PRIVATE HOSPITAL
Complimentary Pindara Magazine ISSUE SEVEN 2016
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Motoring
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ALL-NEW JAGUAR F-PACE
DEDICATED TO PERFORMANCE
When does dedication become obsession? Is it when technologies begin to master the laws of physics? Like Torque Vectoring; which helps prevent understeer during dynamic cornering by applying greater braking force to the inside wheels and more torque to the outside wheels. Or, is it when paradoxes get resolved? Like a Lightweight Aluminium Architecture core that’s both strong and exceptionally stiff for sports car handling and agility. Some call it dedication. Some call it obsession. We call it the All-New Jaguar F-PACE. Arriving at Bruce Lynton Jaguar in August.
BRUCE LYNTON JAGUAR THE NEW HOME OF JAGUAR ON THE GOLD COAST 96 - 100 Minnie Street, Southport 07 5557 7988 | jaguarsales@brucelynton.com
WWW.BRUCELYNTONJAGUAR.COM
Ramsay Pharmacy Open to the public 24 Hours | 7 Days 24hr Pharmacy Services: ■ Expert Pharmacist Advice ■ Health Information Services ■ NDSS Agency ■ Medication Packing Services ■ Wide range of Health and Wellbeing products
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Ramsay Pharmacy John Flynn Private Hospital Ground Floor, 42 Inland Drive, Tugun p. (07) 5507 3000
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CONTENTS
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Contents
REGULARS From the CEO Editor’s Desk Pindara News
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GENERAL HEALTH Platelet Rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis 10 Could this be the breakthrough treatment for you? Pindara Now 16 Celebrating 45 years of quality health care with Pindara Private Hospital Zika Virus 24 Separating fact from fiction Eye Spy 29 A clear view on conjunctivitis The Truth About Gallstones 58 When does this little problem require medical intervention?
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MEN’S HEALTH Preventing Prostate Problems 36 Keep yourself in tip top shape Health Check 40 A quick checklist for optimum health Recognising Diabetes 42 The signs and symptoms to look for WOMEN’S HEALTH Affairs of the Heart 46 Heart health for women Domestic Violence 48 How the Gold Coast is fighting back against this tragic epidemic
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CHILDREN’S HEALTH Ear Ear 54 Treating recurrent ear infections in children BEAUTY Winter Warmers 62 This season’s hottest beauty buys Scalp Health 64 How to ditch that itch! Skin Sense 68 How effective are cosmeceuticals?
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2016
COMMUNITY The Importance of Giving Back 80 Queensland Theatre of Puppetry Hands Across the Water 82 Doing it for the kids TRAVEL Elemental Luxury 72 Inside Byron Bay’s newest multimillion dollar resort
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CONTENTS
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LIFESTYLE Baby Gift Guide 52 Everything you need to welcome the new arrival Motoring 86 Introducing the Rolls Royce Wraith A Strong Alternative 92 The new Whitehaven 6000 Coupe Get Techy 98 The latest must-have gadgets
ENTERTAINMENT Top Reads 100 Our pick of the latest book releases At the Movies 102 Picks and pans from the latest movie releases
FINANCE Trading Places 110 What the new laws regarding operating structure mean for small businesses
DINING Restaurant Roundup 104 The Gold Coast’s six best new eateries Recipe 108 Lemon Chicken Tagine
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FROM THE CEO
2016
Pindara Private Hospital Trish Hogan CEO Pindara Private Hospital Katriya De Vincentiis Nude Publishing Executive Group Editor Robbie Falconer Assistant Editor Pindara Magazine Business Development & Marketing Manager Pindara Private Hospital Published by Nude Publishing a division of Nude Creative Pty Ltd www.nudepublishing.com.au Art Direction, Editorial & Production Nude Creative hello@nudecreative.com.au www.nudecreative.com.au National Advertising Manager Peter Wastie peter@nudepublishing.com.au MEDICAL CONTRIBUTORS
From the CEO Trish Hogan CEO Pindara Private Hospital There is always something new happening at Pindara. To date, 2016 has seen our major expansion and refurbishment projects continue: new luxury patient services introduced in all but a few wards, new online tools developed and installed, cutting edge surgical procedures performed and global research projects launched – and all this is on top of the day-to-day operations of the busiest private hospital on the Gold Coast! I am proud to say that all this is great news for the Gold Coast community. Each project is aimed at improving patient care and the patient experience at Pindara, increasing our capacity and improving the delivery and efficiency of our health care services, and ensuring the latest technology is available to deliver cutting–edge treatments and perform innovative surgical techniques at Pindara. Working at Pindara is never dull! As we celebrate 45 years of caring for this community our commitment to caring for this community has never changed. When Pindara first opened in 1971, the hospital was a family-run facility with a unique caring culture – that culture is still alive and thriving in the wards and departments of this hospital – and our staff are dedicated to delivering the highest standards of care, for your benefit.
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With the flu season upon us, I remind you all to have a flu shot. If you do succumb to influenza and need after-hours medical care, visit the Pindara website www.pindaraprivate.com.au to check out waiting times in our Emergency Department – we have a fabulous new ED Clock that displays, in real time, the waiting time to receive treatment! Until next time, take care Warm regards
Dr Michael Flynn, O & G Specialist Dr Craig Layt, Plastic Surgeon Dr Dan Robinson, ENT Surgeon Dr Ben Bopp, O & G Specialist Dr Tani Brown, Ophthalmologist Dr Mark Doudle, Colorectal Surgeon Dr Charles Chabert, Urologist Dr Jorrie Jordaan, General Surgeon Dr Ben Hunt, Cardiologist Adrian McDonald, Diabetes Educator Pindara Private Hospital Dr Andrew Cary, O & G Specialist Dr Ben Hunt, Cardiologist Dr Mark Doudle, Colorectal Surgeon Dr Tim O’Dowd, O & G Specialist Dr Matt Cronin, ENT Specialist Dr Chris Vertullo, Orthopaedic Surgeon (Knees) Dr Michael Freeman, Dermatologist Dr Dilip Gahankari, Plastic Surgeon Dr Jason Free, General Surgeon EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Stephen Scott Aaron Cronin Tegan Atkins Emily Halverson Annie Lyon Angela Metohianakis
Trish Hogan
Disclaimer. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form by any means without prior written permission from the Publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Pindara Private Hospital or Nude Publishing. Every issue of Pindara Magazine is prepared with careful attention to accuracy. Please use this magazine as a general guide. Pindara Magazine expresses the views of the authors and is based on the information available at the time of publication and it is not to be taken as advice. All prices quoted in this publication are correct at time of printing. All editorial material is accepted in good faith. We welcome editorial and photographic contributions.
2016
Pindara Private Hospital
What matters most to patients? Pindara is taking part in an international research project on low back pain surgery in order to find out.
www.pindaraprivate.com.au
2016
Hello and welcome back to another exciting issue of Pindara Magazine! Winter has well and truly arrived on the Gold Coast now, bringing with it the dreaded cold and flu season. If you have not yet had your flu shot, now would be a good time to do so. It may also be worth looking at your diet and making sure you are getting enough Vitamin C to help ward off any unwanted sniffles. Whilst we probably all associate Vitamin C with citrus fruits, did you know that paw paw, capsicum, broccoli and brussels sprouts are actually some of the best sources of Vitamin C? If the cold reality of winter has you dreaming of a summer getaway, check out our travel story on page 74, where we go inside Byron Bay’s latest luxury resort, Elements of Byron. The ideal mix of sophisticated glamour and the laidback vibe that Byron is renowned for, this is our top pick of holiday hotspots this year! As our regular readers know, we love to help, and this issue is no exception. On page 52 we have compiled a baby gift guide to help you celebrate the newest arrival, with a special focus on local and handmade items. Meanwhile, our beauty guide on page 64 has everything you need to keep your skin, and senses, in tip top shape this winter. On page 104 we name the Gold Coast’s best new eateries, and page 108 dishes up a delectable, warming recipe for you to try at home – Lemon Chicken Tagine! We hope you enjoy the read.
Ask any question ask@pindaramagazine.com.au
Send your letters to letters@pindaramagazine.com.au
Until next time …
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NEWS
Pindara Goes Global in Spinal Surgery
Pindara Private Hospital neurosurgeons are set to join an international research consortium to investigate and document the world’s best practice in spinal surgery. The Pindara study is being undertaken as part of a strategic alliance between Ramsay Health Care and the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) and will be known as ICHOM: POSS (International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement: Pindara Outcomes for Spinal Surgery). Pindara’s focus will be on tracking the outcomes of spinal surgery as reported by patients having received treatment for lower back pain. Findings will be collated with those gathered through other major international organisations and the treatments will be benchmarked. Pindara Neurosurgeon Dr Leong Tan has been
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appointed Lead for the study and he will be joined by colleagues Dr Ellison Stephenson, Dr Chris Schwindack and Dr Anna Chang. “People with back pain need the best information to make informed decisions about the expected outcomes of spinal surgery. The data gathered in this project focuses on what matters most to patients,” Dr Tan said. “Patients want to know how they will fare after treatment – whether they can return to work, whether they will need pain medication, require additional treatment, be able to take care of themselves and most importantly will their symptoms improve?” Ultimately, Dr Tan said, the study will help guide the medical profession (globally) to identify the approaches that have greatest success for specific spinal conditions, because benchmarking articulates what treatment works best for the various types of conditions. Pindara CEO Trish Hogan said the ICHOM
study presents an opportunity for her hospital to contribute to an international database of knowledge around lower back pain, further positioning Pindara as a centre of excellence in spinal surgery. “One of our main priorities is to ensure we collect enough data to make a difference, so recruitment and retention of as many participants as possible is vitally important. “To help us achieve this we’ve adopted a whole-of-hospital approach and engaged staff from various departments, within the hospital, to become collaborators, supporters and promoters of the study,” Trish said. ICHOM was founded by Professor Michael E. Porter of Harvard Business School, the Swedish Karolinska Institutet and Boston Consulting Group to provide data on patient outcomes that has been measured and reported in a standardised way to facilitate performance benchmarking for healthcare systems.
2016
NEWS
2016
Pindara Facebook
If you haven’t already, check out our Pindara Facebook page and 'follow' or 'like' us. In case you missed it, here is one of our most popular posts about Dr Leong Tan… "When I was a teenager I did something that would change my life forever. I was the eldest son in a family of ten working on my family’s rubber plantation in Malaysia. My family was poor and I was ill with malaria twice. I began to wonder if life might hold something more for me. Without telling my parents I wrote to the Australian High Commission and applied to come to Australia to finish high school. Once it was approved I told my parents. My father was shocked, but secretly delighted. My mother was very upset because she expected me to marry and settle in my small village, even though I was only 17. When I arrived in Australia I tried to focus on working as hard as I could but it was not easy. I lived with other boys in a flat in Sydney and we had to look after ourselves. I struggled to understand Australian English and this was a problem at school, where I was trying to succeed. I had never been away from home before and I was homesick for my family and village. Many times I wanted to give up and go home, but due to my parent’s financial difficulty there was no money for an airfare. Also, I didn't want to bring shame to my family. I realised there was no choice but to put my head down and finish school and university so I could finally afford to buy a ticket home. I studied every minute of the day. I even brought my textbooks to the toilet with me!
New Technology for Pindara Emergency
Pindara Private Hospital has launched the Emergency Department (ED) clock, an innovative new tool to inform patients of potential wait times for treatment in the Pindara Emergency Centre. The tool, which is displayed on a TV screen in the Emergency Department reception area, reports in real time the waiting times you can expect and the number of people before you. The ED clock is also viewable online on the hospital website homepage. The Pindara Emergency Centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The centre was the first private emergency facility to be opened in Australia and it continues to be one of the busiest in Queensland. Hospital CEO Trish Hogan said the new ED clock will help patients choose when and where to
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The hard work paid off. I was accepted into medical school, kept working hard and eventually specialised in one the most challenging areas of medicine - neurosurgery. When I finally returned to the village years later, my mother and father were incredibly happy and proud of me. I was the only person from the village to ever become a doctor, let alone a brain surgeon.
I have been very fortunate to have opportunities and success. My proudest achievements are my 37-year marriage to my wife, my two sons and every patient who walks out of the hospital who smiles and simply says 'thanks'."
- Dr Leong Tan Neurosurgeon
go in times of an emergency and is one of many new technological innovations being introduced by Ramsay Health Care to facilitate and improve the delivery of patient-centered services. “The simple clock face is very easy to read and gives the patient an idea of how long they might have to wait – sparing them from frustration and anxiety in a time of stress,” Trish said. “We have trialled the clock for several months before launching it to the wider community, and feedback from patients has been very positive. They regard it as a wonderful innovation that is focused on meeting their needs in times of emergency.”
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GENERAL HEALTH
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2016
GENERAL HEALTH
PRP Platelet Rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis
Dr Christopher Vertullo Orthopaedic Surgeon, MBBS FRACS FAOrthA Associate Professor Griffith University
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Osteoarthritis of the knee is common as a person ages, especially in patients with previous knee injuries. The disease affects over 1.5 million Australians, and ranges in severity from ‘early’ which causes only occasional pain and soreness, to ‘severe’ which can create persistent and disabling joint pain and stiffness. Unfortunately for patients with knee osteoarthritis, managing an arthritic knee before it is bad enough for a joint replacement is a frustrating process. Osteoarthritis pain can fluctuate from mild to moderate symptoms for many years, but usually gradually worsening over time. Many over-the-counter treatments such as glucosamine, chondroitin or krill oil have inconclusive or no meaningful benefit. In addition, arthroscopy has been shown in multiple studies not to benefit patients when osteoarthritis is their primary complaint. Regular exercise to strengthen the knee muscles really helps all knee OA patients, particularly those who haven’t exercised in years. Recently, we conducted a joint research trial between Knee Research Australia and Bond University investigating “Cycling for Knee OA” and found that cycling was particularly beneficial, similar or better than anti-inflammatories, without the side effects. In addition, losing 10% of your excess body weight is also highly beneficial for your knees. The Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine centre now runs a “Healthy Lifestyle Clinic” to help people lose weight and improve their general health and function, before and after knee replacement.
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GENERAL HEALTH
Over the last three years, there have been a number of high quality research studies published which have shown Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to be a valid treatment option for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Multiple well-conducted randomised clinical trials have shown superiority of PRP intra-articular injections over a variety of other injections including: placebo injections, Synvisc (Hyaluronic Acid) and intra-articular steroids. A systematic review of this literature, recently published in the March 2016 Journal of Arthroscopy, concluded that for patients with symptomatic knee OA, PRP injection results in significant clinical improvements up to 12 months post injection. Clinical outcomes and measures of patients’ pain, stiffness and functioning of the joints were significantly better after PRP injection versus HA visco-supplementation injections (Synvisc), at three to 12 months post injection. Another important recent study published in the February 2016 edition of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, the leading journal for sports medicine in the world, demonstrated that PRP is safe and provides benefit for pain relief and functional improvement for knee OA. In this study, the patients who received a PRP intraarticular knee injection had improvements of 78% in function, pain and stiffness compared to the placebo control group who had improved by only 7%, at one year after injection. Additionally, no serious complications due to the PRP injections were observed. These promising outcomes have led to the increasing popularity of PRP therapy. The exact mechanism of how PRP relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis is uncertain, but is thought that it likely alters the metabolism of the cells within the joint in response to the growth factors released by the platelets. This in turn alters the intra-articular biology and reduces the osteoarthritic symptoms. Ideal patients for PRP are those who have failed other non-surgical options or are unable to tolerate NSAIDs (eg: Nurofen, Voltaren), and suffer mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Patients with severe osteoarthritis may also benefit, but the research has shown that the improvement in this patient group will be lessened. Maximum benefit is gained when PRP therapy is used in combination with a weight loss and quadriceps strengthening program. PRP can also be used to assist healing for specific knee surgeries, and in our practice it may be used in conjunction during surgery for chondral surfacing cartilage defects. The PRP procedure is very simple and is performed as an out-patient. The patient has a blood sample collected just like a normal pathology blood test. This blood is placed into a special PRP device, is spun in a centrifuge where the platelets in the blood are concentrated into a small volume of plasma, which is then injected into the patient’s knee.
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The intra-articular injection must be performed using meticulous sterile technique, with or without imaging guidance as needed. By using subcutaneous local anaesthetic initially, the intra-articular injection can be pain free. After the injection, patients are encouraged to apply ice intermittently and plan minimal activities the following day. The risk of side effects of PRP injections are very low as the patient receives an injection of a component of their own blood, within 10 minutes of the blood sample being collected. Because the injection is the patient’s own biology, there is virtually no risk of rejection or an allergic reaction and the procedure is considered very low risk. Some patients will experience some local pain within the injected knee for 24-48 hours after the injection, due to the body’s response to the PRP. It is important that patients understand that the PRP injection is not a “quick fix” and is meant to be used as part of a rehabilitation and comprehensive program supervised by their GP, physiotherapist or specialist. There are a variety of ways to create PRP, from using a simple plain tube and centrifuge, to expensive commercial systems. One of the difficulties in assessing PRP studies is the significant variation in these preparation techniques. Simple PRP preparations can be inexpensive to prepare but result in variable or low platelet concentration, sterility issues, high number of white cells and red cell cellular debris. Various sterile, TGA approved, commercial systems exist that can produce far higher platelet concentrations while simultaneously removing white cells. White cells, such as neutrophils, can release local mediators once in the joint that have a potentially negative effect on the synovial cells. It appears when PRP has been depleted of white cells, the injection leads to better outcomes for knee osteoarthritis than PRP that has a higher white cell concentration. The protocols for best preparation method, PRP volume and number of injections are still being researched. There is no medical technique, product or device that can guarantee it can ‘cure’ injured or degenerative tissue, nor is there any guarantee of PRP therapy providing the desired healing outcome for every patient. Published studies have shown that 85% or greater of the patients observed gain benefit of 5080% reduction in symptoms for six to twelve months. A minority of patients will still have benefit at 24 months. Repeat injections can extend the beneficial effect, usually spaced six months apart. Research has also demonstrated a beneficial effect from PRP for some tendinopathies such as patella tendinopathy and tennis elbow; and for plantar fasciitis. However somewhat inconclusive results have been found in other tendon studies which is probably due to the wide variety of preparation & application techniques. Continued research in PRP and patient’s own biologics will provide further insight for the evolving field of regenerative cellular medicine. For more information, visit www.prpclinic.com.au
2016
GENERAL HEALTH
improvements of
78% in function
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a natural compound created from your own blood plasma that has been enriched with concentrated platelets. These platelets are little packages of various growth factors made by your body that help heal and repair damaged tissue. The growth factors and other healing factors present in PRP include: plateletderived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, fibroblast growth factor, insulinlike growth factor I & II, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, Interleukin 8, keratinocyte growth factor, connective tissue growth factor The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) allow the use of PRP therapy in all applications for elite athletes.
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ADVERTORIAL
Finding the right place for you now and into the future
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Pindara Magazine
Not so long ago when we aged and needed more care, the only option was to move into a nursing home. Today, the choices of retirement and care options have evolved as we recognise the importance of feeling at home, safe and independent for longer. Aveo also recognises not everyone will need the high care provided in that of an aged care facility, but most will at some time need a little extra care and support as they age. Today we have plenty of choice when considering accommodation for ourselves, or an aging parent. A host of innovative options have emerged and they are completely different from those of even one generation ago. The dividing lines between today’s living arrangements are fluid, but they roughly fall into three groups: independent houses or villas in a village setting, co-located serviced apartments, or aged care. Aveo recognises the importance of keeping couples together, having privacy, control and independence, which are supported in all three groups. Retirement villas can vary from village to village and can include three-bedroom detached homes with their own gardens, garages and more, and suit those who just need a little extra confidence that they have a bit more help available when needed. They enjoy the freedom of having their maintenance and gardening done for them. At the other end of the scale are full-care nursing homes for the frail aged who need constant monitoring. Most residents will never require the full level of high care that aged care or nursing homes provide, and that is when serviced apartments become the smart choice. Aveo The Domain Country Club is particularly popular on the Gold Coast for its serviced apartments and independent houses and villas. The location works really well and offers residents an ideal blend of guaranteed independence, supportive services and a community centred social life. However, the offer across service providers is not all equal, with some serviced apartments providing little less than the standard independent living house. Aveo The Domain Country Club’s services include freshly cooked meals, as well as housekeeping and the security of a 24-hour emergency call system. Apartment owners may request extra medical and other support services if needed. The Domain Country Club resident Meg Mackenzie loves living in her serviced apartment for its convenience, variety of facilities available, and warm family community. “The beauty of the serviced 2016
ADVERTORIAL
apartments is the relaxed atmosphere with a dedicated team of professional carers, observing and supporting the needs of residents 24 hours daily,” she says. For those who choose to live at an Aveo serviced apartment, they are offered a lifestyle without compromise, with services that make life easier. Aveo’s ‘Nutrition Select’ food service was recently launched at The Domain Country Club, offering residents fresh and delicious meals cooked to order and delivered directly to their door. The menu is packed with a variety of fresh and tasty dishes, with a wide selection of meals that are approved by Nutrition Professionals Australia. While daily meals are provided to residents in serviced apartments, the ‘Nutrition Select’ offering broadens their options and furthers their level of flexibility and independence. The family members of those who reside in these serviced apartments have peace
of mind knowing their loved ones are enjoying their independence within a safe, supportive environment. Family members are always welcome to come and visit and even stay over. Aveo The Domain Country Club resident Elsa Richards has been living in her serviced apartment for nearly six years and enjoys the friendly welcoming atmosphere. “The building expresses a homely environment with one of elegance. My daughter feels very comfortable going away on holidays as she knows that I am being cared for,” she says. “The staff make you feel comfortable and welcome …they have any understanding of people’s needs.” Aveo has five retirement villages on the Gold Coast, each with their own unique offering: Aveo The Domain Country Club, Aveo Tranquility Gardens, Aveo Southport, Aveo Amity Gardens and Aveo Robina.
To find out more about an Aveo village or serviced apartment in your area, call 13 28 36 or visit www.aveo.com.au
Individual
beyond carecompare All the care and services your loved ones need, as they need them.
CARE TO COMPARE
Unlike most typical Aged Care options, Aveo Serviced Apartments are fully designed around the individual. This means that your loved ones have the freedom to enjoy all the comforts and privacy they would in their own home. Extra care and support services are of course always available. To make the move easier, there’s also less red tape and more financial flexibility. To find out how Aveo The Domain Country Club can provide the care and support your loved ones need call 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au
Own home with ensuite
Aveo Serviced Apartments
Government funded community care available
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No means or asset testing required for move-in
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Other Aged Care facilities
Domestic support (cleaning & linen) Nutritious meals daily Couples stay together Care services
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*Community care packages will be subject to standard government fees and charges. ^No means or asset testing required for the actual purchase of the apartment. **Extra charges for additional services apply. AVQ702
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PM Pindara24/02/2016 Magazine5:5515
45TH ANNIVERSARY
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45TH ANNIVERSARY
Pindara NOW After 45 years of operation Pindara Private Hospital has evolved from a small 64-bed family-operated hospital with three operating theatres into the largest private hospital at the heart of one of the busiest private health care precincts on the Gold Coast.
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Still affectionately known as Pindy by locals, the hospital has grown in size and complexity to become a 348 licensed bed facility with 19 onsite operating theatres, surrounded by two multistorey towers of medical suites, and a multistorey car park. With more than $120 million spent on major expansion and refurbishment works over the past six years, Pindara now boasts spacious new patient rooms and handsomely refurbished suites for the comfort of patients. Luxury dining services including a gourmet menu, and Dining Hosts on each ward have been introduced to deliver a five-star experience for patients. But there’s more to Pindara than luxury and comfort; the hospital’s clinical reputation is second to none, and the hospital’s 19 onsite operating theatres that include a world-class hybrid theatre with the technology and equipment needed to perform highly complex neurointerventional procedures, have attracted highly skilled and experienced surgeons and medical specialists, who provide a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services for benefit of the community as well as training the next generation of specialists. Pindara is not only renowned for the high standards of clinical care delivered by its doctors, it is also highly regarded for the customer-centred care delivered by the skilled teams of nurses and allied health professionals, who work within its walls, caring for the needs of an increasingly complex mix of medical and surgical patients. The hospital’s contribution to the Gold Coast community continues to grow and Pindara proudly supports local schools, universities, notfor-profit organisations and sporting clubs. The hospital also contributes to the local economy by employing more than 1,300 full-time, part-time and casual staff, and local retirees volunteer more than 10,251 hours a year to help in the hospital. Behind the scenes, hospital support-services staff serve 900 meals and 1,100 snacks per day, and cater for 10 in-house functions a week. Housekeeping staff service 300 rooms, 50 offices and 30 public area toilets every day. They also clean the offices and public areas in the Pindara Professional Centre, Pindara Place and Day Oncology each day. The Pindara linen team delivers and collects approximately 30,000 items a week and the waste teams remove 45 tonnes of general and cardboard waste and six tonnes of clinical waste per month. Each day the supply department processes stock worth more than $200,000. More than 2,000 cars a day park in the new multi level car park!
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45TH ANNIVERSARY
1986
1993
1997/98
New four-theatre complex opened in March 1986 Australian Hospital Care Limited purchased Pindara 23 December 1986.
Operating theatres were upgraded and the number increased from four to five.
Pindara Day Procedure Centre opened. Application to council for a liquor licence to serve alcohol with patient meals.
1987
1995
2000
1971 Pindara was built by Allan and Gwen Ramsay. At the time the hospital offered approximately 64 beds and three operating theatres.
1985 Centre for Specialists and a Centre for General Practitioners were added. Hairdressing salon added. New theatres, Xrays rooms, new entry and admin area commenced.
First Private Emergency Department in Australia established.
East wing added – 47-bed wing (Maternity/Surgical and medical beds) added. Pindara now a 180-bed facility.
New 12-bed Critical Care Unit opened.
2001 Pindara purchased by Mayne Health.
2003 Pindara purchased by Affinity Health.
Where did it all begin? It wasn’t always like this! In the early 1970s, the site of the existing hospital was a humble cow paddock. Allan and Gwen Ramsay built the hospital in 1971 and it was owned by the Ramsays in partnership with Max Allchurch. Construction of the hospital took 15 weeks including landscaping. At one stage, 125 men were working on the site and the hospital was officially opened on 30 October 1971, with approximately 64 beds and three operating theatres. Subsequent owners, Australian Hospital Care Limited, purchased it in 1986; Mayne Health in 2001 and then Affinity Health in 2003 - all made modifications to the hospital and the services it provided. 18
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45TH ANNIVERSARY
2004 Building of Cardiac Cath Lab, new CSD, sixth operating theatre added.
2005
april
Pindara purchased by Ramsay Health Care. Pindara introduces smoke-free policy.
But it is the current owner - Ramsay Health Care who purchased Pindara in April 2004 who has made major changes to Pindara. Ramsay has invested more than $120 million in a multiphase redevelopment plan to expand and refurbish Pindara, and the hospital now boasts world class facilities to ensure the Gold Coast community receives the best possible care into the future.
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2006
June
Expansion of Neonatal Nursery from four to 16 cots.
2007 East Wing Upgrade refurbishment of 80 beds
2009 Commencement of Stage 1 major redevelopment project including • a 50-bed ward • four additional operating theatres • A suite of specialists’ rooms • A multi-storey car park
2010
november
Stage one redevelopment project completed. New paediatrics ward, neurosurgery ward and surgical ward opened. Dedicated endoscopy unit opened.
2011 Stage 1 B expansion projects continue – Day Oncology Unit open, preparations for MRI installation; VMOs move into Specialist practices; new hospital street; exec office moves to new location.
2014 Stage 2 Development officially opened and named the Dr David Lindsay Wing. This five-storey wing features: • 5 new wards – two new • 29-bed surgical wards • 24-bed Neurosciences Unit with four bed Close Observation Unit; and a • 29-bed Oncology Unit bringing the total number of licensed beds at Pindara to 348.
2015 Pindara Rehabilitation Unit opened. Pindara Renal Unit opened. Pindara Chronic Pain Unit opened.
2016 Two new operating theatres opened bringing the total number of theatres onsite to 19. A major renovation and expansion project commenced to triple the size of the Pindara Emergency Centre.
Two operating theatres (including a cutting-edge Hybrid theatre) New state-of-the-art kitchen facilities
continued over page Pindara Magazine
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45TH ANNIVERSARY
What does the future hold? As Pindara celebrates 45 years of service to the community, plans are underway to expand and refurbish the Pindara Emergency Centre, which when opened in 1987 was the first private emergency department in Australia. Today, it is still one of the busiest private centres in Queensland and the department’s stable team has delivered after-hours and emergency care around the clock 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year, to generations of Gold Coasters. Generations of Gold Coasters have also been born in the Pindara maternity unit, which continues to be the busiest private unit on the Coast. Years of experience, expert obstetric care and luxury accommodation and service provide the new mother with the best support possible as she gives birth and learns to care for her baby. Partners are welcome to stay at Pindara, and all maternity rooms are equipped with sofa beds, for that reason. For those wanting a super special luxury experience, Pindara Maternity offers special Regal Suite accommodation packages that include an automatic upgrade to the Palazzo Versace hotel. Premature babies or those with special needs at birth are cared for in the unit’s Special Care Nursery. The next decade for Pindara will see it continue to grow in size, complexity and international significance as it builds a reputation as a centre of excellence in neurosurgery and spinal surgery. Pindara is well on the way to achieving this status after taking a leading role in important international research into lower back pain in partnership with the International Consortium of Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM). Important day services including oncology, renal dialysis and rehabilitation will provide much needed services for those with special needs and a new mental health service will be opened in Southport, on the site vacated by the relocation of Allamanda Private Hospital. Experience, quality, care, comfort, luxury and the latest technology – Pindara Private Hospital offers it all, along with the convenience of free parking.
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Our experience allows you to enjoy yours! ...Pindara Private Maternity delivering on experience
Allchurch Avenue, BENOWA QLD 4217
www.pindaraprivate.com.au
ADVERTORIAL
Doctors United The medical profession, unlike many other occupations, has historically operated as individual practitioners. There is often a tendency to avoid partnerships, companies or other jointly owned structures. This entrenched autonomous style of career path lends itself to some very specific challenges. One consequence is that the medical profession is perhaps the highest taxed line of work. The personal exertion income tax rules do not favour professionals. Innovative practitioners can see real benefits by banding together in bespoke ownership arrangements, for example, to jointly own premises, rooms, day surgeries, medical centres and even hospitals. The reduction in back office and administration expenses is just one of the benefits of joining together. Additionally there is the ability for the joint entity to be owned by related structures (such as family trusts), thereby allowing the profits of the service entity to divert income to others within the practitioner’s family, which provides for commensurate tax planning opportunities. In effect, these arrangements can move personal exertion income to business income. The result is that medical specialists (or a related structure) can receive passive business
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income streams, which are nonetheless still related to their specialty, in ways that have not been achieved in the past. This can place medical specialists on a similar, if not identical, footing to other professionals and result in significant tax savings. Additionally, this set up provides the ability to move income and asset ownership away from the at-risk specialist, and can provide significant asset protection benefits in the unfortunate event of an uninsured claim. The setup can also provide for a buyout solution when a specialist is looking to retire. A coowned arrangement can also have rules around succession and retirement, which requires the interest of the retiring specialist to be purchased by the other owners, providing an easier transition to retirement. In the unfortunate event of a divorce, these assets can be transferred to a child maintenance trust, which can super charge tax benefits in the payment of child support – not that we are advocating divorce for tax planning purposes! However, it is important to know that there are many options available to help ease the stress (both emotionally and financially) of divorce. Obviously there are many elements to consider when looking to diversify from sole practitioner
and finding advisors with relevant experience is critical. An understanding of the specific challenges faced by many medical specialists is something Small Myers Hughes has a proven track record of. Due to the multi-disciplinary structure of our firm, our legal specialists can offer advice and solutions on a range of issues that are often overlooked. To discuss your specific needs please call us on (07) 55526666 or email info@smh.net.au
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR DOCTORS TO UNITE: • • • •
save tax protect assets provide for succession and obtain additional family law benefits
2016
Specialist Legal Advice Our team of Specialists has provided successful outcomes to the medical industry for over 25 years. Tax, asset protection, commercial advice and relationship advice pertaining to: • Medical practice startups • Mergers • Admission of practice partners • Capital Gains Tax & revenue advice on practice sales • Personal asset protection • Succession • Estate Planning • Family & Relationship Law • Commercialisation of medical opportunities
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Leading Tax Law Firm 2015 - 2016
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GENERAL HEALTH
ZIKA VIRUS Dr Ben Bopp, O & G Specialist
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GENERAL HEALTH
WHAT IS ZIKA? Zika is an infection caused by a virus first found in Africa in 1947. Recent outbreaks have occurred in Brazil and spread to South and Central America and the Caribbean. Tonga and Samoa have reported cases recently and the current South American outbreak may have originated in the Pacific.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED? Several types of mosquito are responsible for transmitting Zika. There have been no locally transmitted cases reported as yet but in Queensland the responsible mosquito can be found in the far north (from Torres Strait down to Charters Towers, including Cairns and Townsville) where it currently transmits Dengue Fever. In the Pacific, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Fiji, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have the mosquito. The concern is that travellers returning from Latin America could bring the virus back with them, as the majority of infected people (60 - 80%) have no symptoms. Sexual transmission has been implied in several recent cases but importantly, there is suspected “mother to child” transmission resulting in possible birth defects if women are infected before or during pregnancy.
SYMPTOMS OF ZIKA? Those who get symptoms may develop a slight “Zika fever”, tiredness, headache, eye pain and conjunctivitis, possibly a rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body and joint pains, especially in the hands and feet. Many people who have the virus will not even know they have it as it mirrors a mild sickness and may not even present symptoms at all.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? Diagnosis can be difficult but previous exposure can be suspected if the blood test for Dengue Fever is positive (as they are related diseases) and there is a test for acute or recent infection.
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GENERAL HEALTH
WHAT DOES ZIKA DO? The area of greatest concern is the possible link between Zika infection and birth defects, particularly microcephaly, which means “small head”. microcephaly can be caused by a variety of conditions from infections, chromosomal disorders and syndromes, to exposure to toxins and atomic blasts. Babies born with Microcephaly can have a range of disabilities, varying from mild to very severe handicap. In Brazil there has been about a 20-fold increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly since the latest Zika outbreak: jumping from 147 cases in 2014 to 2,782 in 2015; and cases have been reported in Hawaii. A direct link between Zika infection in pregnancy and microcephaly is suspected but not completely proven at this stage.
CAN IT BE TREATED OR PREVENTED? There is no specific treatment or vaccine at this stage. Treatment is supportive only (to help with the symptoms) with paracetamol and codeine. Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should think about delaying travel to areas with current outbreaks. Travel plans should be discussed with your doctor and any advice given to avoid mosquito bites (for example – using DEET repellents and covering up with long sleeves and trousers) should be strictly followed. Federal and State Departments of Health have regularly updated fact sheets including lists of countries where outbreaks have been reported.
Your Local Pathology Service P Queensland’s largest provider of private pathology services. P Five laboratories and over 100 accredited collection centres within the Gold Coast region. P Southport Laboratory conveniently located within the Allamanda Hospital medical precinct.
qml.com.au
Dr Tony Dare
Dr Darina Vuong
FRCPA MIAC
MBBS (Hons), BSc, FRCPA
Pathologist in Charge: Gold Coast & Northern Rivers
Consultant Histopathologist & Cytopathologist
anthony.dare@qml.com.au
darina.vuong@qml.com.au
Weight Loss Surgery... It’s Not Just About Losing Weight Migraines 57% resolved
Depression 55% resolved
Pseudotumor Cerebri 96% resolved
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High Cholesterol 63% resolved
Asthma 82% improved or resolved
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease 90% improved
Heart Disease 82% risk reduction
Metabolic Syndrom 80% resolved
High blood pressure 52-92% resolved
Type II Diabetes 80% resolved
Heartburn 72-98% resolved
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 79% resolution of hirsulism 100% resolution of menstrual dysfunction
Stress Urinary Incontinence 44-88% resolved Degenerative Joint Disease 41-76% resolved Gout 77% resolved
Venous Stasis Disease 95% resolved Quality of Life improved in 95% of patients
Mortality 89% reduction in 5-year mortality
Dr Jacobus Jordaan is a Specialist Upper Gastrointestinal and Endocrine surgeon with 25 years of experience. Having performed many thousands of laparoscopic surgical operations, he is among Australia’s most experienced specialists in minimally invasive bariatric surgery. Dr Jordaan is professionally renowned for his meticulous surgical technique and attention to detail, his exceptionally low complication rate, his ethical conduct and remarkable overall patient care. He has established a strong multidisciplinary team of dietitians, psychologists, nurses, anaethestists and medical specialists to ensure excellent long-term patient results.
MB ChB MMed Surg(Pret)(Hons) FCS(SA) FRACS
E: info@jordaansurgical.com.au T: 07 5556 8888 Suite 2.05 (Level 2) Pindara Specialists Suites 29 Carrara Street Benowa, Qld, 4217 www.surgicalweightlosscentre.com.au | www.jordaansurgical.com.au
E: info@surgicalweightlosscentre.com.au
GENERAL HEALTH
EYE SPY Dr Tani Brown, Ophthalmologist
What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is the name for a very common eye condition that can affect people of all ages. It is the result of anything that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin mucous membrane lining of the eyeball and inner part of the top and bottom of eyelids. It can be a result of allergies, chemical exposure, cancer, immune disorders, but most commonly infections, particularly viral and bacterial infections. The conjunctiva can be thought of as the ‘skin’ of the eye and eyelids and in fact is made up of very similar, but modified, cells as the rest of our skin. It lies over the top of the sclera, which is the tough white layer of the eyeball, and is relatively transparent with a large amount of microscopic blood vessels running through it. Not only does it have a role in mechanically protecting the eye but it also has important immune functions and a role in helping prevent evaporation of our tears. When something irritates the conjunctiva, such as an infection, the tiny blood vessels dilate or enlarge, causing the common symptoms of redness, swelling and discharge.
What causes conjunctivitis? The most common causes of conjunctivitis, in order, are viral infections, bacterial infections and an allergic predisposition. Each presents in subtly different ways and it is important to determine the underlying cause of conjunctivitis, as the treatment is different depending on the cause. Essentially, not all red, sticky eyes are the same.
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GENERAL HEALTH
Viral Viral conjunctivitis is the most common conjunctivitis and is usually caused by the adenovirus, which is one of the causes of the common cold. It is more common in children but adults can easily become infected as well. There are two subtypes of adenoviral conjunctivas: pharyngoconjunctival fever, which can be associated with a high temperature and cold and flu like symptoms, and epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), which often has more severe eye symptoms. Adenoviral conjunctivitis is extremely contagious and can easily spread through early childhood centres, schools, health facilities, workplaces and families. It can be spread not only by contact with an infected person or child but also contact with personal equipment and medical equipment of an infected person. The herpes virus, in particular the herpes simplex virus (cold core virus) and herpes zoster virus (shingles) can also cause conjunctivitis, however this is generally associated with skin changes such as small eyelid vesicles or ulcers, especially if it is the first time a person has been infected. Herpes simplex conjunctivitis tends to recur, similar to cold sores around the mouth, and patients will often be able to tell their doctor that they prone to herpes simplex eye infections.
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THOSE AT RISK OF ACUTE ADENOVIRAL VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS INCLUDE:
• Children attending day care or schools • Children and adults in close contact with an infected person • Children and adults with the common cold • Contact with personal equipment of an infected person eg. towels, drink bottles, cosmetics • Contact with medical equipment
Bacterial Bacterial conjunctivitis is normally caused by common bugs such as staphylococcus and streptococcus species. These sorts of conjunctivitis are more common in children and are also normally caused by contact with an infectious person or contact with their personal equipment. Sometimes bacterial conjunctivitis can occur due to spread of infection from the person’s own sinuses or nasal tract. Uncommon causes of bacterial conjunctivitis in an adult can be due to sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonococcus infection. These may or may not be in association with genitourinary symptoms such as urethral discharge in a male. Any person who suspects they may have a sexually transmitted conjunctivitis, or has an unusual conjunctivitis failing to respond to treatment, needs to see an eye specialist, as these cases of conjunctivitis can be more severe and in rare cases potentially vision threatening. A rare type of bacterial (very rarely viral) conjunctivitis, called ophthalmia neonatorum, can occur in newborn babies due to direct contamination through the birth tract. Any red, discharging eye in a baby in the first month of life needs urgent assessment by a doctor, as if left untreated can cause blindness and even death.
2016
GENERAL HEALTH
Allergic Allergic conjunctivitis is less common overall as a cause of conjunctivitis but is frequent in adults and children who also have conditions such as allergies, hay fever, rhinitis, asthma and eczema. It commonly occurs in response to specific allergens, such as pollens, and often becomes worse in particular seasons such as spring.
Common symptoms of conjunctivitis Generally, infectious conjunctivitis starts in one eye and then can spread to the other eye. It is common for one eye to be more affected than the other in cases where both eyes are affected. Conjunctivitis can be a very distressing eye condition and can cause considerable pain and discomfort to the patient. Discharge is a common sign of conjunctivitis and can help determine whether it is bacterial or viral in cause. Bacterial causes often have a thick, yellow or green discharge while viral conjunctivitis tends to have a very watery discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis tends to occur in both eyes at the same time and in conjunction with itchiness, a thick discharge, large lumps or papillae (similar in appearance to ‘cobblestones’) under the top eyelid and possible skin changes around the eye. In children, allergic conjunctivitis may be so severe as to involve the cornea causing an ulcer or infected cornea or keratitis. Symptoms may worsen in conjunction with a flare-up of their associated atopic disease and is often also influenced by age and gender, particularly in younger children. Therefore, children who are suspected of having allergic conjunctivitis always need to be seen by an eye specialist to ensure there are no complications, which could affect their vision.
Treatment of conjunctivitis
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF ACUTE CONJUNCTIVITIS INCLUDE:
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of conjunctivitis is normally based on a good history and a thorough eye examination by an eye specialist. In suspected cases of acute adenoviral conjunctivitis, a swab to determine the microbiological cause is often not needed to make a diagnosis. In cases where the cause is not entirely clear, your doctor may take a swab of the involved conjunctiva to test for common viruses and bacteria.
pindaramagazine.com.au
• • • • • • • • • •
Red eye Foreign body or gritty sensation Discharge (watery, thick mucous) Eyelid swelling and crusting, especially in the morning Itchy eyes (especially allergic conjunctivitis) Swelling of the conjunctiva Blurry vision Yellowish membranes on inner aspect of eyelid Associated cold or flu-like symptoms Small nodes in front of your ears (pre auricular lymph nodes)
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GENERAL HEALTH
General Treatment for Infectious Conjunctivitis
General treatment for conjunctivitis relies on minimising the patient’s discomfort and preventing any further spread to others. A common course of action includes time off work or school, avoidance of handshaking, regular hand washing and washing of personal items such as hand towels. Generally, acute adenoviral conjunctivitis is infectious for a minimum of seven to ten days from the onset of symptoms and children and adults need to take time off from school and work to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. A cold face washer over the closed eyes can help to minimise discomfort. Patients will also often be advised to use preservative-free eye lubricants every one to two hours, which again will help minimise discomfort in patients with conjunctivitis.
Medical Treatment
Given that the large majority of acute conjunctivitis is adenoviral, antibiotic eye drops are not effective and therefore not normally required. In some instances, your eye specialist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or even anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent future complications such as secondary infections or scarring. Sometimes they may also need to
mechanically ‘peel’ a fine membrane off the inner aspect of your eyelids to reduce the small risk of scarring that can occur in severe cases. Acute viral conjunctivitis tends to last one to two weeks although sometimes patients can have problems with their eyes for months, or very rarely years, after a severe case of acute conjunctivitis. Glare can be a problem after the acute symptoms improve and can be a result of small immune deposits on the cornea (clear part of the eye). This requires close follow up by an eye specialist, as anti-inflammatory eye drops may be needed. Other viral conjunctivitis, especially those infected with herpes simplex virus, require specialised anti-viral medication such as an eye preparation of acyclovir (Zovirax). It is important that patients do not use their regular medication that they use for mouth and lip cold sores in the eye. In some cases, tablet anti-virals may be required. It is important that anti-inflammatory or steroid eye drops are not used in these cases unless specifically prescribed by an eye specialist, as this can worsen the severity and duration of the condition. Bacterial conjunctivitis is normally diagnosed on a swab and antibiotic eye drops prescribed roughly four to six times per day. Usually a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as
Chloramphenicol (Chlorsig), Erythromycin or Ciprofloxacin will be used, although specific bugs may require a more tailored antibiotic selection. Sexually transmitted conjunctivitis requires intense treatment with antibiotic eye drops as well as oral antibiotic, or rarely through an intravenous drip requiring hospitalisation. Treatment also needs to involve the primary health care physician such as the GP, and specialist referral to the local sexual health clinic. Any conjunctivitis that does not improve within two weeks needs further investigation and referral to an eye specialist. Medical treatment of allergic conjunctivitis involves anti-allergy eye drops and in some cases anti-inflammatory eye drops. Care must be taken when using anti-inflammatory eye drops for a long time, as use of these medications can cause problems such as glaucoma and cataract if not used under the supervision of an eye specialist. In some instances, the eye specialist will also recommend tablet anti-histamines. In specific and severe cases of allergic conjunctivitis, stronger immune modulating eye drops and even tablets or intravenous injections may be required to control the immune basis of this condition.
Excellence in women’s health care
For more than 22 years Dr Andrew Cary has been providing care to women of the Gold Coast. As a specialist gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Cary is able to assist with all women’s health concerns from heavy periods, endometriosis and hysterectomy to contraception, antenatal care and delivery. He has a particular interest in high-risk obstetric and antenatal care.
partner’s journey into conception, pregnancy and delivery.’ Dr Cary specialises in the following types of surgery, among others:
Dr Cary is a respected IVF specialist, having assisted many women and couples to achieve their dream of parenthood. He is a co-founder of Queensland Fertility Group Gold Coast.
• IVF egg collection • Complex embryo transfer • Hysteroscopy and surgery of the endometrium (womb-lining) • Laparoscopy • Tubal Sterilisation • Endometrial ablation.
‘As a father of three children, I understand both the trials and rewards of parenthood, and I am committed to every
‘I hope to be able to assist and guide you through your obstetric, gynaecology and reproductive care.’
Suite 10, Pindara Place, Carrara St, Benowa, Qld, 4217
Email: reception@drcary.com.au | Phone: 07 5597 3770 | Web: www.drcary.com.au
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What is the procedure, and who does it suit? Overview
Introducing SIPS
The latest weight loss procedure from Dr Jason Free, General Surgeon Laparoscopic SADI (Single Anastomosis Duodenoileal Bypass) Procedure
Dr Jason Free has introduced this safe and effective procedure into Australia after spending time in North America learning and refining the technique. Many patients in Australia have had this operation with extremely good results.
Ideal patients • BMI over 50 • diabetes • high cholesterol/lipids • failure of sleeve gastrectomy The SADI procedure, also known as SIPS (Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Preserving) procedure has the greatest weight loss of all the commonly performed weight loss procedures. It has the longest lasting effects, with less late weight regain which is becoming noticeable in patients who have had sleeve gastrectomy in the past. 34
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The SIPS procedure is an operation incorporating a sleeve gastrectomy with bypassing part of the intestine. It is a weight loss operation that provides the most dramatic amount of weight loss relative to all the currently performed procedures with no increase in side effects. It has the greatest effect on improving medical disorders associated with obesity such as diabetes, hypertension and high lipids and cholesterol. As such, it is generally reserved for patients with a very high BMI (BMI>45) and those with significant medical complications due to obesity. As with all weight loss procedures it is a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure performed under a general anaesthetic. The operation involves two parts: firstly, part of the stomach is removed, making a smaller stomach similar to a sleeve gastrectomy. Then the first part of the intestine (duodenum) is divided just below the stomach and anastomosed (reattached) to a loop of intestine about two metres further downstream. This has the effect of decreasing appetite, restricting meal sizes, and bypassing food away from the metabolically active part of the intestine resulting in beneficial hormonal changes, which have a positive influence on the body’s metabolism. The important thing to know about this procedure is that the bowel is divided below the pylorus. The pyloric valve and its function is preserved, unlike in the gastric bypass or mini-gastric bypass. The pyloric valve has an important role in regulating the rate at which food and acid enters the intestine from the stomach. It also prevents bile from refluxing from the duodenum back up into the stomach, which can cause stomach irritation. The preservation of the pylorus in the SIPS procedure maintains its important function. The problem of bile entering the stomach, which can occur with the minigastric bypass, is therefore prevented in the duodenal bypass. The preservation of the pyloric valve in the SIPS procedure also eliminates the dumping syndrome, which can occur with standard gastric bypass procedures. The glucose fluctuations after a meal do not occur after this procedure. There is also a dramatic reduction in ulcers forming at the anastomosis site, which can happen in standard gastric bypass.
History
This procedure has evolved over many years. It is a modification of the original Duodenal Switch (DS) operation, and as it has been refined over many years, it is known by various names. The problem with the DS operation was that such a long segment of intestine was bypassed; it led to many patients having malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Many patients also had loose bowel motions as a result. In recent years, a group of Spanish and American surgeons developed the loop technique reducing two anastomosis down to one, and bypassed less intestine. Subsequently this made the operation safer, with less effects of malnutrition, diarrhoea and vitamin deficiencies. The results of these pioneering surgeons demonstrating extremely good weight loss and extremely low complication rates has led to its popularity. The SIPS procedure is now performed at many specialist weight loss centres throughout the world.
SADI/SIPS following sleeve gastrectomy The procedure is becoming increasingly useful for patients who have had a prior sleeve gastrectomy and either have not had as much weight loss as expected, or have lost weight and regained weight later on. In the past, these patients have often had their sleeve gastrectomy converted to a standard gastric bypass, however evidence shows that this also may not provide robust long-term weight loss. The SADI/SIPS procedure is showing extremely promising results after previously failed sleeve gastrectomy. The SIPS procedure has been developed to such an extent that it provides the most weight loss, the longest lasting weight loss, and the most beneficial effect on medical problems associated with obesity, compared to all other procedures. It has been refined to the point at which the longterm problematic issues have been minimalised making it an extremely safe and effective operation. 2016
PHONE 07 5564 6501 Suite 2, Pindara Professional Centre 8 - 10 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD info@surgerygoldcoast.com.au www.surgerygoldcoast.com.au
It starts today... MAKE ONE PHONE CALL TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER
The Obesity Surgery Gold Coast Clinic is here to help. Are you one of the 60 percent of Australians who are overweight or obese? Has your self-esteem suffered as a result of your body-image? Are you avoiding living a rich and full life because you are overweight? Do you suffer from depression or anxiety as a result of weight gain? Has your health been compromised because of your weight? You are not alone. The Obesity Surgery Gold Coast Clinic is here to help. Through surgery we have transformed the lives of many people just like you, who are now living the life they could only dream of before. The Obesity Surgery Gold Coast Clinic’s surgeon Dr Jason Free is one of Australia’s most highly-regarded experts in weight-loss surgery, with extensive specialist bariatric training, and is known as a foremost surgeon in the field.
Call The Obesity Surgery Gold Coast Clinic for an obligation free consultation. All you have to lose is the weight.
Weight-Loss Surgery Sleeve Gastrectomy This procedure involves resection of about 85-90 percent of the stomach, converting the stomach from a large bag into a narrow tube, thus decreasing the amount of food that can be eaten. A sleeve gastrectomy provides extremely good rapid weight-loss, about 70-75 percent excess weight-loss.
We also offer: Adjustable Gastric Banding / Gastric Bypass / Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Also at Hope Island: Suite 1, The Broadwalk, Rialto Quay Drive, Hope Island QLD 4712
www.surgerygoldcoast.com.au
MEN'S HEALTH
PR E VENTI N G
Prostate Problems Dr Charles Chabert, Urologist
So what is the prostate? Or is it prostrate ‌ A recent report on Twitter suggested that most men are unaware of what or where the prostate is, let alone what the correct spelling is! To set the record straight, it is prostate NOT prostrate! In brief, the prostate is a small gland located deep in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. It is the shape of a doughnut with the outlet pipe of the bladder (the urethra) passing through the middle. There are three main conditions affecting the prostate: prostatitis, benign enlargement or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and the development of an abnormal growth or prostate cancer. Prostatitis takes on different forms from acute bacterial to a non-infective and longerlasting condition, which can be associated with symptoms or occasionally identified on a prostate MRI. It is more commonly found in younger men and at times can run a protracted course requiring treatment with anti inflammatories or antibiotics. Prostatic enlargement or BPH affects all men to a greater or lesser extent as they increase in age. Many men that I see are concerned about the potential for a cancer diagnosis when they notice a change in urination patterns. These changes can include a weaker stream, increased hesitancy, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying or that they have a desire to urinate more frequently and urgently in the day. They may also notice the need to get up more times at night to urinate. These symptoms are mostly associated with benign prostatic enlargement, not cancer. After
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a comprehensive check this can be confirmed in most cases and reassurance given. If symptoms are more bothersome there are several treatment options, which can be tailored to the individual needs of a patient. These include different medications, or for more significant improvements, minimally invasive treatments such as UroLift or laser surgery. There are around 22,000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer annually in Australia with approximately 3,300 deaths per year. Prostate cancer is more common with increasing age, a strong family history of the disease, the western diet and in African American populations. Recommendations from the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand are that screening should be offered to men of average risk between the age of 50 to 69 years after a discussion regarding the pros and cons of screening. Screening involves a simple blood test, the PSA, which should be offered every two years starting at 50. For those who are at a higher risk of the disease, testing can be started earlier from 40 years. If the initial result is at or below the median (0.6ng/ml) testing can be deferred for five years. If above the median it should be assessed annually. Having a digital prostate examination from your family doctor is not recommended. This can be done later by a urologist if needed. If you or a family member have concerns about urination difficulties or wish to discuss testing for prostate cancer, contact your local doctor or review www.prostates.com.au for more information.
2016
MEN'S HEALTH
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MEN'S HEALTH
Colorectal Cancer Dr Mark Doudle, Colorectal Surgeon
Bowel cancer is the second most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Age is known to be one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to bowel cancer and risk rises sharply and progressively from the age of 50.
A PERSON IS ALSO AT A GREATER RISK IF THEY HAVE:
• • • • • •
previous history of polyps in the bowel previous history of bowel cancer chronic inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. Crohn’s disease) a strong family history of bowel cancer (first degree relative, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer before they reached the age of 50) familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) increased insulin levels or diabetes
! Most bowel cancers develop, over time, from tiny growths called 'polyps'. Not all polyps become cancerous but all polyps should be removed to reduce the risk of developing into the disease. If you are aged 50 years and over, or if you are in a high risk category, you need to act to try to detect polyps early. Talk to your general practitioner about your risk factors and the best and most appropriate bowel cancer screening method given your medical history. Screening for bowel cancer can be done by way of a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), or if you are thought to be at an above average risk of developing the disease a colonoscopy might be advised. Colorectal Surgeon Dr Mark Doudle, is emphatic. “Early detection is the key,” he says, “If you are aged 50 or over, and you receive a FOBT kit in the post – complete the test! “If you have a strong family history, talk to your GP about your best screening option – it might just save your life!”
! For more information: National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Information Line 1800 118 868 www.cancerscreening.gov.au
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MEN'S HEALTH
HEALTH CHECK Dr Ben Hunt, Cardiologist
If you’re a man reading this, chances are going to the doctor features somewhere towards the bottom of your to-do list. It’s not that you don’t care about your health, it’s just that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? Wrong. When it comes to your health, key symptoms of serious diseases aren’t always immediately apparent and regular check-ups can help identify things you’ve missed. But, just in case you’re still hesitant to book a GP appointment, we’ve compiled a list of things that could be harming your health and how to fix them.
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Do you smoke? Quit smoking. Cigarettes can seriously affect your chances of contracting cardiovascular disease so step one would be to quit. This can be hard, but it is possible. Your GP can help you come up with a plan to give you the best chance of success.
Are you overweight? Be honest. Being overweight can lead to a whole host of health problems such as sleep apnoea, diabetes, high blood pressure, and degenerated joints, to name a few. This one is an easier fix than you think; try making your portion sizes gradually smaller and get active! Start with short walks and work up from there.
Don’t have a regular doctor? Get a GP! You need one who knows you and your history. A doctor who really knows you can notice when something isn’t quite right, even when you might feel fine. They can check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and generally make sure nothing too serious breaks down.
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Like a drink? So do most of us. The key here, though, is moderation. Try to have a couple of alcohol-free days a week and limit your alcoholic intake to two drinks a day.
Do you dismiss or ignore little symptoms because they’re not all that serious? Don’t! You might think you’re short of breath because you’re just too old, lazy, unfit or overweight, but you could have heart disease. If you develop shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, loss of consciousness, a racing or irregular heartbeat or an abrupt loss of exercise capacity, get those things checked promptly. Putting your head in the sand and ignoring small problems can lead to big, sometimes incurable trouble down the track.
Do you snore loudly? Does your partner have to poke you in the middle of the night to make sure you’re still alive because it sounds like you’ve stopped breathing? You may have sleep apnoea. It’s worth seeing your GP to see what remedies are available to you to help both you and your long-suffering partner! 40
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2016
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Dr. Dilip’s commitment is to provide outstanding care to his patients with assurance of safety and quality in all aspects of their Plastic Surgery management. It is with this sincere philosophy that he performs every procedure.
Pindara Specialist Suites, Level 3, Suite 305, 29 Carrara St, Benowa | P: 55 39 46 11 | www.iplasticsurgeon.com.au
MEN'S HEALTH
Recognising Diabetes Adrian McDonald, Pindara Private Hospital Diabetes Educator
Diabetes is a very common disease these days, with the incidence of Type 2 diabetes getting larger and larger each year. Most of us have known someone, are related to someone or are someone who has diabetes. In fact, the disease is so prevalent it even has its own magazine.
Type 2 diabetes generally arises when insulin production is inadequate relative to the demands of the body; that is, the body can’t produce enough insulin to clear sugar (glucose) out of the blood stream. This extra sugar floating around in the bloodstream can cause a lot of problems and be the cause of many health issues that just won’t go away. The consequences of not treating high blood sugars can be very dire and, in fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) tells us that Type 2 diabetes is expected to become the seventh highest cause of death globally by 2030.
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* So, how can you tell if you or someone you care about has diabetes? There are a number of symptoms that give us an idea that something is wrong, that should prompt you to make a doctor’s appointment.
SYMPTOMS
• Tiredness • Constant thirst • Frequent urination • Wounds that don’t heal as well as they should • Blurred vision • Numbness or tingling in hands and or feet • Sexual problems • Sudden weight loss
Keep in mind you don’t have to collect all of these symptoms before you visit your doctor for a check-up. Some people have one, two or more symptoms and some people don’t really show any signs of diabetes and only get diagnosed incidentally. If you think you may have diabetes, getting tested by your doctor early is a very smart thing to do. There are some very serious long-term consequences associated with burying your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away. If you do have diabetes, your doctor will be able to start a very simple course of treatment that will get you heading down the right path and feeling much better, very quickly. Want to know more about the disease? Book in for an appointment with a Credentialed Diabetes Educator to learn skills to help you manage your diabetes. Don’t be an ostrich and stick your head in the sand! If you do have any of the symptoms listed above, get yourself off to your doctor and get it checked.
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ADVERTORIAL
AG EI N G TRI U M PHANTLY
Can Fifty Really be the New Thirty? 44
Pindara Magazine
The birthday card pronounces "50 is the new 30" and resolutions are made for exercise, diet and a new outlook, but lurking underneath are other changes. The “M” word is never mentioned but behind closed doors there is talk of hot flushes, mood swings, body changes and comparison of remedies. The discussion edges towards hormone therapy and what does and doesn't work … But rarely does the discussion touch on the most difficult topic, the changes 'down there'!
2016
ADVERTORIAL
Vulva Vaginal Atrophy is a condition affecting at least four out of ten women. VVA is where the change in hormone levels causes the vaginal walls to thin, lose elasticity and most natural lubrication dries up. One of the most frequent side effects is that sex has become uncomfortable, painful and not enjoyable. So 50 may be the new 30, but without the great sex! While hormone therapy is effective in relieving symptoms of menopause, it is not a solution for everyone and is not a suitable treatment for women who have had breast cancer. Now, finally, there is another option. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have recognised for some time the benefits of fractional CO2 laser, where results are achieved with little discomfort and minimal risk and use the body's natural repairing process. During treatment, the laser makes minor stimulations to the skin, which then repairs itself. The new skin is thicker, has greater collagen and promotes new blood vessels, alleviating all the problem symptoms. Renaissance Menopause Clinic has now brought this same laser technology to the Gold Coast for the treatment of vaginal atrophy. MonaLisa Touch is a non-surgical treatment that addresses the issues that cause vaginal atrophy rather than only working on the symptoms. Renaissance Menopause Clinic was founded
by two well-known Gold Coast specialists, Dr Craig Layt and Dr Michael Flynn. Utilising the laser expertise of plastic surgeon Dr Craig Layt and the extensive gynaecological experience of Dr Michael Flynn, patients can expect a treatment tailored to meet their individual needs in a caring, medi-spa environment. Dr Flynn gained expertise in the MonaLisa Touch in Italy, where the treatment originated. Since offering this treatment to Gold Coast women, Dr Flynn says it has exceeded all his expectations. “I had read all of the clinical data and trials but still did not expect the results and patient satisfaction we are getting." He added, "women want to come back to tell us how improved they feel. Our patients are joyfully reporting that the MonaLisa Touch treatment has been effective for their relief from symptoms like burning, severe itching, skin splitting and bladder irritation." While the treatment is suitable for all women, it is particularly suitable for women who have had previous cancer. After successful management of breast cancer, these women are constantly reminded of the price they have paid in treatment when side effects can be early onset menopause and vaginal dryness. With hormone therapy ruled out, lubricants and creams were the only solutions. MonaLisa Touch empowers these
women and returns normality. Typically, MonaLisa Touch therapy requires three simple treatments, usually taking about 20 minutes each and approximately a month apart. There is no downtime, no surgery and minimal risk of complications. Women have their treatment, walk out and get on with their day. Renaissance Menopause Clinic can now help you feel that 50 truly is the new 30.
Renaissance Menopause Clinic is located in Southport. Call (07) 5571 0400 or visit www.rmclinic.com.au for more information about a consultation.
Feminine discomfort during menopause is a widespread problem with an easy solution The symptoms of vaginal atrophy are present in 50% of post-menopausal women, yet many just accept that irritation, dryness, painful intercourse, and laxity are part of the ageing process. If neglected, these disorders can adversely affect your sexuality, your quality of life and intimate relationships.
The MonaLisa Touch laser treatment is the first real medical treatment for vaginal atrophy that is non-hormonal and provides real long-term relief. • NO NEEDLES • NO PAIN • NO RECOVERY TIME You can relax in our medi-spa clinic knowing our team of medical specialists have treated and helped many Gold Coast women just like you.
Call us now 07 55 710 400 – We know how to help. www.rmclinic.com.au
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Affairs of the
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Dr Ben Hunt, Cardiologist
Cardiovascular disease kills more women than any other disease. So how do you protect against it? With the high incidences of multiple types of cancer in this day and age, it’s astounding to think that coronary heart disease is actually the leading cause of death for Australian women. Also known as ischaemic heart disease, the illness refers to narrowing or blockages in the arteries that supply the heart muscle. These blockages can cause a heart attack or chest discomfort with exercise or high emotion otherwise known as angina. The scary fact is, the symptoms of a heart attack are much less obvious in women than in men. In fact, more than 40 per cent of menwill experience the classic signs of a heart attack such as chest pain or pressure that spreads to the jaw or back. Symptoms in women typically include less obvious signs such as shortness of breath, back or abdominal pain and nausea. There is no one cause for heart disease but there are multiple risk factors that increase your chance of getting it. Some you can’t change, such as age, ethnic background and family history. But there are major risk factors for coronary heart disease that you can change including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Again, though, some of these risks have absolutely no symptoms. So how do you know if you’re at risk or not? See your GP for regular check ups, and take the time to work through this list to help identify and address the risk factors. Here are the things you can do to help avoid the risks associated with coronary heart disease:
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WOMEN'S HEALTH
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Get active! Activity can greatly decrease your risk of contracting the disease. Speak with your GP before starting an exercise plan to ensure that it’s right for you. Start with a little activity and build up, aiming for 30 minutes a day of moderate activity five days a week, or 25 minutes of vigorous activity three days a week. Add muscle strengthening two days a week and you’ve got a strong routine to help you stay well.
Quit smoking. It might sound like a mammoth task, but discuss this with your GP; there are therapies and support available that can help you quit.
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Look after your mental health. Depression has been linked to heart disease so it’s important to treat this symptom as seriously as any physical manifestation. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about depression, and they can work out a treatment plan for you and refer you on to a mental health professional.
Check your cholesterol levels. Your GP can do this with a simple blood test. To be in the safe zone, you want to aim for a low LDL (bad cholesterol) and a high HDL (good cholesterol).
Have your blood pressure checked. You want this level to be below 130/80mmHg.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Check your waist measurement and BMI with your doctor. Enjoy a variety of delicious foods, ensuring the majority of your intake has nutritional value. Limit alcohol to two standard drinks a day.
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Get a blood test to check for diabetes. Apart from this being a risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes can lead to lots of other health complications, so you want to identify this and manage it accordingly.
pindaramagazine.com.au
As well as being under-recognised in women, coronary heart disease may also be under-treated. Make sure to talk with your doctor about your treatment plan regularly to make sure you’re on all the appropriate medications.
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WOMEN'S HEALTH
Domestic Violence
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WOMEN'S HEALTH
“There is a moment when you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up!”
Dr Tim O’Dowd, O & G Specialist and Niamh O’Dowd
Violence has permeated everyday life to such an extent that society’s desensitisation is alarming. It took a series of brutal public murders of innocent women in 2015 for the grave nature of family and domestic violence (DV) to be recognised in the Gold Coast community and local media. These murders are the extreme tip of the spectrum of DV. Queensland legislation defines family and domestic violence as violent, threatening or other behaviour that coerces or controls a family member, or causes a family member to be fearful. It is a criminal act when a person imposes psychological or violent control over another person, inside or outside the home. The Domestic and Family Violence Act 2012 (Qld) states that ‘Perpetrators of domestic violence are solely responsible for their use of violence and its impacts on other people.’ Managing DV involves bringing perpetrators to account while supporting and protecting the victims.
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DV IS BETWEEN: • Intimate partners • Parent to child (or vice versa)
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DV INCLUDES: • Assault (sexual, striking, strangling, other physical) • Stalking • Denial of financial autonomy • Denial/control of social connections • Deprivation of liberty • Abuse of technology as revenge
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WOMEN'S HEALTH
Life Free from Violence To live a life free from violence is a recognised basic human right. It is a fundamental societal value. Historically, victims are not believed and are rarely understood. They are still questioned as to why they remain in the relationship. Victims feel anxious about separation due to lack of financial independence or fear for children. Threatening to leave a violent relationship often provokes an escalation in violence. Separation and pregnancy are two key catalysts for DV where it may not have previously existed. Victims suffer shame and isolation. The terror of perpetrator retribution prevents many victims from reporting DV or from pressing charges when police are called out. Victims report frustration with the available options and support, largely because the criminality of DV has for so long been overlooked. This has resulted in an ineffective system. Perpetrators have the physical, psychological or financial control within the relationship. This control, coupled with the ineffectiveness of the system, has facilitated a pattern of reoffending by DV perpetrators.
A New Hope: “Not Now, Not Ever” Ms Quentin Bryce’s report on Queensland’s domestic violence crisis, ‘Not Now, Not Ever,’ was presented to the Queensland Premier in February 2015. It revealed the extent to which DV has permeated Queensland and the difficulties faced by victims. It highlighted gaps in management and support services. The 140 recommendations made to the Queensland Government were designed to improve and restore confidence in the management of DV.
THE REPORT IDENTIFIED 2013/14 STATISTICS: • Approximately 22 DV related homicides in Queensland every year • 66,016 reports of DV to police – 180 reports every day • Cost of DV to Queensland’s economy is $2.7billion to $3.2 billion per year
This implies that for every reported DV-related homicide, Queensland police responded to about 3,000 DV related calls. This does not count all of the unreported incidents. The problem is escalating. In 2015, there were 85,689 reports of domestic related incidents recorded. 24,842 were breaches of Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs).
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While psychological control and physical violence are well understood, there are new reports indicating that technology like mobile phones, Facebook and GPS tracking apps, are being used to harass victims or to upload ‘revenge’ pornographic or offensive images. This recent form of DV has created a new concern for victims, police and prosecutors. ‘Revenge’ images published in social media are a burgeoning area for civil claims (suing) for defamation.
Queensland Government Response to ‘Not Now, Not Ever’. In an unprecedented and heartening response, Queensland’s government displayed its commitment to eliminate DV by accepting or supporting all 140 recommendations. The government response stated that DV is not simply an issue between victims and perpetrators. It is not only up to police and the courts to manage. They emphasised that DV is everyone’s business. They encourage the community to adopt a complete intolerance for DV. The government introduced new protocols for police responses and court management. These initiatives are designed to restore effectiveness and confidence in the system. DV perpetrators are more likely now to be held accountable for their criminal behaviour through prosecution.
Gold Coast Police: Change in attitudes and procedures In recognition of the criminal nature of DV, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) formed the Gold Coast District Domestic and Family Violence Task Force, based in Southport. The Task Force Team assists police in preparing the prosecution’s case for court. An overarching goal is to reform the policies regarding police response to DV call outs. When police are called, there are often other criminal charges that may and will be laid, include threatening behavior or willful damage of property. Other charges can include disturbance of the peace, or charges related to concern for the safety of victims and children. Breaches of DVOs are now criminal rather than civil wrongs. The Gold Coast’s 870 police officers are being targeted with DV education. Each QPS station will have a DV liaison officer within their team. The taskforce team reviews each case of reported DV at Domestic Violence Integrated Response meetings held three times per week. Other stakeholders at those meetings include representatives from the Gold Coast DV Prevention Centre, Child Services, probation and parole officers and various housing, counseling and social services. Strategic plans are created for each victim priortising their safety.
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WOMEN'S HEALTH
Change in the Court System In interstate and overseas jurisdictions, specialised DV courts have been shown to give greater victim satisfaction, ensure offender accountability and reduce re-offending rates. The Queensland Government provided $38 million dollars to commence a specialised ‘DV Court’ in Southport for a six-month trial. This has been extended for a further six months. The DV court exclusively processes domestic and family violence related cases using DV specialist personnel. Two highly experienced DV Court Judges preside over the court. There are five full-time prosecution lawyers managing 40-50 DV matters each day. Duty lawyers are available to both applicants and respondents. There are volunteers available to assist with checking-in and directions. There are secure rooms available for use. Legal aid and other specialised support teams have offices there. When sentencing perpetrators, the Penalties and Sentencing Act 1992 (Qld) is used. The Act recognises the need to protect Queensland citizens (including victims of DV) from criminal offenders. The likelihood of escalation of DV is also considered when sentencing.
Change in Pindara Private Hospital Hospitals are often the first place that a victim can safely disclose DV incidents. Pindara Private hospital intends to be a leading institution in the management of DV. Pindara is actively developing its protocols to recognise and respond to cases of suspected and known DV among its staff and patients. Key staff will be trained in all aspects of detection and safe management of DV. Pindara Hospital provides a caring and supportive environment for victims to safely disclose DV. The hospital will have management plans available and these will be activated depending on the victim’s wishes. New Domestic and Family Violence Protocols at Pindara will complement existing policies and procedures which assist staff in recognising and responding to cases of suspected child abuse. Pindara also has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding violence in the workplace.
Conclusion In response to community concerns, the Queensland Government implemented initiatives on the Gold Coast at police and judicial levels in an attempt to reduce the societal scourge of DV. These changes may encourage friends, families and victims of DV to seek help; hopefully freeing them from a life of violence. Many Gold Coast residents have a relative or other contact who is living with domestic violence. The Gold Coast community must make it clear to offenders that abusing or controlling a partner is unacceptable, intolerable, criminal and punishable. As a community, let us stretch out a caring hand to support victims. Can we encourage Gold Coast schools to fall in line with Victoria and introduce ‘Respectful Relationships’ or other similar programmes to educate our younger generation about the basic human right to live a life without violence? In the words of Malala Yousafzai, "There is a moment when you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up." With respect to DV, for the residents of the Gold Coast that moment is now.
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Pindara Magazine
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BABY GIFT GUIDE
2016
GIFT GUIDE Struggling to find the perfect gift for the new mum or bub in your life? We’ve put together this guide featuring our favourite labels and local producers to help you choose something that is sure to be appreciated!
Raspberry Lane After years of pastels, this newly-created label is bringing bright back to nurseries all around the globe. Based on the Gold Coast, the husband and wife team behind Raspberry Lane have a passion for creating beautiful and unique home décor, and can even hand make one-off pieces in timber or acrylic at your request. www.raspberrylanedesigns.com
Louie Luxe The holy grail of minimalist baby design, Louie Luxe offers everything from baby apparel to play mats and room décor. Hand crafted on the Gold Coast, these items arrive beautifully packaged, and make the ideal gift for any new mum or bub! Our current picks are the ‘Dream, Baby’ gift pack and the hand dipped ‘Floating Type’ name plaques. www.louieluxe.com 52
Pindara Magazine
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BABY GIFT GUIDE
Kippins Designed in Australia and made using certified organic cotton and printed with organic ink, these gorgeous comforters are as soft on the skin as they are the eye. Inspired by “nature, storybooks and a wild imagination”, each character features a high contrast graphic design that is appealing to babies and their developing eyesight. Machine washable for your convenience, this is one gift that baby will most definitely love! www.kippins.com
Delicious by Sara Celebrate the arrival of the sweet new addition with something equally as sweet! Hand made with love here on the Gold Coast, the mini cakes from Delicious by Sara are almost too pretty to eat. Order in advance, or swing past the pop-up shop on Saturday morning to pick up a delicious delight! The pop-up shop is located at 19 Alicia Street, Southport, and is open from 8.30am until 12pm every Saturday morning. www.deliciousbysara.com.au
Posy Lane Co. Aden & Anais This is undoubtedly the favourite swaddle of mothers everywhere. Founded by an Aussie living in the USA, the label instantaneously became a worldwide sensation and has expanded to include items such as clothing, bedding and even skin care products. For a no-fail gift, you can’t look past the ‘New Beginnings’ gift set, which includes two classic swaddles, a burpy bib, muslin ‘lovey’, and a book.
For a unique alternative to a traditional flower delivery, Posy Lane Co. has the answer! Three times a week, Posy Lane Co. will devise a gorgeous bouquet using fresh flowers they have sourced locally that day. Then they upload a photograph to their social media accounts, and website, where you can then place an order for that day’s arrangement (just order by 1pm for delivery that afternoon). All posies arrive beautifully presented in a glass jar, for the very affordable price of $29!
www.adenandanais.com.au
www.posylane.com.au
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CHILDREN'S HEALTH
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CHILDREN'S HEALTH
T RE AT ING RECURREN T E AR INFEC T IONS
in children Ear infections in children are distressingly common. Watching a child in severe pain is incredibly difficult to take but the fact is 90 per cent of children will have at least one ear infection and more than three in four will have repeated infections. Dr Matt Cronin, ENT Surgeon
When we talk about ear infections in children, we’re almost exclusively dealing with middle ear infections. The middle ear lies behind the eardrum, too deep for us to see with the naked eye. Middle ear infections (otitis media) are all too frequent, and are one of the most common reasons children are seen by GPs. The main reason these infection are so common in children is that their eustachian tube (the draining duct that drains from the middle ear into the nose) is very short, flat and narrow. It allows for the backward flow of bacteria back into the middle ear and also means that it can block very easily with simple colds. Children’s adenoids (the lymph tissue at the back of the nose) also can cause it to block. Factors such as prematurity, day-care, the use of a pacifier, smokers in the house and bottle feeding are all known to increase the risk for ear infections. The good news is that they almost always improve as your child gets older. The diagnosis of ear infections can sometimes be difficult, particularly in small children. Sometimes the only sign will be a high temperature. Occasionally, very young children will pull at their ears as a sign of discomfort but this can be unreliable. The most sensible method is to have your child properly evaluated by your GP. The organisms that cause the infections can be both bacterial and viral. The good news is that the most common bacteria, streptococcus pneumoniae, is covered in the Australian vaccination schedule. By having your child’s vaccinations up to date, you are significantly reducing the risk of your child having otitis media. pindaramagazine.com.au
What can we do when it happens? Pain relief is obviously the first step. Paracetamol and/ or ibuprofen are excellent at both reducing pain and your child's temperature. It is always then sensible to see your local doctor so that an informed choice can be made as to whether antibiotics are required. Antibiotics remain controversial and there is increasing evidence that they are not as effective as we traditionally thought. A large review of all the medical literature (Cochrane review) showed they are particularly effective if the infection is in both ears, the ear drum has perforated (ruptured) or your child is under two. If your child isn’t systemically unwell or meet the above criteria, your GP may discuss withholding antibiotics to see if the infection resolves on its own. While it is frustrating when antibiotics seem to be ineffective, unfortunately complementary medicine has not been shown to be helpful. In particular, osteopathy, chiropractics and massage have not been shown to be any more effective than placebo. If your child is having frequent recurrent infections - specifically more than six infections a year - then there are options other than antibiotics or watchful waiting. Tympanostomy tubes, or grommets, are small barrels that sit within the ear drum and replace the eustachian tube. By allowing the air back into the middle ear, the infection rate reduces dramatically. They need to be placed by an ENT surgeon and require a very short anaesthetic. It’s a very safe procedure and is one of the most common operations in Australia. Grommets are not a cure-all, though, and can cause problems in themselves such as holes in the ear drum and discharge. You should have a
conversation with your ENT surgeon about the pros and cons of this option. Sometimes they will recommend removal of the adenoids as an adjunct to the grommets. Other options are to reduce any identifiable risk factors such as exposure to passive smoke and day-care. What are the risks of recurrent middle ear infections? Good question! Thankfully the risks are relatively low. There’s a small risk of hearing loss but this is usually due to either a persistent perforation of the eardrum, or fluid behind the eardrum (effusion). A perforation can be repaired with a small operation to graft the eardrum (myringoplasty) and effusions are drained with the use of grommets. Both of these procedures restore the hearing back to normal levels in the majority of cases. If you’re ever concerned about your child’s hearing, particularly if there’s any delay in their speech or language development, they should have a hearing test. Hearing tests are available at any age but do need to be modified for young children. There are rare but very serious complications of otitis media worth mentioning, such as meningitis, abscesses, sepsis and bone infections (mastoiditis). Thankfully they are almost never seen but if you are ever concerned that your child may be developing any of these then seek urgent advice. It can seem as though your child may never outgrow their run of ear infections, but with good guidance from both your GP and specialists the impact can be reduced and complications avoided. Pindara Magazine
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ADVERTORIAL
ST HILDA’S
GIRLS ENCODING A NEW WAY OF LEARNING
Words: Margie McGregor
St Hilda’s youngest members of Generation Z, the girls in Prep to Year 6, are embracing amazing opportunities that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Education as we know it has been totally transformed with student work and topics no longer just being based on their age, opening up a whole range of amazing opportunities and advanced comprehension. For example, Year 3 girls are being introduced to abstract concepts in atomic theory, complex subject matter that traditionally would form part of the Years 9 or 10 science curriculums. The Head of Junior School, Lisa Cleverly, said the program – devised by teacher Ian Stewart – was based on the notion young students are able to stretch to understand complex and abstract concepts. “We trialled the program in Years 3 to 6 last year and were so convinced by the learning outcomes that we will be implementing the same experience in Prep to Year 6 this year.” She said Year 3 girls took up the challenge to use their understanding of atoms, molecules and the periodic tables to examine transference of energy.
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Looking at which elements would be the most effective conductors of heat, they designed coffee cups using materials that would protect the user from hot beverages. “The task focused on problem-solving using scientific concepts and challenged the girls to design, appraise, create and assess a product,” said Mrs Cleverly. In Year 4, students are busy writing codes to program or control the movement of spheroes (mandarin-size cylindrical droids or balls that are battery-powered and programmable to move and light up). They’ve made cars and animals with the spheroes, but writing code is the clincher for these young scientists. Examples of problems ‘solved’ by using their critical thinking skills include programming spheroes to move around a racing track, creation of artwork lit up against a dark backdrop or screen, and creating computer games. Nine-year-old Kate Taylor explained the latest computer game she had created on an iPad. “Look, see how I can move the chicken to cross the road and then make him follow the trail to reach the pile of grain,” said Kate, thrilled with her creativity and problem-solving skills. Mrs Cleverly said the ‘educational transformation’ also shines through in the girls themselves.
“The girls have changed and are now focused on engagement with problem-solving and their own sense of creativity. “We have also seen the activity in the classroom change with a shift from teacher-centred to learner-adaptive and from formal delivery to more interactive environments.” She pointed to examples of the Year 6 girls involved in coding a small drone and the Year 4 students who have designed and created a fork prototype that could assist people with hand arthritis. Teacher Dan Martinez, an Apple Distinguished Educator and mentor for the Junior School staff, has also published a ‘how-to course’ on coding spheroes on the global iTunes U platform, encouraging other students to take up the coding challenge. The effectiveness of this early introduction of complex and abstract concepts - traditionally a secondary school curriculum - is being explored by a current research project. Dr Carole Haeusler from the University of Southern Queensland is working with St Hilda's Year 3 girls with a long-term view of examining how the Australian Science curriculum can be crafted to be more engaging for students, especially girls, and to extend their learning in the primary years. “Research to date has shown young children
are capable of understanding complex science concepts and using them to explain the composition of the everyday phenomenon,” said Dr Haeusler. “The early introduction of abstract concepts engages and produces significant interest in science among children and may result in more girls going on to study science in secondary and tertiary years.” Members of Generation Z are socially defined. According to research, they are extensively connected to, and shaped by, their peers. Their networks and worlds are technology-based and this technology is integral to their learning. Recognising the importance of collaborative and cooperative learning environments for this generation, St Hilda’s has embarked on a $1.3 million building project in the Junior School to create a specialist STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) facility. The project will see the construction of four larger-than-usual Year 6 classrooms centred on a large and flexible learning area which will be used by the girls in Years 4 to 6. The girls will be able to work together on problem-solving projects ‘that need space’ and utilise specialist equipment such as 3D printers, drones, spheroes, green-screen filming and recording facilities and robotics.
STEM-TASTIC Programs for Girls St Hilda’s Prep to Year 6 girls are embracing abstract concepts such as principles of Atomic Theory and Coding, creating a new way of looking at the world. Classrooms are filled with technology that enables young learners to become scientists, designers and problem-solvers. To encourage our girls to change the world and create unimaginable futures, we have designed a $1.3 million specialist STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) centre that will see Junior School girls working together on problem-solving projects and using equipment such as 3D printers, drones, spheroes, green-screen filming and recording facilities and robotics.
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To find out about St Hilda’s STEM-Tastic programs, contact Head of Junior School: 07-5577 7231 sthildas.qld.edu.au enrolments@sthildas.qld.edu.au
LOVE COMPASSION FORGIVENESS HOPE GRACE
GENERAL HEALTH
The Truth About Gallstones Dr Jacobus Jordaan, General Surgeon
In contrast to their miniscule size, gallstones can cause a lot of big issues. They’re very common and are present in a quarter to a third of Australian adults over 50. Although most people don’t require treatment, some people with gallstones need to have their gallbladder removed through a surgical procedure called a cholecystectomy. Almost 11,000 cholecystectomies were performed in Queensland in 2012-2013.
What are gallstones, exactly? When you consume a meal, the food needs to be broken down and absorbed in your gastrointestinal tract, commonly known as the gut. Bile is a substance produced by the liver and is essential for the breakdown and absorption of fats from foods, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Bile is stored within the gallbladder and released into the gut when you eat. The gallbladder lies below the liver in the right upper part of your abdomen, linked to the liver, pancreas and gut through a series of ducts called the biliary tree. Gallstones are solidified particles of cholesterol and/or bile pigment that develop within the gallbladder. They’re caused by the imbalance between the components of bile and can vary in size from a grain of sand to a large pebble.
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The following factors increase your risk of developing gallstones: Female gender Increasing age Obesity Family history of gallstones Medical conditions, such as diabetes and liver cirrhosis High-calorie, low-fibre diets Certain medications Pregnancy Rapid weight loss Lifestyle changes that may reduce the likelihood of developing further gallstones include regular exercise, following a low-calorie, high-fibre diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Are gallstones painful? The majority of people with gallstones are pain-free and may only discover they have the condition incidentally through an imaging test. However, gallstones do cause pain if a stone becomes trapped within the neck of the gallbladder, the pancreas or within the biliary tree. This can create an obstruction and possibly lead to an infection. Gallstone pain is known as “biliary colic�. It’s typically experienced as a severe pain in the right upper abdomen that tends to last for hours. It may radiate into the right shoulder blade or back and can occur more frequently at night. Eating a fatty meal stimulates release of bile by the gallbladder and may also trigger the pain. The pain subsides after some time but many people feel nauseated and vomit during these episodes. If an individual suffers from one attack of biliary colic, they are at risk of experiencing further episodes.
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People with gallstones may develop blockage and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), the biliary tree (cholangitis), or the pancreas (acute pancreatitis). These conditions cause constant severe pain, fevers and chills and are medical emergencies. People require hospital admission, intravenous fluids, pain relief and antibiotics. If gallstones block the flow of bile, the individual may develop the yellowing of the skin and eyes known as jaundice. People with pancreatitis often have constant, severe abdominal pain that goes into their back. If the blockage and infection are not treated quickly enough, the results, including organ rupture, may be fatal.
How do I know if gallstones are causing my symptoms? A number of tests can be performed to look for gallstones and determine what treatment options may be suitable. Blood tests determine how the liver is functioning and whether an infection is developing. An abdominal ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis. This radiation-free test visualises the solid abdominal organs and is the first-line imaging test for gallstones. Other tests include an abdominal CT and MRI scan.
How should my gallstones be treated? The answer depends on your personal situation. People who don’t have pain or other symptoms won’t require immediate treatment. They can be managed expectantly; that is, they can seek appropriate medical treatment if and when they develop symptoms. However, if they’ve had biliary colic or infection (cholecystitis, cholangitis, or pancreatitis), their doctor is likely to recommend removal of their gallbladder with the offending stone. Although the gallbladder is an important organ, it’s not essential and can be removed in individuals with biliary colic or complications. This is usually done as a minimally invasive keyhole operation called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. While the person is under anaesthesia, small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow entry ports for a small video camera and the surgical instruments. Carbon dioxide gas in gently inserted through these ports to distend the abdomen and make it easier to see everything. All the surgery is done through the ports.
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The benefits of removing the gallbladder laparoscopically rather than as an open procedure include:
Smaller scars and a superior cosmetic outcome
Shorter hospital stay
Reduced blood loss and risk of infection
Reduced tissue trauma, and therefore reduced pain and discomfort
Reduced need for pain relief and reduced side effects (such as constipation)
Faster recovery and return to work, with two to three weeks to full recovery, instead of four to six weeks
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The gallbladder is carefully released from the surrounding organs and removed. After this, the gas is removed from the abdomen and the ports are closed with stitches and dressings. In some cases, it may not be possible to remove the gallbladder through a port. In this situation, the surgeon may need to make a larger cut in the abdomen to safely remove the gallbladder. Converting a laparoscopic operation to an open procedure isn’t a complication, but a clinical decision made in the best interests of the patient. As with any procedure, there’s the risk of complications. Some people develop increased bowel frequency after the operation, but it tends to be temporary. Other complications are rare; bile leak occurs in one to two per cent of patients and may require further surgery, and a bile duct injury occurs in up to 0.5 per cent of patients. If a stone is lodged outside the gallbladder in the biliary tree it may not be possible to remove it at the time of the operation. In this case a second procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) might be required. This procedure can be used to diagnose and treat gallstones in the bile duct. Under sedation, a gastroenterologist passes a small flexible fibre-optic camera through your mouth to view the gut, together with dye and a specialised radiation-free imaging machine. The gallstones are retrieved with a tiny basket and/or balloon via the scope. Gallstones are a common condition. They only need to be treated if they are causing symptoms. There are safe and effective ways to treat gallstones and prevent their recurrence. Talk with your doctor about the most suitable option for your individual situation.
Dr Jacobus Jordaan is a specialist Upper Gastrointestinal surgeon who offers minimally-invasive (laparoscopic) procedures, such as cholecystectomies, at Pindara Private Hospital.
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BEAUTY
2016
winter warmers Keep your skin nourished and your senses heightened with this winter's best beauty buys.
Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Gel Masque: Pomegranate Extract & Peptide Complex (75ml)
Issada Mineral CC8 Cream
$79.95 RRP Kick ageing to the curb with the power of natural-organic alchemy. Like a mixture of magic, this concoction of healthy, scientifically advanced cell communicating ingredients produces a lightweight gel masque that combats signs of ageing and increases skin elasticity while hydrating, firming and nurturing facial skin. Formulated with gentle cooling actives, this masque is perfect for sensitive facial skin, and a must-have for those cooler months. Certified organic, not tested on animals, and product packaging is made from glass and hardened premium PET plastic, one of the world’s most recycled materials. Win, win.
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$79 RRP
Circa Home Classic Candle Crème Brulee $29.95 RRP Candles in the home can make a big difference when it comes to creating a little atmosphere, and Circa Home have just the scent to create a cosy – and delicious – vibe with their Classic Candle in Crème Brulee. Dessert never smelled so sweet, permeating every corner of the room! Get the fire going, light the candles and snuggle in with a warm blanket. Warning: may inspire you to make real crème brulee!
We can’t go past a good tinted moisturiser when we aren't catching enough of those rays come winter, but one that is an anti-ageing serum, blemish treatment, pore minimiser, radiance booster, pigmentation fighter, mineral sunscreen and skin calming corrector all in one? Sold! Issada’s CC8 cream is the hardestworking cream around. Super light-weight, CC8 glides on effortlessly to instantly neutralise imperfections, re-texturise and refine skin. Available in four colour-adapting shades that create a veil of natural-looking coverage that colour correctively adapts to each wearer’s skin tone with chameleon-like prowess.
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Peppermint Grove Australia Hand Cream (75g) $19.95 RRP
Ella Baché Hydra Hyaluronic Cellular Serum (30ml)
Scaly, dry hands be gone! Keep your hands smooth and moisturised with Peppermint Grove Australia Hand Cream in invigorating and refreshing lemongrass and lime scent. The lemongrass and lime will heighten the senses and conjure up lush tropical images reminiscent of the Daintree Rainforest. Enriched with nourishing almond, argan, rosehip and jojoba oils, as well as added SPF15+, your hands will feel lusciously smooth and smell wonderfully fragrant.
Sukin Energising Body Scrub in Coffee and Coconut (200ml) $14.95 RRP Walnut shell, coconut extract, coffee seed extract and sesame seed oil are just some of the ingredients working together to create this blissful exfoliator for the body. Sukin Energising Body Scrub works to polish and stimulate the surface of the skin so even in winter you can feel smooth and soft under those sweaters. Aloe vera, coconut oil and jojoba oil provide lasting hydration, and added rosehip and Vitamin E provide important antioxidants and nutrients for that healthy glow all year round. pindaramagazine.com.au
$90 RRP For the ultimate hydration rescue this season look no further than Ella Baché’s new Hydra Hyaluronic Cellular Serum, a solution for those who need an intensive hydration boost to the skin. Boasting ultra skin hydration, improved skin tone and antioxidant protection, this is one serum that will leave your skin radiant and visibly smoothed.
Dermalogica Redness Relief Primer SPF15 (22ml) $70 RRP The colder weather can definitely bring about some redness around those sensitive areas of the face but luckily Dermalogica has just the thing to remedy red patches with the launch of their Redness Relief Primer SPF15. This new facial primer with a sheer green tint is designed to calm irritation and protect skin from UVA/ UVB exposure. The primer produces a smooth, translucent, red-neutralising finish for an even skin tone and primes the skin surface for a more flawless makeup application and longer makeup wear.
The Aromatherapy Company - Smith & Co Restore Diffusion Set (160ml) $34.95 RRP Smith & Co.’s Restore Diffuser Elixir really is the essence of autumn, releasing an earthy, warm and sugary scent. Blended with mandarin, lime leaf and vanilla, this perfect combination brings the outdoors in. The herbal based aroma with citrus top notes is uplifting, rejuvenating and enhances awareness. An ideal restoring elixir for any room of the house.
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Scalp Health COMMON SCALP PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Dr Michael Freeman, Dermatologist
Dandruff Dandruff has many causes, from just a dry scalp as the weather changes, to diseases like psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. For simple dryness, which can occasionally generate a mild itch, try shampooing the hair less often and with a cooler water stream. Shampoo traps oils, so if you do it too frequently, you may dry your hair out, leaving it prone to breakage. Even washing the hair with conditioner only can work for some. When the flaking is more noticeable and often the itch is more of a feature, the dandruff is being generated by mild seborrhoeic dermatitis. When you were an infant and had cradle cap (see below) that was an early sign of seborrheic dermatitis. If this is the case then try using an anti-dandruff shampoo daily. Leave shampoo on for five minutes, then rinse well. You may need to try several dandruff shampoos to find one that works best for you. If one stops working, try another. In general the Imidazole-based shampoos (eg Nizoral) available from the chemist works best, but when that doesn't help, call your doctor. If the dandruff flakes you see are greasy and yellow, you may have a more aggressive form of seborrheic dermatitis. It's an inflammatory skin condition that can occur where there are lots of oil glands, like the scalp and face. Though seborrheic dermatitis is related to hormones, normal fungus, and even some neurological problems like Parkinson's disease, they are treated with the same anti-dandruff shampoos. Severe cases may need a prescription steroid or oral antifungal medicine. For the face, the BLOC Red serum can be quite successful. 64
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Scalp Psoriasis At least half of all the people who have psoriasis have it on their scalp. Scalp psoriasis can be very mild, with slight, fine scaling. It can also be very severe with thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp. Psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, the back of the neck and around the ears.
When psoriasis appears on the scalp, you may notice: Reddish patches on the scalp. Some patches are barely noticeable. Patches also can be very noticeable, thick, and inflamed. Dandruff-like flaking and silvery-white scale. Scalp psoriasis can look a lot like dandruff. Many people who have scalp psoriasis see flaking. But there are differences between scalp psoriasis and dandruff. Unlike dandruff, scalp psoriasis causes a silvery sheen and dry scale on the scalp. Dry scalp. The scalp may be so dry that the skin cracks and bleeds. Itching. This is one of the most common symptoms. For some the itch is mild; others have intense itching that can interfere with everyday life and cause sleepless nights. Bleeding. Because scalp psoriasis can be very itchy, almost everyone scratches. Scratching can make the scalp bleed. Scratching also tends to worsen the psoriasis. Scratching can make the patches larger and thicker. This is why dermatologists advise not to scratch the itch! Burning sensation or soreness. The scalp can burn. It can feel extremely sore.
Cradle Cap This form of seborrheic dermatitis affects infants, typically in the first six months. It causes greasy, yellowish scales or crusts on the scalp. Although it may frighten parents, cradle cap is not a sign of a more serious infection, and it will usually clear up by the baby's first birthday. For treatment, try soaking your baby's scalp softly with baby or coconut oil to loosen the scales. After a few minutes, wash your baby's hair with a gentle baby shampoo. Then brush the scalp very gently with a soft brush to loosen the flakes. If a regular shampoo isn't working, ask your doctor about a medicated option. pindaramagazine.com.au
Temporary hair loss. Scratching the scalp or using force to remove the scale can cause hair loss. Once the scalp psoriasis clears, hair usually regrows.
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Treating scalp psoriasis Treatments are often combined and rotated because a person's psoriasis may become less responsive to medications after repeated use. Systemic treatments are not commonly used just for scalp psoriasis but may be used if psoriasis is present elsewhere on the body and/or the psoriasis is moderate to severe.
Mild scalp psoriasis Tar products and salicylic acid generally work for very mild scalp psoriasis. There are many coal tar and noncoal tar medicated shampoos for treating scalp lesions on the market. Remember, medicated shampoos are designed for the scalp, not the hair, so leave it on the scalp before washing it out. Suitable commercial brands include Neutrogena T Gel shampoo.
Moderate to severe scalp psoriasis If you have a more severe case of scalp psoriasis, you may need to try different treatment plans before you find the one that works for you. The doctor might need to be consulted for a compounded cream to use overnight containing coal tar and salicylic acid. There is a recently subsidised shampoo for severe psoriasis called Clobex, which is a prescription item. This powerful cortisone shampoo is often very effective at thinning out the psoriasis and relieving the itch. For those where this is still not enough, dermatologists have access to oral retinoid capsules that can be very helpful along with other physical therapies especially for localised psoriasis.
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Scalp Allergy Allergy to preservatives and hair dye can lead to severe discomfort and a red itching scalp. In general it is best to avoid the preservative Methylisothiazolinone (MI) as this is often the cause of the preservative allergies. Hair dye allergies are due to the permanent hair dye PPD. It is simple to check – if you get a rash after exposure you are very likely to be allergic. Your dermatologist can confirm this with a patch allergy test. If it’s confirmed, you will need to change to PPD-free hair dyes, which are generally much more temporary.
Sun damage For those who have been losing hair from the top of the head and not wearing a hat whilst exposed to the sun (mostly men), this can cause sunspots on the top of the head. While they may just feel rough, they are a marker of very significant sun damage. They can lead on to different forms of skin cancer, that if allowed to progress, could become life threatening. There are a number of different treatments available from your doctor. It’s best to start each day with Actinica sunscreen. All sunscreens only last a maximum four hours in the sun, so be sure to top it up regularly. Hats are better, but not always practical. There is a vitamin supplement that reduces sun spots and skin cancers. The supplement Insolar from Blackmores, taken twice a day, will make a significant difference. As for putting the hair back on, that is another story but best attempted as soon as hair loss is detected.
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SKIN SENSE Dr Dilip Gahankari, Plastic & Reconstruction Surgeon
S? L A C I T U E C ME S O C E R A IVE T C E F F E HOW
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Dr Dilip Gahankari looks at collagen skincare products and supplements: do they work, or are there better alternatives?
As we age, many of us look for ways to help us look younger and fresher. The so-called 'cosmeceuticals' industry is a billion dollar one, and it thrives on our desires to keep our looks radiant for as long as possible. The use of 'collagen skin care' is a relatively new chapter in the development of this industry, but in actual fact, some of the active ingredients of this skin care have been in use for quite some time. In my research, I’ve uncovered hundreds of these collagen skin and beauty care products but they weren’t really common knowledge because there wasn’t one definition to really explain what it was or why it was beneficial. When I broke it down, the common ingredient listed as appearing in many of the products appeared to be a form of peptide. These peptides are molecules in our bodies essential for many of physiological functions including reactions that are essential for healing and collagen formation. These collagen skin care products are often advertised as being able to enhance the natural collagen in our skin, firm the skin, and work against wrinkles and lines. But once again, despite these products relying on selling scientific reactions, my research didn’t produce any compelling evidence that they actually worked. And those studies they list on the adverts to support their claims of a miracle skin salve? They’re usually sponsored by the very industry trying to sell the products. It makes their assertions a little difficult to swallow for a skeptic like myself. The problem is, although these peptides and pentapeptide molecule (KTTKS for example) are known to be part of Type-1 collagen, and do actually signal pathways for collagen to be deposited in the in skin, their effectiveness as a topical cream is controversial. As far as I can tell from my research, these assertions aren’t really based in evidence. But there are several other cosmeceuticals that have indeed been the subject of extensive research. Many commonly known ingredients such as vitamin C, antioxidants, AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), retinoids and
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others are also commonly used skin care products. The concern that I have about these products though, is their quality control. They’re manufactured at a large scale and are generally sold over the counter and therefore have very few measures in place to ensure quality. Interestingly, different regulatory bodies have differing policies. For example, the US FDA does not recognise the term 'cosmeceuticals' so in the US and Australia, products such as sunscreens are sold over the counter. However, in Europe, sunscreen is considered to be a cosmeceutical and has more regulatory criteria. Like most things in the commercial world, the more expensive a product, the better it is supposed to be. In cosmeceuticals, certainly, high-end products from well-known brands are more expensive, and generally speaking, the branded products are known to have better quality control. However, given the lack of evidence surrounding the efficacy of many of these products, it’s difficult to know exactly which products will deliver tangible results. With so many as yet unfounded claims being made about cosmeceuticals and the results they purport to deliver, there is a very real possibility that you may be paying big dollars for a product that may not be the best option for your skin. As always, consulting a professional, such as a dermotherapist, is the best option, and in the long-run is it’s likely to be the most cost-effective. These trained specialists, (such as Moana Ford who works in our rooms at Advanced Aesthetics), offer a detailed skin analysis and can then suggest the products best suited to your individual needs. In addition to their advanced training, dermotherapists have extensive handson experience with many of the products available, and can advise on which ones deliver results, and which ones don’t. With so many billions of dollars being spent on the marketing of cosmeceuticals, sometimes with little evidence to back up their enticing claims, we need to scratch beneath the surface to find products and treatments that will produce real results.
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How can you increase collagen growth? Focus Array There are various treatments designed to increase collagen growth. The two I recommend from our Advanced Aesthetics Medi Clinic are:
What is collagen?
Collagen is a vital building block of the skin. It’s responsible for up to 30 per cent of the protein of the living body. In skin, collagen makes up 70 per cent of the protein. Collagen plays a vital role in ensuring the cohesion, elasticity and regeneration of skin. It’s the main component of the dermis, or foundation, of skin tissue. This is where the flexibility and elasticity of the skin is determined, so maintaining the optimum amount of collagen is really the key to healthy, beautiful skin. 70
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Mesoestetic Medical Grade Peel This safe and non-invasive treatment offers intense exfoliation and stimulation of collagen and elastin. We use it to treat lines and wrinkles, sundamage, age spots, pigmentation and acne scars. Dermapen Skin Needling Delivered across four consecutive treatments, two weeks apart, skin needling is used on the face and neck using a series of microscopic needles that cause multiple, tiny micro-punctures in the dermis. These micro-punctures stimulate growth and production of collagen and elastin, giving skin improved appearance and rejuvenation. We use it to treat aged and sagging skin, fine lines, large pores, stretch marks, and scarring.
This treatment harnesses the power of picosecond technology that delivers ultra-short pulses to the skin, stimulating the production of elastin and collagen. These treatments are quick and noninvasive and can dramatically improve the appearance and tone of the skin with minimal discomfort and no downtime. The Focus lens is approved by the FDA for the reduction of wrinkles and acne scars and is an exclusive treatment at Advanced Aesthetics. It’s important to note that some or all of the treatments are only as good as the quality of equipment and the skill of therapist. Do your research: check the credentials, training and experience of your therapist, and see examples of previous work. After all, you’re putting your skin in their hands. 2016
Join the Herd!
TRAVEL
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TRAVEL
LuxurY elemental
At the top of Australia’s list of languid beach hotspots, Byron Bay has a unique charm that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
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Lured as much by the Bay’s laidback, artistic lifestyle and environmental consciousness as its stunning natural beauty, people have been flocking to this iconic destination for a taste of alternative culture for decades. Increasingly however, there has been an influx of visitors with high-end taste and expectations seeking the classic Byron experience but in a more refined environment. The town’s newest multimillion dollar resort, Elements of Byron, caters perfectly to this breed of traveller. Sprawled across 22 hectares of absolute beachfront land, less than five kilometres from the heart of town, Elements of Byron is a place of pinch-me perfection where relaxation is plentiful and nightlife means a glass of organic local wine by the poolside fire.
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Here, the two sides of Byron’s personality - eclectic and ever more sophisticated - meet in an impressive allin-one experience where you can revel in the carefree local vibe in five-star luxury. With three restaurants, an infinity pool, conference and wedding facilities, daily yoga sessions at sunrise and a world-class day spa, there’s absolutely no need to leave the resort. For those looking to simply unwind, Osprey Spa is a world-class facility in a tranquil, nature-inspired setting that from the moment you enter the inner sanctum will have you swooning. Each of the five therapy rooms invite the outdoors inside, opening into a private garden alcove that features an outdoor bathtub or rain head shower. The services include a range of restorative treatments that can be enjoyed alone or with a friend or loved one in a double treatment suite. For pure indulgence, treat yourself to a twohour Oceanic De-Stress Ritual, which includes a foot massage, organic salt therapy scrub, aromatherapy full-body massage and botanical facial. If being pampered isn’t your cup of iced organic herbal tea, there are plenty of other ways to fill the time at Elements of Byron. You can play a spot of tennis or head down to the Beach Lounge, a private, fenced-off beachfront area decked out with sun lounges, umbrellas and equipment hire, offering undisturbed views over Belongil Beach to Byron’s iconic lighthouse. Surfers can even check the conditions out the front of the resort before they head down, using the surf cam function on the TV in their room. Elements of Byron pays homage to the region’s eco-loving reputation through thoughtful design and architecture, with a particular focus on preserving native flora and fauna. All 103 villas include environmentally-friendly features such as digital compendiums, water-saving showers, solar power and adjustable louvre windows for natural light and airflow. Even the beauty products, by luxury Australian apothecary, Appelles, are environmentally responsible and ethical. To help you reduce your carbon footprint whilst staying at the resort, each villa has been fitted with motion sensors that control the lights and air conditioning and a function that allows you to monitor how much energy your villa is consuming in real time. Armed with this knowledge, you have the option of offsetting your carbon footprint when you check-out, with the money going towards local revegetation programs.
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The entire resort is themed according to the site’s four ecological zones: sand dunes, eucalypts, wetlands and rainforest. The main building, the pavilion, is designed to look like a windswept sand dune while the colour schemes and modern, tasteful interior styling in the villas reflect other features of the local environment. The Botanica Villas capture the vibrant colours of the surrounding rainforest through bright green cushions and an artwork-adorned leather bed head, while the Beachside Villas are decorated with splashes of blue and furniture made from blonde timber, in a chic surf-shack style. As you wander through the lush grounds, it is clear that this respect for nature is where the inspiration for the resort’s name comes from. Elements of Byron salutes the ancient concept of creating balance between the universe’s building blocks: water, fire, earth and air, representing all four elements with equal attention to detail. From the tea tree-stained Belongil creek that weaves its way through the property to the sound of waves crashing on the shore in the still of night, water is ubiquitous at the resort. The most striking representation, however, is the lagoon-style pool at the centre of the main pavilion. With its hot tub and paddling pool for kids, it has a gravitational pull that few guests can resist and luckily there are plenty of hanging lounges, over-the-water sun beds and poolside bures to go around. Fire makes an appearance after sunset at the sunken fire pit in front of the pool where you can enjoy a bespoke cocktail or two over a plate of crab stuffed doughnuts with red pepper and chipotle jam. For an added touch of romance the Beachside Villas even feature fireplaces. With a 10% building footprint, the resort’s appreciation of earth is apparent not only in the careful consideration given to preserving the local ecosystem but also in the creative timber installations that adorn the walls of the spa, restaurant and some villas. Air is present in the feeling of privacy and isolation the resort boasts. With their open-plan layout and minimalist styling, the villas are much more spacious than they appear from the outside and the expanse of vegetation surrounding each one adds to the resort’s atmosphere of exclusivity. The most enjoyable thing about the resort is the fact that its laidback glamour isn’t just superficial; it is reflected in the attentive and helpful attitudes of the staff members, the comfort of the beds and the quality of the food. The menu at Graze at Elements manages to walk the fine line between being sophisticated, modern and tasty, while still taking into consideration different dietary requirements. Your stay includes a complimentary continental breakfast and there are options for everyone including filtered coffee, tea and juice, a range of cold meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, yoghurt and nuts, and even gluten-free bread. If you’re after a hot meal, there is also a comprehensive, reasonably priced breakfast menu available.
TRAVEL
Thoughtful touches such as snacks in your villa’s mini bar from local providers like Byron Bay Chocolate Co and coffee table books that showcase the region’s endlessly photographic landscape and abundant agriculture constantly remind you that the resort isn’t just located in Byron, it has been designed as part of the landscape. If, despite all the resort has to offer, you simply cannot resist the call of the quirky shops and boutique cafés that line Byron’s main streets, it is less than a five-minute drive to town. If you’re feeling adventurous it’s an easy half-hour walk along the beachfront. The Byron Bay Arts and Industry Estate is also a short drive from the resort and here you’ll find art galleries featuring works by local painters and sculptors, and treasures such as beautifully handcrafted timber furniture and antique homewares. Byron Bay’s creative charm also spills into the surrounding towns of Bangalow and Mullumbimby. Tucked away in the hinterland, these quaint villages offer an insight into the region’s fascinating culture and thriving food scene. Enjoy a long, lazy lunch away from the hustle and bustle of Byron at one of the dozens of eateries dotted throughout the hills that boast healthy and sumptuous choices made from fresh, local produce. Renowned world over for its stunning beaches and first-rate surfing breaks; a trip to Byron wouldn’t be complete without a healthy dose of sun, sand and surf. Nearby beaches Lennox, Broken Head, Wategos, Tallows, The Pass and Brunswick are just some of the beaches you should aim to check out while you’re in the area. After a day soaking up the region’s distinctive character, return to your luxurious sanctuary that has been, as the website boasts, formed from the elements of Byron itself. This is a holiday your chakras won’t forget any time soon.
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TRAVEL
Obstetrics Gynaecology IVF / Infertility Laparoscopic Surgery Adolescent Gynaecology Vaginal Laser Treatment (Mona Lisa Touch)
Dr Penelope Isherwood is happy to see you for Obstetric, Gynaecology and IVF-infertility consultation and treatment. Her wish is to provide her patients with the best care possible, tailored to their circumstances and preferences.
Phone. (07) 5597 2660 Fax. (07) 5597 2667 Email. reception@drpenelopeisherwood.com.au Web. www.drpenelopeisherwood.com.au
COMMUNITY
The Importance of Giving Back Words: Tegan Atkins
No matter how tough life gets for one person, there’s always someone else fighting a bigger battle. Children need to be taught this lesson early so they learn to appreciate the goodness in their lives and will use their personal skills to give back to others. This generosity of spirit is important for personal growth and development for us as humans, and is simply about doing something to help someone else simply because you can, and expecting nothing in return. It’s a life philosophy that the Queensland Theatre of Puppetry (QTOP) take great pleasure in bringing to the masses. More than 40 years ago, the Queensland Theatre of Puppetry (QTOP) began with a mission to perform affordable live theatre for young children living on the Gold Coast. From humble beginnings, QTOP started out by raising about $100 for charities on the Gold Coast. Fast forward 32 years and new president of QTOP Phil Bell says he has “ramped up the productions” and as a result draws better crowds to the puppet shows every school holidays. And better shows mean more money to give back to those who need it. In the past three years the puppet theatre has raised $50,000 from their shows and donated it all. Phil says, “we’re thrilled to bits” with the results. QTOP began as a simple idea to introduce the magic of puppet theatre to children. The puppeteers once paid to perform are now all volunteers who want to have fun, experience the joy of theatre and give back to the community. Phil says a lot of the puppets operated by kids who “are so enthralled” by puppet theatre and eager to return year after year. “The puppets are dressed so beautifully and our sets are terrific so it’s pretty exciting for the kids,” Phil says. He says the best part about child involvement in the shows is teaching the kids discipline. Putting on a live 40-minute show that is “action-packed all the way through” with thirty set changes is no
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easy task, and the children learn how much focus, commitment and dedication is required to deliver a successful show. “It’s like an ants’ nest out the back,” Phil says. “[The kids] get used to that discipline and I think it’s so good for them.” Phil says the kids also gain a better insight into giving back to the community. “If they learn to give early, that means our community works better,” Phil says. The cast give back to the community by putting on fantastic shows, introducing others to puppet theatre and donating all proceeds to the Gold Coast community. Tickets to the puppet shows are just $6 per person and from these sales, QTOP has donated $10,000 towards a local music therapy program, run for kids who require constant medical treatment that is often painful. “Music therapy is good to calm them down,” Phil says. By donating to the program, the kids in Phil’s shows learn and appreciate how much goodness is in their own lives, and understand there other kids fighting bigger battles. “We don’t take any [money] ourselves, it is all donated,” Phil says. “So the money people spend to see the shows goes straight back into the community.” Phil says the puppet shows, while directed at kids, also feature “some anecdotal funny bits” for the adults. “I think the adults appreciate that we don’t leave them out.” It’s incredible to think that what began as a small puppet theatre more 40 years ago has now changed the Gold Coast community for the better. So how can others give back to the community? Phil laughs. “It’s not rocket science! I think if people keep it simple it works.” Furthermore, if parents really want their children to have a good introduction to theatre, Phil says “this is the place to come”. “Children will want to come back and see it again. It’s a really good way of getting your kids into enjoying live theatre.” And to giving back to those who really need it.
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DINING
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COMMUNITY
It’s a searing 47 degrees Celsius and I’m on the road on a bike in the middle of nowhere. I don’t even like cycling but here I am in Thailand riding from Bangkok to Khao Lak. Sweat is pouring down my face and I’ve already gone through four bottles of water on this leg alone.
Words: Anthony Sherratt
Around me my fellow riders are also struggling. The jokes and camaraderie have been pushed to the side as most of us struggle to even draw breath. Aching muscles are battling with a deep fatigue whose onset has been both quick and scary. It’s only day three and for the first time I have doubts as to whether I’ll make it to the end of this 500-kilometre ride for charity. I’ve had a few moments of dizziness and briefly even slipped into a head-bowed fugue as I pedalled: a trance I only snapped out of when I barely missed a coconut which would have caused a nasty fall. How far to go? How bloody hot is it? Can I make it? I can’t see anyone in front of me. Why the hell am I doing this? I reach to my back pocket hoping there’s some water left in my final bottle and my hand catches something. Momentarily curious I pull it out; it’s a little card I’d been ceremoniously given a few days earlier. It had a picture of a smiling six-year-old girl named Pla. She likes rainbows and dancing. Suddenly I remembered why I was here. She’s one of 112 children waiting for us at a Hands Across The Water home still a few days away. Just over a year ago I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand and work in an orphanage. My wife had agreed to cycle 500 kilometres across the country for a charity I'd not heard of called Hands Across The Water. I was initially sceptical - both of the charity and of my wife's ability to ride a bike that far - but when I looked into Hands Across The Water I was stunned. It was everything a charity should be. pindaramagazine.com.au
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Unlike the vast majority of not-for-profit organisations, this one guarantees 100% of donations makes it to the targets. No deductions for salaries, administration or marketing. All those were taken care of by a separate company and guaranteed by the founder, Peter Baines OAM. Hands Across The Water has raised millions upon millions of dollars without spending a single cent of donor's money on admin and the like. They have built orphanages, community centres, helped in slums, and today also save children from the sex trade. They provide an education for the less fortunate and give them a future. Faced with what was my dream charity, how could I say no? While my wife cycled, I worked at the orphanage in southern Thailand. It had been the worst hit area in the country when the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 crashed ashore, sweeping away nearly everything in its path. I took my twin five-year-old daughters to show them that "poor kids" wasn't an abstract concept and it touched both them and me deeply. Even though I didn’t expect it to be easy I was surprised at how emotionally difficult it was. I cried every day but it was wonderful to know I was truly making a difference in these kids' lives. We worked around the home during the day when the kids were at school and then played with them upon their return. Despite the incredibly tragic stories the children chose to be happy and were hardly ever without a smile on their face. It was noticeable how much they enjoyed interaction though as if they were hungry for personal affection. My twins were befriended and played with constantly. Children don’t accept restriction or recognise differences and they all bonded wonderfully. Even as I write this, my girls are writing letters to Jip and Mae at the home. The time we spent there was both wonderful and shattering. But the indomitable spirit on display from those supposedly less fortunate reminded me that it isn’t what happens to you; it’s what you do next that matters. I worked alongside a young man named Game who I discovered came through the home and then had the opportunity to go to university and study law, which he’d just completed. I congratulated him and asked him if he was looking to go to Phuket or Bangkok to practice law. He smiled at me and said he couldn’t leave his brothers and sisters and would be staying at the orphanage to help raise them all. My first instinct was to feel sad for him but I quickly realised that Hands Across The Water had given him the greatest gift of all – the ability to choose for himself. His was one of the happy stories. Despite the trip exhausting me both physically
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COMMUNITY
and emotionally, I returned to Australia feeling like I hadn't done enough. Mentally I knew I couldn't have done more, but the feeling persisted. So when I was asked if I wanted to join the bike ride the following year I didn't hesitate: I said yes. Despite not liking bike riding. In fact I'd never ridden a bike with gears, let alone done more than casual riding. It was a huge commitment for me. I was out of shape but energised. Determined to help make an even bigger difference. I was driven by the happy faces of children I knew who didn’t have much but remained positive in the face of it all. So when I was on the verge of hitting that wall on day three, the sight of Pla gave me focus. That little card reminded me of who and what I was riding for. And I found a little extra to get myself into that lunch break. And during that break I reflected on those kids who’d let me into their lives the year before and I found a peaceful happiness. Surprisingly I didn’t struggle again on that ride. The next two-and-a-half days of riding passed in a tranquil state and I found myself getting excited at the prospect of seeing familiar faces again. Not that I expected them to remember me after a year, but I knew, and that was enough. Our group of riders raised more than $324,000 for Hands Across The Water on that trip but you couldn’t put a monetary figure on the experience. We shared stories, encouragement, laughter and more tears than I care to admit. We pedalled 500 kilometres in ridiculous heat – it actually exceeded 52 degrees on the Friday – and battled endless hills and even a mountain, but we didn’t give up. I sang songs from Les Mis and Disney movies alike on the straights with those around me. I spent a lot of time at the back encouraging and laughing with those who were struggling physically and I made friends I will keep for life. We were united in the ride and in our dream to help a charity helping those less fortunate. We were a little sad the journey was ending as we rode into the orphanage – called Baan Than Namchai, which translates to “the home of the stream of love” – but it was a sadness soon swallowed up by the happiness of 112 faces who engulfed us in hugs. And excited cries of “Anthony!” bought tears to my eyes once more as two little girls who I thought wouldn’t remember me nearly knocked me over. Twelve months earlier I thought my trip to Thailand was a one-off trip. But hugging those kids, I knew I would be coming back again and again. Since returning, Anthony has become a Speaking Ambassador for Hands Across The Water. He also speaks to business groups, schools and conferences on leadership, work-life balance and overcoming obstacles. pindaramagazine.com.au
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artHroplaSty Hip & Knee SportS & trauma Dr. Andrew Letchford is a specialist in hip and knee orthopaedic surgery, with a particular interest in arthroplasty (joint replacement), knee reconstructions, sports injuries and acute orthopaedic trauma.
Fellow A.Ortho.A. FRACS Ortho MBBS ( Hons 1st Syd) B.Science ( Hons 1st Qld) Dip.Ed Orthopaedic Surgeon
Pacific Orthopaedics Pty Ltd Suite 3c level 4 pacific private Clinic | 123 nerang Street Southport
T 07 5527 1818
F 07 5526 4788 E reception@pacificorthopaedic.com.au
www.dr-andrew-letchford.com.au
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MOTORING
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MOTORING
W R A I T H Wraith was born out of a desire to push the boundaries of design and engineering. Dynamic lines create an enigmatic presence – a presence which plays host to the most powerful Rolls-Royce engine ever. The name alone evokes a sense of noir. The striking roof-line gives a dynamic silhouette that enhances the power, style and drama.
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MOTORING
WHAT MAKES THIS CAR SO SPECIAL? A 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine out of the Rolls-Royce Wraith is tuned to produce 624BHP and has a power output of 800 Nm, so the heavy 2,440-kilogram body is pushed around very smoothly by the rear-wheel drive train. The eight-speed satellite aided transmission will work effortlessly as you put your foot down to unlock the power of this amazing piece of engineering, but the mechanics aren't even the most impressive part of the Rolls-Royce Wraith Your Wraith is more than a motor car. It’s an extension of your individuality. From the smallest details to the most ambitious statements, the Bespoke team go to great lengths to bring your dream Wraith to life. The only limit is your own imagination. An endless choice of colours, of paint and leather, including bespoke options if you don't find quite the right one. The Spirit of Ecstasy, a world-renowned part of the Rolls-Royce experience, can come in various styles if you want it to stand out just that little bit more. Inspired by a tale of mystery, glamour, and a forbidden love affair, the Spirit of Ecstasy graces the front of every Rolls-Royce. A customer recently fell in love with the golden goddess when he saw her perched atop another man's car. He asked that his own be shipped to him and installed onto his Rolls-Royce at once. His dreams were, of course, fulfilled. Moving inside the car, there are even more decisions to make, including complete reconfiguration of your seats, leather and veneer detailing and perhaps the most special and unique feature: a Starlight headliner.
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MOTORING
6.6L TWIN TURBO V12 pindaramagazine.com.au
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Starlight headliners can be created to your specifications, or you can choose an astronomical body or starscape to feature on the interior roof lining of your RollsRoyce Wraith. Whatever choices you make, it is sure to make a statement as a driver or passenger, every time you step inside. Continuing the style, the largest coach doors in the Rolls Royce family lead you into a contemporary cocoon, encasing you in an elegant simplicity Rolls Royce is renowned for. With all eyes forward, Wraith’s dynamic lines and seamless surge of power redefine history. The factory-backed service departments offer superior car care and mean your RollsRoyce Wraith can always be in showcase condition.
For more information, contact Brand Manager James Staniforth at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Queensland on (07) 5509 7197 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-queensland.com.au
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BOATING
A A LT E R N AT I V E
It’s a bold move launching a new brand into the market, but even more so when that involves building not just one but three models. The Whitehaven 6000 Coupe is the second of a trio of new boats built by Whitehaven Motor Yachts and the first of their none flybridge series. Barry Thompson checks out the latest arrival.
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BOATING
Last year I had the privilege of flying to Taiwan and reviewing Whitehaven’s Flybridge 6000, their inaugural model, and commented then how impressed I was at the company’s first offering. Mind you I sort of expected nothing less, knowing the man behind the project and his long standing reputation and experience in the boating industry. Whitehaven Motor Yachts is headed by the affable Keith Hanson, who has a passion for his new brand that reflects in every aspect of his boats as well as his personal commitment to making the brand as perfect as possible. “The point of difference between Whitehaven and our competitors is that we offer a lot more in the standard package for a better price, with a finish, style and presentation that is second to none”, says Keith. However, value for money and quality of build are just part of the package. These are coupled with an outstanding performance, which gives the Whitehaven 6000 an edge over its competition.
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BOATING
Built in Taiwan at the Kaohsiung based yard of New Ocean Yachts, the Whitehaven 6000 Coupe is based on the same hull as the 6000 Flybridge, but without the enclosed bridge. “The reaction to the Coupe at the Expo was superb and in fact better than I was expecting, because the volume and the elevation of the boat is such that it satisfies people who are maybe dedicated to flybridge only, but can now see the 6000 Coupe as more than just a compromise between the two styles. “We offer a robust bluewater coupe that provides everything a flybridge does and more,” says Keith. Ryan Hanson, who manages the boat building projects in Taiwan for Whitehaven Motor Yachts, explained that they now have three models based on the 19.6-metre hull platform, the Flybridge, the Coupe and the soon to be launched Sunbridge. “We will be following this with a 20.11-metre Bluewater 6600, which features an extended cockpit and mezzanine, plus there are plans for a smaller 16.5-metre Flybridge and Coupe 5500, which will bring the range to six models”, added Ryan. More are already in the design stages. Released at the recent Gold Coast Expo, the Whitehaven 6000 Coupe was unquestionably one of the star attractions on the marina and attracted considerable interest. While Keith admits they didn’t sign any deals at the show, he was confident that orders for both the new Coupe and the Flybridge would follow.
Cool Cover
Like the Flybridge, the mezzanine of the Coupe is all about entertaining and has been set up with an aft seat and teak table. Moulded units with Corian surfaces conceal a barbecue fitted to the starboard side and a drawer type fridge/freezer opposite. There is also an aft helm station complete with Yacht Controller joystick, a drop down 32” television that comes out of the roof, and the whole area is illuminated by a Hella floodlight. Access to the boarding platform is either side of the central seating, where there is a separate door to the engine room and boot for the tender garage. This is big enough for a 3.2-metre AB RIB and Honda 20hp outboard, which is easily launched on a roller system. There is an option of a hi/low platform if preferred and then the dinghy garage can be converted into a massive storage space. A very cool option ($AU18,300) in the cockpit is the Sureshade electrically operated rear awning extension, which extends the overhead shade by over two metres. Made from a durable Sunbrella material, this stayless awning retracts back into the moulded roof and is hidden from sight when not in use.
Wow Factor
What you experience when entering the interior sets the tone and with the Coupe you will not be disappointed. It has that wow factor, with a modern contemporary interior, in sync with the beach house mood the designers wanted to achieve. The light oak timbers, offset with the darker sole and light coloured fabrics provide a friendly and fun atmosphere, which make this a pleasant place to be. If oak is too light for you, then there are plenty of other options for interior timbers, such as walnut or teak, as well as some very interesting blends. The same easy transition between exterior and interior spaces which was so evident on the Flybridge has been carried through in the Coupe. The most obvious difference between the Coupe and the Flybridge is the Coupe has a forward sliding sunroof and two rear skylights. When the sunroof is open, it certainly creates a grander feeling of space. There’s also no staircase and the forward lounge space now includes a helm. With the ability to customise the interior layout, you can do just about anything you like. With the staircase eliminated from the Coupe, this has allowed a better utilisation of space, such as bigger galley.
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BOATING
While the Flybridge had one full-width lounge area forward, the Coupe still offers much the same space but has split the settee layout into two areas, one opposite the galley and the other opposing the helm. The galley layout includes a Corian surfaced plating island with storage drawers below, a household size fridge/freezer/ice-maker combo, deep pull out storage, white Franke sink units and F&P curved range hood. Add to that a four-burner hob, microwave oven and dish drawer and you have everything you need. This is a boat that you are unquestionably going to spend a lot of time aboard entertaining, hence the 42� pop-up television and Bose stereo system. I liked the fact the television can be swivelled and positioned so it can be viewed just about from anywhere. It’s one step up to the forward saloon, complete with a U-shape settee and fixed dining table to port and the helm opposite, with twin Besenzoni helm seats. The dash is a mix of stitched leather, fabric and carbon fibre inlays that encompass all the electronics and navigational equipment. The electronics and equipment packages are owner's choice, with the Coupe fitted with a pair of Raymarine E 120 Hybrid touch screens surrounded by all the necessary instrumentation, controls and navigational displays. Standard in the stock boat package is a Yacht Controller complete with remote, plus fore and aft Vetus thrusters, and Twin Disc Quick Shift gearboxes. Again, being a semicustom boat, just how you style and equip the dash layout is up to you. I have to say I loved the Yacht Controller, which makes manoeuvering the big Whitehaven an effortless task. With a simple movement of the hand, the Yacht Controller Joystick JCS allows simultaneous operation of the engines and of the bow and stern thrusters, enabling you to manoeuver and move the boat in any direction securely, precisely, and simply, with total ease.
Full Beam Master
If there is one area that has not changed it is the accommodation spaces forward, with an identical three-cabin, two-bathroom design in all three 6000 models. Customisation will allow you to change all that, such as opting for the two-cabin layout, with the third being converted to a utility room for additional storage. The master stateroom exemplifies the versatile use of available space, with a king-size island berth, flush mount 40� television, extra-large cedar-lined wardrobe, lounge and full-length bureau with lift-up case and mirror. There is extra storage in bedside drawer units, under the bed and hanging lockers. Large signature side windows with open ports while providing natural light and ventilation, also give a panoramic view. pindaramagazine.com.au
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The port stateroom comes standard with two extra-large single high/low bunks, but with the option of a third drop-down berth should you need more space for young children. There’s a generous size hanging locker, opening port and like all the cabins, have individualised air con. Forward, the guest VIP has a queen-size centre berth which, thanks to the fullness of the bow, means the berth doesn’t have to be raised to maintain its full width at the head. Storage is provided under the berth and in various hanging lockers and shelves throughout the cabin. Twin opening ports and an overhead hatch offer plenty of light. The two bathrooms, the forward one being shared by the guest cabins, feature a similar Italian tiled dÊcor and arrangement, which reflects the continuity and understated elegance of the design. Shower stalls with frameless glass doors and teak floors, rain showers, Corian vanity surfaces and raised porcelain bowls feature in both the private master and VIP en-suites.
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BOATING
Conservative Speed
When talking to Keith about the performance he is quick to point out that the 6000 has been deliberately badged as a coupe and not a sport yacht, as the intention was never for a 30 knot plus boat. With this in mind, a pair of MTU60/825hp gives the 6000 Coupe a very respectable 27.5-knot speed. If you do want to crack the magic 30 knots, then a pair of 1000hp – 1200hp engines will easily achieve that and more. Interestingly, the first 6000 Sunbridge has been powered with a pair of Cat C18 ACERTS/1150hp, as Keith regards this as more of a ‘sports’ model. The underwater sections of the 6000 feature a deep forefoot, wide planning strikes and a warped chine. It’s a very ‘slippery’ boat that glides onto the plane with little bow attitude and reaches maximum rpm very quickly. The 5.33-metre beam makes it wider on the waterline than any of its competitors and with the extra wide chines retains a very level attitude when turning, even at high speed. The hull design and styling of the Whitehaven 6000 is a collaboration of ideas by Keith and son Ryan, in association with New Ocean Yachts resident naval architect, Jason Kao
Man with Experience
Experience counts and Keith has that in abundance. His ability to understand what the market wants and just how to present a boat, be it flybridge, coupe or sunbridge style has come from years of hard graft in buying and selling boats. His hands-on experience includes navigating around Australia, driving boats to New Guinea and racing offshore powerboats boats all over the world. While the Whitehaven range is still somewhat conventional, rather than a paradigm shift away from the norm, they are different enough to be something special and a strong alternative to existing brands. Small in numbers now, but I predict that in a few years, the Whitehaven will be one of the better-known brands on the local market.
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GIZMO GUIDE
2016
Fitbit ‘Blaze’ Activity Watch
Samsung Gear VR $158.99 RRP
$299 RRP
Imagine another world at your fingertips. With the Samsung ‘Virtual Gear’ goggles, the illusion of that other world is a reality for those lucky enough to own one of the compatible Samsung smartphones (Galaxy S6/7 edge and Note5). Powered by oculus, these virtual goggles really do enhance the experience of what anyone would think possible with current smartphone technology. With a 96-degree field of view and innovative sensors, it would almost be remiss not to warn of a very real virtual experience! To the modern gamer, the next level in the exciting space of ‘experience gaming’.
In this day and age, the ability to stay fit and cope with the demands of everyday life is easier said than done, but with the ‘Fitbit Blaze’ measuring heart rate and tracking workouts whilst receiving text messages and tracking your schedule, life is made that much easier. If you are particularly put off by wearing a fitness accessory, check out the metal, leather and classic band choices to make constant wear less daunting. Think of it as a classic watch that just happens to have innovative built in fitness features.
Samsung online
Target Australia
GET DietSensor ‘SCiO’ food scanner Due for release mid-2016
Muse Headband $299 RRP Not everyone can meditate at the drop of a hat. It can take years to master such a focused mental state, so it’s always a help to have some support. Enter Muse Headband, one of the first technologyassisted meditation accessories. In conjunction with the smartphone application, the Muse Headband allows you to track your meditation and provide feedback and tips to assist with improvement. A number of sensors in the headband measure the brain signals from points on your head, presenting data that can both detect and measure how effectively each meditation session is. A 60-day guarantee with international shipping from North America available.
There have been a lot of advancements in the food science field of late, and the DietSensor app with scanner is an example of such advancement, empowering those with dietary requirements, or even just preferences, to assess and control food choices to suit their lifestyle needs. The sensor has a compact design that easily fits in your hand making for a quick and easy assessment of food, a convenient far stretch from the labs used to study and assess food to date. Always seek advice of medical professionals before using this device if you have any dietary requirements.
DietSensor online Choose Muse online
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GIZMO GUIDE
2016
GoSun Grill $599 RRP Whether you’re fond of the outdoors or just like the idea of an ‘apocalypse-proof’ way to cook food, there’s a practical option now on the market. The GoSun Grill is a cooker that uses the ever-present power of the sun to cook food. Picture yourself on the beach on a summer’s day, baking, boiling or frying a meal without a reliance on gas or electricity. As long as the sun is out, you’re able to cook. With the safety net of a 30-day money back offer along with a two-year warranty, trying before buying becomes a real option. Shipping from USA for under $100.
GoSun Stove online
Techy Lenovo ‘X1 Carbon’ Tablet Due for release mid-2016 If you’re looking for a device that has an identity crisis you’ve found it with the ‘Lenovo X1 Carbon Tablet’. It functions strongly as a laptop, tablet and projector featuring a camera with advanced 3D digital imaging capability, all in one. In the well-known business grade Lenovo X1 range, you get a device with multiple features that actually performs well in both a business and home environment. Hold it, stand it up, tilt it or even hang it for a practical and innovative way to use smart technology.
Lenovo online
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TOP READS
2015
Top reads
The Queen of the Night
Shylock is My Name
Cometh the Hour
ALEXANDER CHEE $50.99 RRP
HOWARD JACOBSON $29.99 RRP
JEFFERY ARCHER $44.99 RRP
A beautifully rich and seductive novel with an intricate plot that rarely stays still, The Queen of the Night follows Lilliet Berne, who is a sensation of the Paris Opera and a legendary soprano with every accolade except an original role, every singer’s chance at immortality. When one is finally offered to her, she realises with alarm that the libretto is based on a hidden piece of her past. Only four could have betrayed her: one is dead, one loves her, one wants to own her. And one, she hopes, never thinks of her at all. Lilliet moves closer to the truth behind the mysterious opera and the role that could secure her reputation, or destroy her with the secrets it reveals.
Howard Jacobson's clever and creative retelling of The Merchant of Venice uses time to its own advantage as it asks what it means to be a father, a Jew and a merciful human being in the modern world. With an absent wife and a daughter going off the rails, wealthy art collector and philanthropist Simon Strulovitch is in need of someone to talk to. So when he meets Shylock at a cemetery in Cheshire's Golden Triangle, he invites him back to his house. It's the beginning of a remarkable friendship.
Fans of the internationally best-selling Clifton Chronicles from master storyteller Jeffrey Archer waited with bated breath for the sixth book in the series, and it does not disappoint. Cometh the Hour opens with the reading of a suicide note, which has devastating consequences for Harry and Emma Clifton, Giles Barrington and Lady Virginia. Giles must decide if he should withdraw from politics and try to rescue Karin, the woman he loves, from behind the Iron Curtain ‌ but is Karin who she says she is? Cometh the Hour, like the five previous novels - all of which went to number one on the Sunday Times bestseller list - showcases Jeffrey Archer's extraordinary storytelling with his trademark twists.
Same hotel. DIFFeReNt PRIceS. 100
Pindara Magazine
2015
2015
TOP READS
West of Eden
Koreatown: A Cookbook
The Happy Life
JEAN STEIN $89.99 RRP
DEUKI HONG & MARR RODBARD $30.00 RRP
LOLA BERRY $39.99
West of Eden is the definitive story of Hollywood, told, in their own words, by the people on the inside: Lauren Bacall, Arthur Miller, Dennis Hopper, Frank Gehry, Ring Lardner, Joan Didion, Stephen Sondheim – all interviewed by Jean Stein, who grew up in the forties in a fairy tale mansion in the Hollywood Hills. West of Eden is about money, power, fame and terrible secrets: the doomed Hollywood of the late fifties, early Sixties – ‘the rotten heart of paradise'. Like her last book, the best-selling Edie, this is an oral history told through brilliantly edited interviews.
Korean food is having a major moment, and Koreatown is the perfect exploration of this dynamic and flavourful culture with a collection of 100 recipes exploring the foods and flavours of Koreatown. A New York Times bestseller and one of the most praised cookbooks of 2016, this is not your average soft-focus "journey to Asia" kind of cookbook. Koreatown is a spicy, funky, flavour-packed love affair with the grit and charm of Korean cooking. Koreatowns around the country are synonymous with mealtime feasts and late-night chef hangouts, and Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard show us why, with stories, interviews, and over 100 delicious, superapproachable recipes.
An inspiring guide to finding health and happiness from the author of The 20/20 Diet and The Happy Cookbook. This beautiful, honest book is nutritionist Lola Berry's achievable guide to overall happiness, and it all starts with what we put on our plates. The Happy Life features more than 60 delicious wholefood recipes as well as practical advice on how to maintain optimum health across all areas of your life - whether that's eating well and maintaining exercise regimens while travelling, navigating love and relationships, or actively incorporating more mindfulness into your day.
Finding the right Hotel just got a whole lot easier. Compare and Book 100’s of travel sites at once.
www.CompareandBook.com.au
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AT THE MOVIES
2016
At the movies
Everybody Wants Some
Mr Right?
Mustang
What's it about?
What's it about?
What's it about?
A comedy about a successful college baseball team in the 1980s that plays hard, both on and off the diamond.
A very modern and somewhat quirky girl (Anna Kendrick) searching for love meets a man (Sam Rockwell) who seems to be perfect for her. But there's one catch - he's a professional assassin.
When five teenage sisters are seen innocently playing with boys on a beach, their scandalised conservative guardians virtually imprison them in their home while forced marriages are arranged.
What did we think?
What did we think?
Who doesn't love Anna Kendrick? And even her manic on-screen character is loveable in Mr Right. In fact, she and Sam Rockwell make a great couple and the chemistry and relationship is both electric and incredibly cute. However, that and the general premise are all this movie has to offer. Everything else is a bit of a mess. Clunky dialogue mixed with a story that lacks direction, plotting and pacing, leaves you wondering why someone didn't intervene at some point. The quirk and cuteness will be enough for many (mostly Kendrick and Rockwell fans) but it lacks the intelligence of Grosse Point Blank - the movie it will inevitably be compared to.
Mustang is hard to define because it inspires so many emotions. It's a confronting picture of injustice and social mores in an ever-changing world. The clash of traditional treatment of women and young ladies wanting to enjoy life is sometimes difficult to watch and you're rarely sure what will happen next as each girl reacts to the restrictions in their own way. It's incredibly sweet but will also make you angry as it highlights the repression of female expression and sexuality. Wonderfully shot and at times mesmerising, the film's realism is its true strength. It's being held up as a feminist piece but I think it's much than that; it's a genuine and earnest look at the human condition under unjust circumstances. See it.
What did we think? You might be forgiven for expecting a stereotypical college movie but you'll be surprised by Everybody Wants Some. Sure there's the constant quest for sex, incessant drinking and questionable treatment of women, but amidst that is a witty script that is a lot more realistic than our previous frat house comedies. The males are sporting alphas. so do indulge in poor behaviour, but there are subtle differences in their back stories and motivation - something director Richard Linklater layers wonderfully. And it's Linklater's insistence on writing types, as opposed to stereotypes, that takes this to the next level. Yes there will be criticisms of the treatment of women and indeed the superficial treatment of the female characters, but this is a more accurate representation of the 80s than the modern world would care to admit.
2.5/5 4.5/5
4/5
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Pindara Magazine
2016
2016
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Out Of The Shadows What's it about? Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael are back! And they're battling bad guys! With April O'Niell! With the addition of Casey Jones and mutated villains from the 80s! What did we think? On a positive note it is much better than its predecessor, but let's face it, the 2014 reboot was pretty abysmal to start with. The introduction of beloved characters from the 80s (Casey Jones, Bebop, Rocksteady and Krang) adds an extra element but still fails to provide any real meat on the bone despite the efforts of the talented Stephen Amell. It features more fan-love this time around but while young boys will love it, the average adult is going to be crying "cowabungle"! If you're a male under 14 it's a 3/5 movie. For everyone else it's a 1.
AT THE MOVIES
Me Before You
Eye In The Sky
What's it about?
What’s it about?
Me Before You is the story of the unexpected relationship that blossoms between a contented small town Englishwoman and the wealthy, paralysed Londoner who hires her as his caretaker for a few months while he plans his assisted suicide.
A drone-led terrorist capture mission in Kenya takes an unexpected turn, throwing up an intriguing ethical dilemma for all those involved. As an American pilot is about to engage a live remote-controlled missile, a nine-year-old girl enters the kill zone triggering an international dispute exploring morality and goals.
What did we think? The presence of Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones) will no doubt appeal to many but perhaps she should have brought her dragons along to liven up this by-the-numbers movie. The only real point of difference is the fact that the male is a recent quadriplegic, but even this is clumsily handled with the idea that death is preferable to being paralysed. It's questionable whether it even offers a good exploration of the euthanasia debate, which is a shame given the potential of the discussion. Some of the PC values just leave you feeling director Thea Sharrock is just playing safe. There's noticeable tenderness and chemistry between the characters, but it's predictable - though entertaining.
What did we think? Forcing you to abandon a black-and-white mindset, Eye In The Sky masterfully examines the ethical intricacies that occur on a macro scale during war. The added techno layer of remotely controlled drones just adds intricate layers as emotions and human nature battle with cold technology and the rigours of the goals of war. In one of his last roles, Alan Rickman is brilliant as a typically cynical general, with Captain Phillips’ Barked Abdi in a pivotal on-the-ground role. Helen Mirren and Aaron Paul are also wonderful in a movie that will linger in the mind long after the credits. One of the best movies of the year. Incredibly tense but with a real energy, it's one you shouldn't miss.
2.5/5 4/5 pindaramagazine.com.au
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DINING
T H E G O L D C OA S T R E S TAU R A N T R O U N D U P
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2016
DINING
Si X B E S T N E W E AT E R I E S
one Kiyomi Jupiters Casino, Broadbeach
The flavours of Tokyo are meticulously constructed together in this distinctly Japanese menu. Created by internationally renowned Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima, Kiyomi celebrates the experience of shared dining with fresh sashimi, tempura and grill plates. Of course, there is also an outstanding selection of sushi on the menu with an emphasis on fresh seafood: ocean trout, umami sansho, lime and soy roll, and soft shell crab, avocado, cucumber and tobiko roll are perfect starters. Kiyomi boldly matches their dining menu with an enviable authentic Japanese drinks menu, boasting a variety of Japanese tap and bottled beers, sake, shochu cocktails and Japanese whiskies.
pindaramagazine.com.au
two Cicchetti Pizza & Pasta Bar Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri
This authentic, modern Italian eatery has recently undergone a revamp that has seen the introduction of a more casual dining experience. Whilst the slick interior – including jaw-dropping chandelier and fully-stocked bar – remains, the new menu boasts more casual offerings including a carefully curated selection of handmade pastas, and what we deem to be the best pizzas on the Coast! The whole family will love this new laidback vibe, and kids even eat free on Sundays!
three Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. Chevron Renaissance
Welcome to 1950, when store burgers tasted homemade, French fries and a caramel thick shake were the sides, and baked apple pie finished off the meal. Following the success of Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. in Noosa, Betty’s Burgers opened a second flagship restaurant in Chevron Renaissance, much to the delight of locals. Showcasing the juiciest and tastiest burgers in town, this 1950s burger shack experience includes a menu featuring homemade frozen custards or “Concretes”- for after you have devoured your slow cooked pork belly and Sriracha mayo burger – which can be mixed with sweet treats like Mint Choc Fudge Brownie, Blueberry Cheesecake and Salted Caramel Waffle Cone, to name just a few.
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DINING
four Rick Shores Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores is the next South East Asian endeavour from the team behind LONgTIME, but this time, bringing you Modern Asian dining in the iconic beach setting of Burleigh Heads. While predominantly Thai based, the menu is infused with culinary influences drawn from India, Vietnam and Japan, expertly crafted by Executive Chef Ben Bertei and Head Chef Jake Pregnell. Share plates, banquets and bar snacks set the precedence for fresh, light and locally sourced dishes. With the beach just metres away, enjoy your Miso Eggplant Tacos and a coast-inspired cocktail with a view.
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DINING
five Justin Lane Establishment Burleigh Heads
With a mantra of “eat, drink and be messy” Justin Lane Establishment encourages comfort above all else. While the ground floor delivers their cult pizza and pasta dishes to the masses below (think 100% sourdough, naturally risen over 48 hours and hand stretched to order pizza bases, and pasta made in house daily, cooked fresh to order) Justin’s Rooftop bar above offers the same quality of food with an atmosphere to boot. Boasting views of the Burleigh foreshore and stunning Gold Coast skyline, and oozing personality, Justin’s Rooftop does not disappoint for a drink or two in the Burleigh breeze.
six Gemellini Nobby Beach
In the very cool suburb of Nobby Beach, Gemellini beckons you off the beach and into a cosy eatery with rustic interiors and the aroma of wood-fired pizza. Gemellini translates from Italian to 'the little twin', being the more intimate and casual Italian eatery of big brother Gemelli in Broadbeach. While the menu is more succinct than the latter, it packs a flavourful punch with a good range of Italian-style pizzas like the Rucola: pomodoro, 24-month Parma prosciutto, rocket and shaved Parmesan. It is simplicity in its finest Italian form. Three pasta staples to choose from, and three desserts, likely to be favourites for most: house made Tiramisu, Nutella and mascarpone filled donuts, and ricotta and lemon tart. You don’t need any more than that now, do you.?
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DINING
Lemon Chicken Tagine
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2016
DINING
SERVES 6
For the Marinade • • • • • • • • • • •
3 cloves garlic, peeled ½ a preserved lemon, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon crushed chilli 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons ground cumin ½ tablespoon sea salt 1 bunch Italian parsley, washed and dried 1 bunch fresh coriander, washed and dried 1 fresh bay leaf, stalk removed 2 tablespoons olive oil Pinch of saffron threads soaked in one tablespoon of hot water
For the Tagine • • • • • • • • •
1
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12 chicken thighs, bone in and skin on 1 large tomato, sliced 1 large brown onion, sliced 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thin wedges 1 cup chilli stuffed green olives 1 bunch fresh coriander, washed, dried and roughly chopped ½ cup chicken stock ½ cup water 1 preserved lemon, cut into eighths
To make the marinade, put all ingredients in a food processor and blitz until you have a smooth paste. Reserve half the marinade and then use the other half to marinate the chicken thighs for at least four hours but preferably overnight. After the chicken has marinated, take half of the remaining marinade and spread it over the base of your tagine (you could also use a Dutch oven or casserole dish with lid). Top with the tomato and onion slices and then arrange the chicken thighs on top.
3
Stuff the potato wedges, preserved lemon and olives into any gaps and then pour chicken stock over the top.
4
Combine the remaining marinade with the chopped coriander and water and pour over the top. Cover tagine with lid and simmer over medium-low heat for 45 minutes to an hour. (Do not be tempted to take the lid off and have a peek during the cooking process!)
5
Serve with cous cous or flat bread.
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FINANCE
Trading Places From 1 July 2016 new laws apply allowing small businesses to change their operating structure tax-free. Chartered Accountant, Darren Hagarty, discusses this new measure and how it can benefit business owners.
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2016
FINANCE
Overview Having decided to go into business, one of the most important initial decisions is to choose the structure through which you will operate – sole trader, company, trust, partnership, or a combination of these. In making this decision, a number of factors need to be considered including minimising your tax liability, asset protection, access to equity capital, and compliance costs.
The Problem The most appropriate structure for a small business may change over time, or a new small business may choose an initial structure that it later finds to be inappropriate. For instance, for reasons of simplicity and minimisation of start-up costs, a number of small businesses commence as sole traders. However, as their business grows, they often wish to change to a more tax-effective structure (such as a trust). Aside from tax minimisation, restructuring into a more appropriate operating structure may help a business to: • Provide protection from personal liability • Continue to develop and grow (e.g. taking on new business partners by changing from a sole trader to a company) • Minimise compliance costs • Enhance business efficiency • Adapt to current conditions pindaramagazine.com.au
Under the current law, where a business restructures and assets are transferred from the old operating structure to the new structure (e.g. from a company to a trust), significant tax liabilities may arise at the time of transfer and therefore create a disincentive to restructure. Currently, for business restructures, tax relief is only available in limited circumstances (e.g. when converting to a company structure). This deficiency in the current law means significant tax liabilities could arise upon restructure, or a business could just choose to continue to operate under the existing inappropriate structure in order to avoid these tax liabilities. In both cases, this is an unsatisfactory outcome.
New Law To remedy this, a new law was passed by Federal Parliament in February allowing small businesses to change their operating structure from 1 July 2016 without incurring income tax or capital gains tax (CGT) liabilities. The new law provides an optional rollover (deferring any CGT liability or any income tax liability until the asset is eventually sold) where a small business transfers an active asset of the business to another small business as part of a genuine business restructure, without changing the ultimate economic ownership of the asset. The intent and effect of the new law is to make the change of structure tax neutral for the transfer of CGT assets, trading stock, revenue assets and depreciating assets.
A new law was passed by Federal Parliament in February allowing small businesses to change their operating structure from 1 July 2016 without incurring income tax or capital gains tax
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FINANCE
Example
Thanks to this new law, small business owners now have the ability to change their structure tax-free
Jack and Jill are husband and wife, and are the only shareholders in Pail Co, with each owning one share with a cost base of $1. Pail Co has successfully carried on a water hauling business. The only capital gain tax (CGT) asset is the goodwill of the business currently worth $30,000. Pail Co is a small business for the income year. When setting up their business, Jack and Jill did not seek any professional advice and did not consider the compliance costs of operating their business through a company. They now wish to run the hauling operation directly as partners. Under the old law, the company would have been deemed to have transferred the goodwill at its market value of $30,000 and with a cost base of $0. As a result, a gross capital gain of $30,000 would be made and CGT would therefore be payable by the company in the year in which the restructure took place. Using the new small business restructure rollover, Pail Co can transfer the goodwill to Jack and Jill as assets of the Jack and Jill partnership. Pail Co is taken to have transferred the goodwill to Jack and Jill in equal shares for $0, and Jack and Jill are taken to have acquired their shares of the goodwill for this amount. Therefore, no capital gains tax is payable by Pail Co. As a result of the new law, Jack and Jill have been able to change their operating structure without any adverse tax consequences. The business structure through which you operate can have a profound impact on your financial and other affairs. Thanks to this new law, small business owners now have the ability to change their structure tax-free (although stamp duty costs will still need to be considered).
If you would like to discuss the best business structure for your needs or how you can take advantage of this new law, contact Darren Hagarty at PT Partners (07) 3 808 4499.
TIMe MaGazIne naMes HoloGIC’s 3D MaMMoGrapHy as THe MosT reMarkable HealTH aDvanCe In 2014 3D mammography is the most advanced technology for early detection of breast cancer 3D Mammography compared to normal mammography is: • 27% more effective at detecting all breast cancers • 41% more effective at detecting invasive breast cancers The Women’s Imaging Centre is the only facility on the Gold Coast to offer the Hologic 3D mammography service.
south Coast radiology provides on-site pre-operative imaging and localisation procedures to complement the world class surgery provided by breast surgeons at pindara private Hospital. For expert diagnostic breast imaging, choose south Coast radiology at pindara Hospital & The Women’s Imaging Centre
South Coast Radiology, Pindara Hospital ph: (07) 5597 0677 The Women’s Imaging Centre, Southport ph: (07) 5564 0851 www.scr.com.au 112
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www.twic.com.au 2016
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