achieving our goals and supporting our families and communities. Why do you need a self-care plan? Many people don’t often consider self24 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
When we care for ourselves, we feel better, think better & make better choices.
By developing a self-care plan, we are continually looking after ourselves. When we care for ourselves, we feel better, we think better and we make better choices. We can be the person we want to be, rather than the person who is just holding it all together. SUBSCRIBE
Relationships Where can you start? A self-care plan is as individual as you are. We each have different needs, wants, and ways of reinvigorating ourselves. Here are just some of the ways that might work for you: 1. Exercise - If you are someone who gets a boost from exercise, your selfcare plan might be heavily focused on exercise, fitness classes and other fun activities that include exercise. 2. Socialising - If you feel refreshed from connecting with others, then you might plan to include various ways of connecting with people and community. Whether it is making a ritual to have coffee with a friend or a neighbour, going for a walk with
making intentional time for spiritual
others or in a group, or volunteering –
practice or contemplation are important
these are all great ways to fill your cup
to include.
with activities that energise you.
If we do not give time and space to
3. Nature - For some, connecting with
recharging in ways that sustain and
nature is at the top of their list. Going
energise us, we become depleted and
for a daily walk, eating your lunch
lack energy and resilience.
outside, or making time to be outside on the weekend can ensure you get your nature fix and maintain a healthy balance. 4. Spirituality – If you find that connecting with a larger purpose, making time to contemplate, listen, or give back are ways that you feel energised, then
DISCLAIMER
Putting it all together. A good starting point for developing a self-care plan is considering a holistic view of what you need to revitalise yourself. Knowing the main ways that work for you are key to getting started, and understanding what else will help balance this, will keep the cycle going. GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 25
Relationships Dan Siegel’s 'Healthy Mind Platter' is a good guide. The Interrelate Wellbeing Wheel, depicted here, is another excellent tool to support with your planning. Take a moment to consider each section and ask yourself; How am I looking after myself in this section? For example, physical wellbeing can be broken down into diet, exercise, sleep and relaxation. Mental wellbeing might be relaxation, gratitude exercises and positive self-talk. Spiritual wellbeing might be connecting with nature, communicating with your God, or meditation. How to keep it going. Your first attempt at creating your plan might be very revealing, you could have
When you complete this, you will receive a dopamine boost for nurturing yourself, and you will be on your way to develop a self-care plan to become a happier, and healthier version of you.
included most of these factors into your life already, or you might find that you have been ignoring many of these areas. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to start everything at once. In fact, if you find that you have been lacking in the self-care area, then slowly adding in sections will support a longer-term achievement.
Mellita
Bate
holds
degrees
in
B.A.Soc.Sc. & Master of Counselling &
Psychotherapy.
She
has
worked
for 25 years with couples to improve relationships. More recently Mellita has focused on supporting people through their separation journey as the Regional
What we know is that when you feel
Manager for Interrelate, in Greater
good from self-care, that affirmation
Sydney. Interrelate is a state-wide not for
creates a dopamine release which helps
profit organization that offers education,
in continuing the self-care cycle. If you
counselling, and separation support to
find it difficult to keep going, just focus
individuals and families in person and
on one small goal to improve in one area.
online.
26 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 27
Weigh loss
surgery:
am I suitable? Dr Ken Wong
Great Health
M
any of us have been reflecting
However, without a commitment to
on our health during this Covid
changing diet and exercise, the surgery
pandemic. We became more
will fail.
aware of the importance of our health and that life is very precious and that time is not to be wasted. For many of us, our body weight is something that we have struggled with over many years. We have tried endless diets, exercises, hypnosis and everything else in between. We lose weight sometimes but it always seems to come back on with interest. Weight loss surgery has become very popular in recent times. It is estimated that over 50% of Australians are battling with excess body weight. You may even have met people who have undergone surgery. Is it something that you should consider?
50%% of Australians are battling with excess body weight. 2. Accepting that there are risks of surgery. Everything we do has risks, from crossing the road to having surgery. Surgery for
Surgery may be suitable on the following
weight loss can have a small chance of
grounds.
disastrous complications and cause issues
1. Commitment to lifestyle change. Like anything in the weight loss journey, surgery is not a magic trick or a quick fix. It is definitely not an easy way out. It is however, a very useful tool in your battle to achieve a healthier body weight with all its attendant benefits, improved quality of life, improved mobility and generally to be
such as reflux which can be permanent. However, we need to weigh up the certain risks of doing nothing about excess weight/obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, versus the lower incidence of surgical risks. 3. Satisfying the medical guidelines for weight loss surgery.
the best version of yourself. The research
This is not cosmetic surgery. It is not
is conclusive that there is no stronger tool
suitable for someone who has gained
currently available to achieve and sustain
a few kilograms after a good holiday,
weight loss than surgical intervention.
indulging in too many wines and fine
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 29
Great Health food. In order to make sure that the
there are associated medical conditions
benefits of surgery outweigh the risks,
such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
the person must meet defined criteria in
Generally, surgery is best for people
terms of height and weight. Usually this is
between the ages of 18-70.
measured with a calculation called a body mass index (BMI). The BMI is simply the person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of the body height in meters, that is, expressed kg/m². For example, a person weighing 70kg and is 1.7m tall has a BMI of 24. Weight loss surgery is generally recommended if one’s BMI is greater than 40 or between 35 to 40 if
4. Are you mentally and emotionally ready for surgery. Surgery is a big step to deal with both mentally and emotionally. Many have tried and failed. So, it is important that you have realistic expectations for surgery. It does not transform you overnight. People with various alcohol, drug addictions and psychological eating disorders such as binge eating will not do well from surgery and would not be suitable. Summary. If you believe that you are prepared physically, emotionally and mentally to consider weight loss surgery and meet the defined medical criteria, it is best to talk to a trained professional such as a weight loss surgeon. They can discuss the various types of weight loss surgery that will best suit your individual circumstances.
Dr. Ken Wong is a specialist gastrointestinal and weight loss surgeon based in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia. He works closely with dietitians and psychologists in order to maximise health outcomes for his patients. Dr Wong can be contacted via his website. 30 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Your
Wellbeing &
Caring For
Others
Lyndal Hughes
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 31
Great Health
W
hen you care for others,
with you. It is the foundation that supports
it’s easy to prioritise their
emotions, cognition and the spirit. Start
wellbeing over your own.
by noticing your energy levels. If energy
However, the reality is that you are responsible for you. What you do for your health matters, and it impacts all facets of life, including your physical energy and psychological wellbeing.
is low, think about ways to top it up. The first obvious solution to top up your energy is sleep. Quality sleep is perhaps the most significant need for our energy levels. Studies have
Greater wellbeing creates a positive
shown that sleep allows our bodies to
domino effect in all areas of life, both
repair themselves and creates healthy
personally
brains
and
professionally.
Just
allowing
to
consolidate
process
information.
as leaders invest in their people to
memories
build healthier and better performing
For your long-term wellbeing, you should
organisations, individuals must invest in
sleep between 7 and 8 hours to ensure
their personal wellbeing to perform and
your physical energy is maximised.
be the best version of themselves.
Here’s a clue. If you find that you ‘get a
Making your own wellbeing a priority takes discipline and consistency. But before we get into it, let’s stop and do something simple but effective - take a breath. Quite literally. Sit up straight, breathe in through your nose for a count of 3, then out through your mouth for a count of 6. Remember deep breathing into your abdomen. Do this a few times. You are already improving your wellbeing.
and
us
second wind’ in the evening, then this is your adrenaline kicking-in. Not healthy. Go back to old school ‘bedtimes’ and discipline your routine, to prevent this from happening. 2. Stop, breath and repeat. Let’s face it - life is busy, complex and at times stressful, especially when you are caring for others. To immediately bring down your biochemical responses as we
To help push personal wellbeing to the
discussed and practiced earlier, breathe.
top of your priority list, here are three
This is a form of meditation. Repeat
key areas that are easily actionable and
the exercise we did in the beginning
instantly rewarding.
each time you experience feelings of
1. Focus on physical energy. Energy is how your body communicates 32 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
being overwhelmed, tired or moments of pressure. Prevent the emotion from becoming stress. SUBSCRIBE
Great Health The second method to reduce this
study, prepare for a charity run, start tennis
feeling is to burn it off with movement
lessons. Keep it simple but achievable.
or exercise. The aim here is not to get rid
Challenge yourself to add more happy
of the stress, but to take the edge off it,
and worthwhile moments, even if it feels
so you can stay more positive and get
difficult. Here’s the great part, as your
on with the day. This doesn’t have to be
wellbeing improves you will have a more
high intensity exercise or take up hours in
positive impact on those who you care for
your day. Keep it simple. You can try and
the most.
incorporate movement into your daily life by taking your dog for a walk or playing a friendly game of sport.
Think more about the small things you can do to make more good days.
3. Psychological wellbeing. Lastly, be aware of your psychological wellbeing. This is when we feel good, and we have purpose. Corey Keyes talks about moving from languishing to flourishing. COVID-19, fires and now floods can make feeling good seem a long way away. However, putting things in our lives to help us feel more satisfied and interested is key to reducing the likelihood of mental health issues. Community
is
important.
Become
involved in community events, even if connected to those that you care for. Yes, it will be good for them, but the connection you will get is also vital for you. Add that extra phone call or coffee with a friend. It is easy to drop these in busy times.
Lyndal Hughes is a Q5 Partner and leads the health sector practice in Australia for Q5. This is an organization transformation consultancy that builds organizational health for the working world. She has over 25 years’ experience in implementing effective transformation and leadership strategies for bluechip
companies
and
government
departments in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and USA. Lyndal produces
Then think about something to achieve.
measurable differences in workplace
Mastery
behaviors, well-being, organizational
or
achievement
is
key
to
wellbeing. Take up a musical instrument, DISCLAIMER
culture, and leadership impact. GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 33
34 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Lifting Mood
Movement with
Jane Kilkenny
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 35
Fitness
M
oods and emotions play a huge
with social activity and allows them
part in how we feel every day.
the time and space for some healthy
Some days we feel great, ready
competition and fun. Sport provides
to take on any challenge that comes our
some key life lessons for our teens, such
way. But what do we do on the days when
as improving performance with practice
we feel flat and unmotivated? Knowing
and training, winning and losing with
how to give yourself a dose of positivity
dignity, and the value of teamwork for
gives you back the control needed to
success. All these factors will impact their
improve your outlook and change your
future success, not just on the sporting
perceptions.
field but in life and relationships.
Movement, in any form, produces natural mood enhancers.
Daily challenges need to be met with individual solutions and having the ability to improve mood and emotions is a life changing skill to possess. Teaching our teens to manage their moods and emotions with positive movement will have a major impact on their health. Understanding how your body reacts to stress and the steps you can take to control it, will avoid the quick fixes that we often reach for, including food, alcohol and screen stimulation. How many times
Teenagers have a particularly challenging
do we reach for chocolate, or similar,
time with mood and emotions because
when we are feeling flat and tired? How
multitude of issues arise in their lives.
about watching TV to relax, when really,
School and social pressures add to the
we are just zoning out and snacking?
internal turmoil of hormonal and growth
These options become a negative part of
issues, often exacerbated by some poor
the cycle that exacerbate low mood and
lifestyle choices and reduced sleep. Is
fatigue.
it any wonder we are seeing increasing levels of anxiety in our teenagers!
Movement, in any form, produces natural mood enhancers, (neurochemicals) you
Sport is a fantastic physical and emotional
just need to find what works for you. High
outlet for them, as it combines exercise
intensity exercise will deliver a great dose
36 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Fitness of endorphins and have you buzzing for
Deciding what type of movement that
hours, resulting in high levels of focus
you need on any particular day is purely
and
Lower
a matter of choice. High intensity exercise
intensity activity will also improve mood
will increase heart rate and make you
and reduce stress so it becomes a case of
sweat. Low intensity exercise can include
choosing what you need on any particular
stretching and a focus on breathing. Both
day, and some days you may need both!
will lift your mood and give you the control
improved
concentration.
Understanding that we have an internal ability to control stress and mood, gives you the ultimate power of choice. The
to decide what you need, depending on how you feel. Don’t hesitate, just move your body.
teenage years are the perfect time to learn this. It may take time trying several different options to find what works for you, but the important aspect is, to keep trying.
Jane Kilkenny has over 25 years’ experience in health and fitness. She specialises in exercise for kids and teenagers having trained at the Children’s
Some great high intensity options for
Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine
teenagers
weight
(CHISM) Westmead NSW in 2004. She is
training, mountain biking or hiking. Or
also a High-Performance specialist and a
maybe just grab a few friends and shoot
Level 4 IAAF athletics coach. Jane can be
some hoops or kick a footy. As long as you
contacted via her website.
include
running,
are raising your heart rate and breaking into a sweat you will feel the positive benefits. Some great lower intensity options include walking and Pilates. Walking with a friend is sometimes the best way to reduce stress and relax. For you to get the most out of your exercise, you also need to get good quality sleep, as a lack of sleep will flatten your mood and limit your ability to perform. The two go hand in hand in performance and health for all daily tasks, including study. DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 37
Benefits
Resist ance of
Part 1
Training
Carrick Dalton & Margarita Gurevich
38 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Fitness
P
eople often perceive resistance
a positive impact on your metabolism as
(or
muscle cells have a superior metabolic
strength/weights)
training
as building muscle without truly
rate compared to fat cells.
understanding the plethora of other health benefits associated with this methodology of exercise. Resistance training is not just for people to become ‘muscly’ but can be utilised by people with many conditions and of all ages to improve their quality of life and make noticeable improvements in both their physical and mental health. Sometimes when we think of resistance training, we think of lifting weights, however, resistance training is a broad term used for a number of different training methodologies such as free weights (e.g. dumbbells), resistance bands, and even bodyweight training which is essentially the resistance to gravity. Improved strength is one of the first things that comes to mind when we think of resistance training, and rightly so, for this is such an important component of day to day life and not just for athletes. Increased strength allows us to complete activities of daily living so much easier, whether that be having to lift up your kids or carrying your groceries to the car.
Resistance training can be used by people all ages to improve their quality of life. One of the most conscious areas that people are concerned about gaining weight is their stomach, which is technically called ‘visceral’ fat. This abdominal fat is actually associated with higher rates of diseases which includes type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancers. Evidence has shown that incorporating resistance training
Resistance training has been proven to
into your exercise regime reduces not
improve bone density/strength due to
only the total fat, but in particular this
the weight bearing stresses that it places
abdominal fat that all of us like to lose by
through these body structures. It should
the time summer comes around to get
also be noted that resistance training has
those beach bodies ready.
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 39
Fitness
In summary, the benefits of resistance
and skill base aids in rehabilitation, with
training include:
the prevention of injuries and conditions.
•
Improved strength.
Carrick has previous experience working
•
Improved ability to carry out our usual
with various sporting teams including
activities of daily living (housework,
Melbourne United in the NBL. Carrick
shopping, lifting kids etc).
& Margarita may be contacted via the
•
Improved bone density .
Health Point Physiotherapy website.
•
Reduced
risk
of
developing
osteoporosis or reduced osteoporosis progression if you already have it. •
Reduced abdominal fat and improved body shape.
•
Improved sports performance with reduced risk of injuries.
In the following article, Benefits of Resistance Training Part 2, further benefits
Margarita Gurevich is senior physiotherapist and uses Clinical Pilates, SCENAR
Therapy techniques,
&
other
evidence-based
including
Real
Time
Ultrasound and McKenzie Treatment. Margarita specialises in sports injuries, women’s health (including incontinence) and gastrointestinal issues.
of resistance training will be discussed, including
improved
cardiovascular
health, prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, reduced risk of falls and others. Bear in mind, though, that the type of resistance training you do, needs to be specific to you – your physical health, your health and fitness goals and your sports background. As with any new physical activity it’s important to consult your physiotherapist prior to starting, to make sure that you will be exercising safely and effectively.
As an accredited Exercise Physiologist
Carrick Dalton has a keen passion for the body and its functions. His knowledge 40 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Pregnancy Running in part 1
Yvonne McKenny
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 41
Fitness
E
xercise in pregnancy has many
woman will be different and may have
benefits for both mother and
different needs and limitations.
child. But a question that is
Opinions surrounding running in pregnancy are still being discussed.
asked, Is it safe for the baby? There was once a time where pregnancy was seen as a fragile state, whereby mothers were discouraged from any exertion in fear of health risks to the growing baby, concerns for the mother or risk of early labour. Research over the years, however, has shown time and time again that you can rest assured, that this is NOT the case for most low-risk pregnancies, paving the way for a much more ‘pro-movement’ wave of advice for expectant mothers. In fact, contrary to early beliefs, we are gaining more appreciation for the role that exercise plays in promoting good cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and mental health through pregnancy,
But within reason, there is still plenty of
as well as supporting the healthy
room to consider running in pregnancy
development of the child. Now, you
for some mothers. To decide what advice
may assume that only applies to the low
is best suited to you, there are a few things
impact training commonly associated
to consider first. It is important to note that
with pregnancy, such as Pilates, gentle
there are conditions whereby running
strength training and light cardio, such
in pregnancy is explicitly discouraged. If
as walking.
you are unsure, you should discuss further
Some opinions may be very conservative minded suggesting that no woman should
with
your
obstetrician/gynaecologist
and/or women’s health physiotherapist.
run throughout pregnancy, and some
It’s important to consider all parties,
perhaps overly progressive, encouraging
mother and baby. In Running in Pregnancy
running without consideration of the risks
Part 1, we will discuss considerations on
involved. It is important to realise each
the unborn baby’s health.
42 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Fitness Baby’s health and running in pregnancy:
•
Still working too hard.
The good news is that exercise is generally good for the growing baby’s
•
health. This broadly refers to most gentle, moderate and even some vigorous levels of exertion. When you start to reach the highest levels of exertion, however, there is some added consideration. That is because there is some evidence that the highest end of exertion may cause alterations to your growing bubs heart rate (i.e., foetal bradycardia). How do you know if you are working too hard?
Able to talk but HR >90%HR Max =
Not able to talk but <90%HR Max = Still working too hard.
•
You should be able to talk AND <90% HR Max = Working is fine.
So, the last dot point above, being able to talk and at the same time and having an HR less than 90% of your maximum HR, is a good rule for safe level of exertion. However, no two women are the same, nor are their pregnancies and it’s important to listen to your body and its responses to running should you choose to run during
There are a few ways in which you can
your pregnancy. As your body changes,
monitor exertion, none of which are
you will likely need to slow down, take
entirely fool proof so it is advised that
more rests, drink more fluid. Be kind to
heart rate monitoring and perceived
yourself, your body is already doing so
exertion is the safest way to ensure that
much work. In the next issue of Great
you are exercising within safe parameters.
Health GuideTM Running in Pregnancy Part
1. Parameters to measure for safety are: •
Heart Rate (HR) monitoring that can
2, will discuss benefits to the mothers’ health.
be measured through many wrist or chest worn devices. You can calculate your HR Max by subtracting your age from 220. •
Perceived exertion can be measured through the talk test.
2. What is a safe level of exertion? •
Yvonne McKenny has B. App Sci (Physiotherapy) USYD and APPI Certified Pilates Instructor. She is a musculoskeletal and women’s health physiotherapist and a certified Pilates instructor who works
Can’t talk and HR >90% HR Max =
at Evoker Premium Physiotherapy in
Working too hard.
Sydney’s CBD.
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 43
44 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 45
Starting Solids For
Babies Nicola Jaffrey
46 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Kids Matters
S
tarting solids with your baby can
1. How do I know it’s time to start
be a mixed bag of emotions. A part
solids?
of you will feel excitement, while
another part may also feel nervous and overwhelmed by this milestone and it’s no wonder. There is so much information available about the best way to feed your baby and I know firsthand just how confusing this can become!
The current recommendation in Australia is to start introducing food at around 6 months of age and not before 17 weeks. Although this can seem a little vague, there are also some key signs to look out for and know if your baby is ready to start solids. At around this six-month mark, you will
Find a method of feeding that works well for both you & your baby.
notice your baby will start to show the following signs that they are ready for food: •
They can sit up well with support.
•
They have good head and neck control.
•
They are interested in others eating, watching, reaching for food and opening their mouth.
•
They have lost the extrusion reflex (where they push everything out with their tongue).
Once your baby is showing these signs (even if it is a little earlier than six months), you can start to introduce solid food. 2. What foods do I introduce first? There is actually no particular order that
So, let’s break it down and start right
you need to introduce foods to your baby.
from the beginning with some need-to-
It is really important that foods containing
know information that is simple to follow
iron are introduced as some of your
and will get you started on the wonderful
baby’s first foods. Some of these include
journey that is feeding your kids.
iron-fortified cereals, meat and fish, tofu
DISCLAIMER
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 47
Kids Matters
and legumes. As long as iron-rich foods
to lumpy and then to finger foods which
are included, foods can be introduced
are introduced at around seven to eight
in any order and at a rate that suits your
months of age.
baby.
Another feeding approach called 'baby
Even the common allergenic foods
led weaning' has grown in popularity over
including eggs, seafood and peanuts
the last few years, as more research has
(peanut butter instead of whole nuts due
been done proving its efficacy and safety
to the choking hazard) can be introduced
when starting solids. In baby led weaning,
as early as six months when your baby
the traditional approach is skipped
starts solids.
altogether and babies feed themselves
3. Do I need to start with pureed food? The traditional approach to introducing
texture appropriate finger foods from the time they are ready to commence solids.
food involves spoon feeding your baby
In this style of feeding where babies are
pureed food when they are ready to
encouraged to self-feed from the very
commence solids. The texture of the food
beginning there can be some advantages.
progresses quickly from puree to mash
These include:
48 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Kids Matters
• • •
Stimulating your baby with new
Although the name 'Baby Led Weaning'
textures, shapes and tastes.
suggests that this is a better method to
Helping to develop fine motor skills
be able to do this, it is absolutely possible
and dexterity.
to follow your baby's lead with spoon
Encouraging your baby to eat family
feeding as well. It's important to find a
foods sooner.
method of feeding that works well for both you and your baby.
4. How do I avoid my baby choking?
So relax, get creative and enjoy the
Some of the biggest concerns from
wonderful milestone that is starting solids
parents with starting solids (in particular
with your baby! Please keep in mind
with baby led weaning) are around safety
that the advice provided in this article is
and choking. There are some precautions
general in nature and you should consult
that will help to minimise the risk to your
your GP if you have any concerns about
baby including:
your baby and starting solids.
•
Waiting until around six months of age when your baby is showing the signs of readiness.
•
Always testing the texture of any finger food to make sure it is soft and squishy.
•
Avoiding
choking
hazards
like
small, round food that could block the airway such as hard fruit and vegetables, nuts and soft bread as it can form a ball in the mouth. •
Always supervising your baby when he or she is eating.
Nicola
Jaffrey
is
an
Accredited
Practising Dietitian and the owner of kids nutrition business, Grub for Kids. With over seven years of experience as a dietitian and three young kids of her
when
own, Nicola aims to educate, inspire
starting solids is that feeding and eating
and reduce the stress of parents when
is led by the baby. It is important to watch
it comes to feeding their kids. You can
carefully for their cues to ensure that they
find out more info about Grub for Kids
have autonomy with food from day one.
on the website.
The
most
DISCLAIMER
important
concept
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 49
When Should I
Take My Child
To Hospital?
Associate Professor Dr Sandy Hopper
50 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE
Kids Matters
I
still remember the fear in her eyes
in hospital the little girl was back to her
when she retold the story. We were
normal self.
sitting around the BBQ enjoying a few
drinks, when Lisa, my friend’s new partner, told us a horrific story that happened to her the week before. She woke at 6am as usual. The house was quiet, so she did some yoga then
I glanced across at Ada, who was happily playing with her cousins in the backyard. This was an unusual case, but it was Lisa’s and Craig’s action based on their gut instinct that led to a good out come.
made herself a coffee. When she didn’t hear Ada, her 14-month-old daughter, stirring she went to her bedroom to find her still fast asleep. As she picked her up, she noticed Ada was strangely subdued. Her eyes were open, but she didn’t seem to recognise Lisa. Lisa thought she was probably still sleepy so went through her usual morning routine with Ada on her hip. But after 20 minutes, there was no change. Ada was still spaced out, but didn’t have a fever, her colour was normal, and she was breathing well - she just wasn’t her usual bright and bubbly self. Lisa and her partner debated taking Ada to hospital, thinking about the long drive and even longer wait times. But they followed their gut instinct and took their daughter to hospital where the triage nurse discovered Ada’s blood sugar level was dangerously low.
Your gut instinct is usually right as you know your child the best. It is something that has happened to
an
most of us as parents: your child has a
uncommon metabolic problem, which
bad tummy ache, a bump to the head,
caused her sugar to drop with fasting.
fever or strange rash. Is it serious? Can it
The good news was that after a few days
wait? Where can I go? Who should I see?
She
was
DISCLAIMER
later
diagnosed
with
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 51
I get asked this so many times I developed
breathing troubles, voice changes,
a general guide for when you need to
mouth swelling or drowsiness.
take your child to hospital: but always remember, your gut instinct is usually right as you know your child best. And this is just a guide, it does not cover every situation.
7. Seizure. Go to hospital or see a doctor quickly in these situations listed below: 1. Breathing fast, but alert and good
Definitely call an ambulance in the following situations listed below:
colour. 2. Fever in a baby under three months
1. Struggling to breathe and is blue or
old.
pale or lethargic. 3. Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes,
2. Blue or mottled skin.
dry lips/eyes, cool skin, no urine for
3. Drowsy, not able to wake up.
8 hours).
4. Severe pain (head/tummy/chest/ arm/leg/neck) with screaming or drowsiness.
4. Vomiting
and
unable
to
keep
anything down. 5. Pain, unrelieved after some simple
5. Injury with uncontrolled bleeding.
pain medicine and a little bit of
6. Major
waiting.
allergic
52 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
reaction
(with
SUBSCRIBE
Kids Matters
6. Injury with pain that interferes with function.
get guidance from experienced doctors who can assess your child via video link.
7. An injury that needs stitches. 8. A rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it. 9. When your gut feeling says, ‘this is not right’.
If you do decide to see a doctor or go to an emergency department, don’t feel bad if you are reassured and sent home after a brief consultation. We understand parents are not doctors and most kids have benign illnesses that get better on
You are generally OK to monitor the
their own with loving and supportive care
situation when:
from their families.
1. They are breathing comfortably and have a nice pink colour to the lips. 2. They have warm hands and feet. 3. They are drinking some fluid (at least half normal) and passing urine
Our mission in the medical profession is to find the thankfully uncommon cases of more serious illnesses that really need our help. So don’t feel bad, don’t feel embarrassed, it’s our job to see you.
more than three times a day. 4. They are still active and playful. 5. Their pain improves with simple pain medicine such that they can do their normal things. Always monitor your child to see if they deteriorate, and if things don’t improve then seek medical advice or care.
Associate Professor Sandy Hopper a
Paediatric
Emergency
Medicine
Physician, is the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of KidsDocOnCall, a
24/7
national
children’s
medical
How can you improve your decision
telehealth service. He is also Associate
making? There are many online symptom
Professor of Paediatrics at the University
checkers.
of Melbourne. The dad of two teenage
They
are
conservative,
especially with younger children, as
boys
this is a tricky age group to assess. You
parenthood and is driven to helping
can check in with your usual doctor or
Australian children lead their happiest
telephone triage lines. Or you can call a
and healthiest lives. Find out more at
telehealth service like KidsDocOnCall and
KidsDocOnCall or download the app.
DISCLAIMER
understands
the
stresses
of
GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 53
© Antalya Developments Pty Ltd 2022 Any information made available in the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats), or from Antalya Developments Pty Limited or Kathryn Dodd, including by way of third party authored articles or discussions, is made available for readers’ interest only. The purpose of making the information available is to stimulate research, public discussion and debate. Readers are encouraged to undertake their own research and consult with professional advisors to form their own independent views about the topic/s discussed. The information made available in the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats) is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers should seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions regarding a potential or actual medical condition or the proposed use or decision not to use any particular product. Readers should not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it at any time, including because of the content of any information made available in the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats). Each of Antalya Developments Pty Ltd and Kathryn Dodd do not warrant, guarantee or make any representation regarding the accuracy, veracity, adequacy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of any information available on, or arising in relation to, the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats). Neither Antalya Developments Pty Limited nor Kathryn Dodd endorses the views of any contributing authors to the Great Health Guide Magazine (electronic or hard copy formats).
54 | GREAT HEALTH GUIDE
SUBSCRIBE