S E PTE M B E R 2015
LIVING HEALTHY
LAURA GEITZ: ACHIEVING SUCCESS
SUZY BATKOVIC ON WORK/LIFE BALANCE
MA NAGI NG DRY EY ES
C O N T E N TS ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... GE NE RA L MA NAGE R UP DAT E.. .....
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... 3
ES S... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... LAU RA GE ITZ : AC HIE VIN G SU CC
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ....4
..... ..... ....5 NAVIG ATI ON ...... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... QU EE NS LAN D CO UN TRY ’S CA RE ..... ..... ..... ....5 ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... K... OR TW NE R IDE OV PR IER EM PR ..... ..... ....6 INK ING ...... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... HOW MU CH SU GA R AR E YO U DR ..... ..... ..... ..... .7 ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... . S. EYE Y DR ..... 8 ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ...... AS SE ER GO ING OV EN T....... ....9 FU ND ’S CO MM UN ITY CO MM ITM QU EE NS LAN D CO UN TRY HE ALT H BA LAN CE ...... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... SU ZY BAT KOVIC ON WO RK /LIF E OG IST ?.. ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... WH AT IS AN EXE RC ISE PH YSI OL
..... ..... ..... .10
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... 12
.13 D EXE RC ISE PH YSI OLOGY....... ..... AN PY RA HE OT YSI PH S: CU FO IN BE NE FITS ..... ..... ..... ...1 4 ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... WH AT’ S FO R DIN NE R?...... ..... ..... ..... H ME MB ER S... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..16 WIT HIT A L: NTA DE TRY UN CO D QU EE NS LAN ...... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... STA FF IN SP OT LIG HT: RO S MIL ES
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ...1 6
. ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... BE NE FITS IN FO CU S: MASS AG E.
..... ..... ..... ..... 17
..... ..... N A LUX URY!.. ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... RE ME DIA L MASS AG E: MO RE THA
..... ....1 8
FR OM TH E
GENERAL MANAGER H EALTH FU N D The health insurance market place is very competitive and we continue to monitor our competitors and the needs of our Members to ensure we are offering market leading benefits and competitive premiums. In April this year we completed a review of our benefits and made a number of beneficial changes which has resulted in increases for dental, podiatry, physio, chiropractic, hearing aids and massage benefits. This is the fifth year in a row that we have been able to increase benefits for Members to ensure that we are continuing to offer great value products and ones that are relevant to our Members. We understand that affordability is still an issue for Members and that increases to premiums need to be carefully considered. Although it was necessary to increase premiums this year to ensure that we continue to operate a financially sound health fund, our premium increase was well below the industry average premium increase, and is also the tenth year in a row that our premium increases have been below the industry average. The 2014/15 financial year has been another successful year for the Health Fund with many Queenslanders voting with their feet and transferring to Queensland Country Health Fund. We now insure more than 47,000 people which is an increase of 3,000 people during the year.
To provide Members with better access to information and to specific policy details, we are planning to introduce a new website and mobile app which will be developed over the next six months. We will provide further information about these changes when development of these online services progresses further. Both the new website and mobile app will provide Queensland Country Health Fund and it’s Members with a substantial step forward in online service and experience. Thanks for your continued support of Queensland Country Health Fund.
Aaron Newman | General Manager anewman@qccu.com.au
3
LAURA GEITZ: AC H IE V IN G SUCCESS I AM EXCE PTIONALLY LUCKY TO B E AB LE TO DO WHAT I LOVE AN D WHAT I AM PASS IONATE ABOUT! Some people might think chasing a ball around a netball court isn’t exactly their idea of fun but for me – it’s what makes me tick! I grew up with parents who encouraged me to pursue what I was truly passionate, this always led me to do well and more importantly enjoy what I was doing. I have been playing netball for close to 15 years and like anything in life there is a natural progression of skills and life lessons you learn along the way! I am not going to tell you that it has all been a walk in the park or easy, but to me the challenges are the things you look back on and get the most satisfaction out of. They are the things that make all the success look even better because you know just how hard the climb has been at times. I truly believe that you don’t know exactly what you are capable of until you are pushed or you are ready to step outside your comfort zone, sure it can sometimes be a bit of a scary place but when you do experience that, there is no better feeling. When I am asked what my career highlights are, I will often rattle off the premiership wins I have been lucky to be involved in or the Commonwealth Games Gold medal but the big thing I am grateful for are the people I have met along the way, the places I have traveled and the experiences that I can share with those closest to me. I am also grateful that my job allows me to be fit, healthy and confident! So at the end of the day I feel like a winner regardless of the score on the court! 4
QU E E N S LAN D COU NTRY’S
CARE NAVIGATION Queensland Country Health Fund is committed to supporting our Members’ health and wellbeing and are continually reviewing our products and programs to achieve this. As part of our commitment, we are excited to announce our care navigation service focused on assisting our Members to navigate the health system by promoting health literacy and health independence at every stage of life. care navigation will assist Members in coordinating treatment by referring them to the appropriate high quality health care services. For all Members, care navigation will provide access to online services to assist you navigate your health and wellbeing needs. This will include:
HEALTH INFORMATION
RISK ASSESSMENTS
LINKS TO CREDIBLE WEBSITES
MEMBER DISCOUNT PARTNERS
For Members with chronic disease or multiple health conditions, our care navigation clinical team will provide a personalised telephone-based care navigation service. Members will be invited to receive this service that will include identifying care and wellbeing needs and then coordinating access to programs and services to deliver the desired personalised health outcome.
TH E S E RVICE WI LL LAU NCH I N JAN UARY 2016. OVE R TH E COM I NG MONTH S WE WI LL LET YOU KNOW MOR E ABOUT IT AN D HOW TO ACCE SS TH E RANG E OF S E RVICE S.
Di d yo u kn ow ? OR K P R E M IE R P R OV ID E R N E TW
e with health care providers a number of agreements in plac has d Fun lth Hea ry unt Co d mier Queenslan Extras cover, as part of our Pre ounts and services if you have disc ve lusi exc with you vide to pro Provider Network. tists and optometrists across the
ber of den We have agreements with a num added regularly.
state, with more being
er go to To find your nearest provid us on 1800 813 415 /preferred-provider or call ber em /m .au om th.c eal tryh www.qldcoun
5
H OW M U C H S U G A R A R E YO U D R IN K IN G ? Source: http://www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au/how-much-sugar
YOU WOU LD N’T EAT 16 TEAS POON S OF SUGAR I N ON E H IT, SO WHY WOU LD YOU D R I N K TH E M ALL I N ON E GO?
Dr Sarah Wilkins on, Queens land Countr y Dental
Many of the soft drinks we sip throughout the day contain a large amount of sugar and all of them contain tooth-eroding acid. Fizzy, sports and energy drinks, fruit juices and drinks and cordials contain acid that attacks your tooth enamel, (including the sugar-free and ‘zero’ varieties) and most contain sugar, which causes tooth decay. Every time you take a sip throughout the day, you’ll start a brand new acid attack that will last 20 minutes. Regular loss of enamel can lead to cavities and exposure of the inner layers of the tooth can become sensitive and painful. Prevention of enamel loss is very important for the long term health of your teeth.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
ø Drink soft drinks in moderation if at all. ø Drink water instead. It has no acid, no sugar – and no kilojoules.
ø Don’t drink them before bed. ø Swish water around your mouth after each bottle or can of drink.
ø Drink through a straw so your teeth are less exposed ø Chew sugar free gum to help stimulate your saliva to the acid and sugar.
flow and neutralise the acid.
ø Don’t sip on soft drinks all day or your teeth will be under constant attack.
FIZZY, SPORTS AND ENERGY DRINKS,
ø Don’t brush your teeth for an hour after you’ve
FRUIT JUICES AND DRINKS AND CORDIALS
finished one of these drinks – the acid in them temporarily softens your tooth enamel and brushing too early will harm it.
CONTAIN ACID THAT ATTACKS YOUR TOOTH ENAME L
FI N D OUT HOW M UCH SUGAR I S I N YOU R FAVOU R ITE D R I N K:
6
Drink
Serving size
Grams of sugar (per serve)
Grams of sugar (per 100ml)
Coca Cola
375ml
40g
10.6g
Coca Cola
600ml
64g
10.6g
Sprite
600ml
61g
10.1g
Fanta
375ml
42g
11.2g
Solo
600ml
72.6g
12.1g
V Energy Drink
500ml
53g
10.6g
Red Bull
250ml
27g
11g
Mother
500ml
52g
10.4g
Gatorade: Fierce Grape flavour
600ml
36g
6g
Powerade: Mountain Blast flavour
600ml
34g
5.7g
Spring Valley Smart Water: Armour flavour
500ml
33g
6.6g
Vitamin Water: Essential flavour
500ml
27g
5.49g
Lipton Ice Tea: Peach flavour
500ml
26.5g
5.3g
D RY E Y E S I often comment to patients that “Every man and his dog in North Queensland has dry eyes.” One patient even replied that her dog did have dry eyes! Dry eye conditions are certainly very common, key causes are:
ø Our North Queensland climate ø Air-conditioning ø Prolonged computer usage The classic symptoms of dry eye syndrome are sore, gritty, red, burning, tired or itchy eyes. Often vision is hazy or variable due to an oily or ‘mucousy’ tear film. Surprisingly, watery eyes are also a common symptom as the irritation from dry eye causes reflex tearing. The term dry eye gives a deceptively simple picture of what is actually a complex condition which can cause damage and inflammation to the eye’s tissues.
Martin Hodgso n, Optom etrist, The Optica l Supers tore In severe cases dry eye can lead to corneal ulceration, scarring or even blindness. When it comes to the treatment of dry eye there is a large range of drops, gels or ointments which can be helpful. In general, single dose vials which are preservative free are preferable for those who use drops frequently or who have sensitive eyes. Proactive usage of drops at least four times a day tends to yield the best results. Dry eye management in recent years has seen significant progress; we are now able to offer additional complementary treatments such as nutritional supplements, eye-lid hygiene and therapy for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
YOU CAN MAKE SOME SIMPLE CHANGES IN YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE WHICH CAN ASSIST WITH THE SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE, THINGS SUCH AS:
Position fan and air conditioning vents away from your eyes.
Always wear your sunglasses to ensure you are protecting your eyes from sun and wind exposure.
Making sure your prescription is up to date to avoid ‘eye-strain related’ dry eye.
I F YOU FE E L THAT YOU’R E SU FFE R I NG FROM TH E SYM PTOM S OF D RY EYE, IT I S I M PORTANT THAT YOU VI S IT YOU R OPTOM ETR I ST TO HAVE YOU R EYE S EXAM I N E D AN D YOU R S PECI FIC TYPE OF D RY EYE D IAG NOS E D TO I M PROVE YOU R EYE COM FORT AN D VI S ION.
7
GOING OVERSEAS? WHAT YOU N E E D TO KNOW ABOUT YOU R H EALTH I N SU RANCE! So you’re going overseas? How exciting! You’re probably saving as hard as you can for your trip to experience everything there is to offer in the country you’re traveling to… so why pay for things you won’t use while you’re gone? If you’re heading out of the country for more than four weeks, but less than two years, have a chat to us about whether or not you’re eligible to apply for a suspension to your Membership. Once your Membership Suspension is approved you’ll be able to put your premium payments on hold while you’re out of the country. Don’t worry - you will still be recognised as a Member and we will honour all of the waiting periods you’ve already served once you come back*. During this time you won’t be able to make any claims for medical treatment or health care services initiated during the suspension period, but once your payments recommence, your health cover will kick back into life!
Suspending your Membership means you’ll be able to put your payments on hold while you’re out of the country.
8
It is important to note that any ailment,illness or condition, which develops or occurs during the suspension period, will be subject to the Pre-Existing Condition waiting periods (e.g 12 months hospital cover). Don’t forget to approach your preferred insurer about travel insurance to cover you while you’re away – your travel insurance provides cover for medical expenses that may crop up during your travels. Queensland Country Credit Union can help with arranging travel insurance cover for you with insurer, CGU Insurance Limited**. Give them a call on 1800 075 078 or www.qccu.com.au/insurance/travel. If you want to find out more about suspending your membership, call us on 1800 813 415 or email info@qchfund.com.au when you’re making your travel plans. * Your policy must be reinstated within 30 days of returning from overseas. ** CGU Insurance Limited ABN 27 004 478 371 AFSL 238 291
QU E E N S LAN D COU NTRY H EALTH FU N D’S
C O M M U N IT Y C O M M IT M E N T WE AR E COM M ITTE D TO SU PPORTI NG OU R LOCAL COM M U N ITI E S. One of the ways we contribute to the communities in which we operate is through our sponsorship program. Queensland Country Health Fund provides sponsorship support for a wide range of activities that offer a tangible benefit to the community and encourage active participation in local events. We are proud to be a major sponsor of the Women’s National Basketball League team, the Townsville Fire. Queensland Country Health Fund also supports local community groups via sponsorship of events. The CareFlight Group, Townsville Running Festival, Townsville Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club, Charters Towers Cycling Festival, Mackay Triathlon Festival and Bowen Triathlon Festival are examples of groups that we regularly support.
ON LI N E M E M B E R S E RVICE S R EG I STRATION Our Online Member Services (OMS) portal gives you control over your policy. Normally, you’d need to call us to make changes to your details or policy, but with OMS, you simply need to login from the top corner of our website to access everything you need. What you can do in the OMS: Update your personal details Change your cover level (conditions apply if you upgrade your level of cover)
View your claims history View your limits and remaining benefits Update payment details
Access tax statements
TO R EG I STE R FOR OM S GO TO www.qldcountryhealth.com.au/members/online-member-services
9
S UZY B AT KOV IC ON WOR K/ LI FE BALANCE JCU TOWN SVI LLE FI R E STAR SUZY BATKOVIC TALKS TO LIVI NG H EALTHY ABOUT TH E CHALLE NG E S OF J UGG LI NG A PROFE SS IONAL BAS KETBALL CAR E E R ON TH E CUS P OF A FOU RTH OLYM PICS I N R IO N EXT YEAR. I started playing basketball as a kid in Newcastle thanks to my brother, Rob, who pushed me to give it a go. After I tried, I fell in love with the game. At the age of 15, I was awarded a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra and packed my bags to reside there as a boarder. The AIS had its moments - I missed home – and for the first time in my life, I also had to do all of my own things such as washing, cleaning my room and getting myself organised. I guess I had to grow up pretty fast. My beautiful mother, Marcia, struggled with her youngest child leaving home at such a young age, but she was amazing and let me follow my dream. I made my debut in the WNBL as a 15-year-old and was a part of an incredible AIS team that defied history and claimed a maiden championship.
10
Since then, I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed a professional career across the globe and have loved every minute of it, but like anything, it can be difficult at times. During my first four years of playing in Europe and the WNBA, I missed every Christmas at home during that period, along with a raft of other important events, which was tough. But I was always extremely lucky to have some other Aussies around who were in the same boat and that always made life easier.
The club has done such a great job building a strong culture; and that hasn’t happened by accident. We’ve recruited some great players and staff and we’ve made sure that we do our homework on our recruits so they are able to buy-in to our program. The Fire enjoys such great support in the community, so it’s important that they give back, and as a result, it’s just as important in balancing the other components of our lives.
Being forced to live away from home at such a young age - and then across the other side of the world - made me learn a lot in a short period of time both as an athlete and as a person. Having moved to Europe as a 21-year-old, I got to play with some incredible players and I made sure that I was continually learning from them so I could develop my own leadership skills. I also learnt that great teams possess one key attribute: cohesion. It’s so important to have this – both on and off the floor - with everyone on the same page and working towards the same goal. Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to win my third WNBL title with the JCU Townsville Fire.
SINCE THEN, I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE ENJOYED A PROFESSIONAL CARE ER ACROSS THE GLOB E AND HAVE LOVE D EVERY MINUTE OF IT, BUT LIKE ANYTHING, IT CAN BE DIFFICULT AT TIMES.
With Rio on the horizon, there’s no other place I would rather be.
W H AT I S A N EXE RCISE ? T S I G O L O I S Y PH EVE R FOU N D YOU R S E LF AS KI NG WHAT EXACTLY DOE S AN EXE RCI S E PHYS IOLOG I ST DO? As an Exercise Physiologist (EP) at Synergy Health Centre, this is probably the question I hear most. An EP specialises in clinical exercise intervention for a broad range of pathological populations. The aim of an EP intervention is to prevent acute injuries or manage chronic disease and injury to allow one to achieve optimal health and physical function. Interventions are exercise-based and include health and physical activity education, advice and support and lifestyle modification with a strong focus on achieving behavioural change. EPs are recognised allied health professionals displaying a diverse range of knowledge and skills, working across a variety of areas and target pathologies.
What level of training do we have? An Exercise Physiology degree, like most other allied health degrees is a minimum of four years full time so you can be sure your EP is educated and understanding of your unique set of ailments. Accreditation is an extensive process and requires experience in a wide range of scenarios and environments as well as ongoing education each year.
Who do we treat? Exercise Physiology clientele typically fall under four main groups (or in many cases across multiple groups): cardiopulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal and neurological. Cardiopulmonary conditions include but are not limited to hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis. Metabolic conditions include but are not limited to obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemias, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus.
12
Musculoskeletal conditions include but are not limited to arthritis (especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), osteoporosis, sub-acute and chronic specific and non specific musculoskeletal pain/injuries.
Matthew Stark, Synergy Health Centre Neurological conditions include but are not limited to stroke, spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. In addition to treating the injury or illness, EPs are very passionate about preventative measures. During their education, an EP will spend a considerable amount of time studying human physiology and biomechanics to a high degree. This enables us to understand the true workings of the human body and how stress from exercise can both work to our advantage but more importantly, how it can harm us. Having an in depth understanding of how to manipulate volume and intensity correctly, as well as how a given exercise will apply load to a joint: an EP can get you working to your highest potential while avoiding overtraining and injury.
Where can you find us? EPs are fortunate to work in a variety of settings including; private clinics, hospitals, occupational rehabilitation companies, employment agencies, gymnasiums, GP super clinics and research institutes. EPs are eligible to register with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans Affairs and WorkCover and are recognised by most private health insurers.
How do we differ from Physiotherapists? A Physiotherapist has their own unique skill set and specialises in acute injury care and maintenance and are qualified to diagnose musculoskeletal injuries. Because of this, many EP’s will work in conjunction with Physiotherapists to provide patients with holistic and comprehensive care. If you are carrying a long term injury, concerned your health is declining or simply want to exercise safely and effectively; opt for an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
B E N E FITS I N FOCUS
PHYSIOTHERAPY & EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY I N APR I L TH I S YEAR, WE I NCR EAS E D TH E COM B I N E D SU B LI M IT FOR PHYS IOTH E RAPY AN D EXE RCI S E PHYS IOLOGY. TH I S M EAN S YOU CAN VI S IT YOU R PHYS IOTH E RAPI ST AN D EXE RCI S E PHYS IOLOG I ST MOR E OFTE N I F YOU N E E D TO AN D STI LL
There has been a focus on the use of exercise and
R ECE IVE A B E N E FIT.
Exercise Physiologist in Private Practice. Providers must be
nutritional interventions in the treatment of chronic disease and there is a regular requirement of Exercise Physiology to prepare for or recover from surgery. In the broadest sense this includes assessment and prescribing exercise for rehabilitation, chronic and complex medical conditions and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Services must be provided by a Registered or Recognised accredited with their board/association and must have a
Physiotherapy
Medicare Provider Number.
Physiotherapy is defined as the treatment of injuries and/
For benefits to be paid on Exercise Physiology we require
or physical disabilities by a trained person under the
a letter from your Medical Practitioner stating that the
supervision of a specialist in physical medicine.
referral to an Exercise Physiologist is for an existing medical condition (e.g. rehabilitation, pre-operative or post-operative
As physiotherapy is such a diverse modality we cover a range of different services under this umbrella. This includes from a standard physiotherapy consultation through to group therapies hosted by a registered Physiotherapist or a registered Exercise Physiologist .
requirements, chronic disease management). This letter is only valid for 12 months from the date of referral. If the condition still exists after this 12 month period, a new referral letter is required. NOTE: Not all Exercise Physiologists charge a consultation
Exercise Physiology
fee. Members may claim a benefit for the initial consultation
A sports science therapy, Exercise Physiology focuses on developing and delivering an exercise and dietary program
fee only where this has been charged by the Registered Practice.
to achieve the health and wellbeing goals of individuals.
PREMIUM EXTRAS
ESSENTIAL EXTRAS
YOUNG EXTRAS
Combined sub limit of $700 ***
Combined sub limit of $500 ***
$400 per person up to $800 per policy
Initial
$55
$36
$42
Subsequent
$40
$26
$32
$50
$32
N/A
$35
$22
N/A
$35
$22
N/A
$10 ($100 combined
$7 ($70 combined
sub limit***)
sub limit***)
PHYSIOTHERAPY
WAITING PERIOD
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY Initial Subsequent Monthly Program Fee Group Therapy
2 months
N/A
*** Combined Sub Limit: the benefit amount for Group Therapy services claimable per person per Membership year provided under physiotherapy and/or exercise physiology. This is providing an individual person’s overall Therapies benefit limit for the Membership year has not already been reached. If this was the case no further therapy benefits can be claimed by this individual on any therapy until new Membership year commences. Individual visit benefits apply. There are specific requirements to claim for Exercise Physiology. Contact the Fund for details.
13
WHAT’S FOR DINNER? TH E TI M E LE SS QU E STION OF “WHAT’S FOR D I N N E R?” CAN STR I KE FEAR I N EVE RY PAR E NT’S H EART. Deciding on the weekly family meals can be a battleground of likes and dislikes, complaints and compliments, trials and tribulations; sometimes all in the same meal! Taking the hard work out of dinner menu planning can lead to a more harmonious week for parents while curtailing the potential complaints from the kids. Using a menu planning calendar, which are widely available in stationary stores, or a simple pen & paper will do, can help to identify the evenings where quick dinners are required in between family members’ activities. Other evenings may allow for a longer cooking time, and also allow you to see how many you need to cook for. Starting with a system of meal types may also help structure the week.
By La uren Ja m es EatS m ar t Nutr it io n
SOME HEALT HY FAMILY MEAL TYPES ARE:
2-3 RED MEAT MEALS per week – steak, lean lamb, kangaroo or mince works well in a variety of meals
2-3 FISH MEALS per week – this could include fresh, frozen or tinned fish or seafood
1 MEAT FREE MEAL – try an egg dish such as frittata or even something simple like baked beans on toast
CHICKEN, TURKEY OR PORK can be included for variety
POSSIBLY A REGULAR FAMILY TRADITION such as takeaway or dinner at the grandparents
A PASTA OR RICE DISH once per week – always a crowd pleaser and can be a great quick meal
S m a r t e at in g t ip 14
For good health it is recommended to include vegetables or salad every single day. Include the side dishes you may want to serve with the evening meal to ensure plenty of vegetables or salad for every meal of the week.
It can help to have children (and adults) involved in the planning of the menu. It may work to allow every family member the opportunity to choose a dinner meal. This may come from a list of family favourites, or from cookbooks or online. Why don’t you give each family member a healthy cookbook, a meal type and see what they choose? Healthy, family friendly recipes can be found on the following websites: www.daa.asn.au www.eatsmartdiet.com.au www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/recipes www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/recipes Fussy palates are a stage in development often seen around two years of age and then again in puberty but may persist in some individuals. To improve the variety, try buying a new food item each week such as a new seasonal vegetable or maybe even a condiment from another culture.
T 20
DID YOU KNOW THAT IT TAKE S AT LEAS PRE SENTATIONS OF A FOOD BEFORE
A CHILD
WILL KNOW WHETHE R THEY LIKE IT?
Children are likely to react to the texture of food first and this will take some time to adjust to. Try serving the food in different ways, for example raw or cooked, as a side dish or in a dish, peeled or unpeeled etc. While it can be tempting to hide foods from children and adults, this does not aid the individual in extending their food variety so it is important to regularly introduce foods even if there are some protests! Planning evening meals, and even other meals and snacks of the day can also make creation of a shopping list a breeze. Grocery shopping once per week is not only cost effective, but also a time saver. Shopping at non-peak times, after a meal or snack and shopping to a list can all streamline the process, as well as save you money. While the age old question of “What’s for dinner?” is likely to continue long past a child’s 18th birthday, it need not strike fear. Get the family involved in the process and you may be surprised not only at how much better you feel, but also how enjoyable family meal times can be!
A FEW TIPS FOR SATISFYING FUSSY EATER S: ives ø Set up a one-bite club – one bite rece later a reward like a sticker, 10 minutes bedtime or not having to do a chore
ø Serve the new food early in the meal to ø Make sure everyone has the new food
try
ø Model the behavior you desire than ø Teach kids to describe the food, rather
crunchy, “I don’t like it”, use terms such as its sour, hot, sweet etc.
so ø Present the meal as a self serve model
unt that fussy eaters can choose the amo ponent of they would like to eat of each com the meal
15
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY DENTAL
A HIT WITH MEMBERS Since opening in January 2015, Queensland Country Health Fund’s exclusive member only dental practice: Queensland Country Dental, has been a popular amongst members within the Townsville region. Over the past 9 months the dental team has grown significantly and has seen over 1,200 patients. The dental team consists of 13 staff and includes 4 Dentists, 5 Dental Assistants, an Oral Health Therapist and a Dental Hygienist. The Queensland Country Dental team offers members a full range of dental services and focuses on improving the oral health of Members. Members with Premium Extras cover are able to access high quality dental care with no or low out of pocket expenses on preventive treatments including check-up, scale and clean and mouthguards. To make an appointment with the Queensland Country Dental team contact them on 1800 4 QCDENTAL or www.qldcountryhealth.com.au/dental. Contact the team at Queensland Country Health Fund on 1800 813 415 to check out what level of cover you have.
STAFF IN SPOTLIGHT
ROS MILES Ros Miles has been with Queensland Country for almost 20 years and commenced her role as Health Fund Manager 7 years ago. Ros is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the Health Fund as well as all strategic activities. Outside of work Ros enjoys time with family and friends especially her 5 beautiful grandsons. A seasoned traveller, Ros has visited many amazing locations and has many special memories of her travels. One special memory she recalls was during a trip to Norway last Christmas, the Northern Lights (the Aurora Borealis) appeared for 7 nights.
He alt h Fu nd M an ag er
UPDATING YOUR DETAILS Make sure you keep your contact details up to date with us! To receive communication from us via SMS alert and by email ensure all your details are up to date in our system. You can update your contact details by giving us a call on 1800 813 415, emailing us at info@qchfund.com.au or using Online Member Services (OMS) via our website www.qldcountryhealth.com.au. 16
B E N E FITS I N FOCUS
MASSAGE MASSAG E I S D E FI N E D AS TH E ACT OF TR EATI NG TH E BODY BY R U B B I NG, KN EAD I NG, PATTI NG OR TH E LI KE, TO STI M U LATE CI RCU LATION, I NCR EAS E SU PPLE N E SS AN D R E LI EVE TE N S ION. QU E E N S LAN D COU NTRY H EALTH FU N D PAYS G E N E ROUS B E N E FITS ON R E M E D IAL MASSAG E, BOWE N TH E RAPY AN D MYOTH E RAPY.
SERVICE
Remedial Massage / Bowen Therapy / Myotherapy*
WAITING PERIOD
2 months
PREMIUM EXTRAS
ESSENTIAL EXTRAS
YOUNG EXTRAS
Combined sub limit of $700
Combined sub limit of $500
$500 per person up to $1000 per policy
Initial and Subsequent
Initial and Subsequent
Initial and Subsequent
$35
$22
$30
# Combined sub limit: the maximum benefit amount claimable per person per Membership year for a combination of chiropractic, remedial massage/ bowen therapy/ myotherapy services. Group therapy has a combined sub limit for services provided under physiotherapy and exercise physiology. This is providing an individual person’s overall Therapies benefit limit for the Membership year has not already been reached. If this was the case no further therapy benefits can be claimed by this individual on any therapy until new Membership year commences. Individual visit benefits apply. * Benefits are payable for services rendered by Australian Regional Health Group approved providers registered with Queensland Country Health Fund as well as Bowen Therapists that are registered with the Bowen Association of Australia (BAA) or Bowen Therapists Foundation of Australia (BT FA).
I F YOU AR E U N SU R E OF YOU R LEVE L OF COVE R, OR WOU LD LI KE FU RTH E R I N FOR MATION ON R E M E D IAL MASSAG E / BOWE N TH E RAPY / MYOTH E RAPY B E N E FITS, PLEAS E D ROP US A LI N E I N FO@QCH FU N D.COM.AU OR G IVE US A CALL ON 1800 813 415.
17
R E M E D IA L M AS S AG E MOR E THAN A LUXU RY! R E M E D IAL MASSAG E I S TH E I D EAL WAY TO OVE RCOM E TH E BODY’S S LUGG I S H N E SS OF TH E COOLE R MONTH S, R E BALANCE TH E M USCLE S AN D R EALIG N TH E BODY FOR TH E I NCR EAS E I N ACTIVITI E S OF TH E WAR M E R MONTH S AN D LONG E R DAYS.
Spring and summer usually signals an upsurge in sporting, recreational and leisure activities and demand for massage therapists, in particular remedial massage by people of all ages or activity levels. Some people think of massage as just being for relaxation and a bit of a luxury, but it’s much more than that. That is Swedish/relaxation massage. Remedial massage is what you need for any sort of muscle or joint pain, headaches or migraines. It’s also what you need if you are preparing for or recovering from various sporting or fitness activities. All members of the family can use remedial massage. Parents are often surprised when the therapist shows them just how out of alignment their young children are.
18
David Hall, David Hall Massage Remedial massage works deeper into muscle tissue to stretch tight muscles and increase blood flow and oxygen to weaker, stretched muscles. By rebalancing the muscles, this also helps to realign joints – particularly the hips, and reduce the chance of nerve impingement. In fact, a good remedial massage also should leave you feeling very relaxed. If you own a vehicle, you probably book it in for a regular service even though at the time there may be nothing obviously wrong. You are confident the mechanics will find and fix potential problems before they become problems. Think of remedial massage as a body tune-up. Experienced remedial therapists can quickly identify
areas of your body that may be causing or contributing to your problem areas, including tight, weak or inflexible muscles you weren’t even aware of. Most people never stop to consider that every muscle has an opposing muscle. When muscles contract, their opposing muscles must release. You might feel pain in a particular area, for example, the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh. But that pain might be due to those muscles having to work harder than they should because the opposing muscles, the hamstrings in the back of the thigh, are too tight.
It’s also not commonly known that the real origin of most common muscular pain, as in legs, knees, backs, shoulders, neck, headaches, etc. is in feet, hips and/or jaw being out of alignment. One thing remedial therapists regularly hear from clients is that they carry all their tension in their neck and shoulders. That may seem logical if they work in administration or at a computer, or perhaps drive a taxi all day. But when you think about it, if that pain has originated in the feet and legs, it can’t travel any higher than the neck, shoulders and head! Qualified remedial therapists (which you have access to through
So the pain in the quadriceps is the symptom of the problem, but the real cause of the problem is tightness in the hamstrings. Similarly, opposites apply to sides of the body – left vs right, front vs back, in vs out and up vs down. For example, pain in the back of your shoulders and neck may be due to tightness in your chest muscles (front v back) and/or your hips being out of alignment (up v down).
Queensland Country Health Fund) take all these factors into account to provide you with the best possible treatment and don’t focus just on the areas you say are sore. Only fully qualified Diploma level therapists are recognised by health funds to provide remedial massage. Massage industry associations, like AAMT (Australian Association of Massage Therapists) have websites you can go to easily look for providers in your postcode or general area.
SOME PEOPLE THINK OF MASSAGE AS JUST BEING FOR RELAXATION AND A BIT OF A LUXU RY...R EMEDIAL MASSAGE IS WHAT YOU NEED FOR ANY SORT OF MUSCLE OR JOINT PAIN, HEADACHES OR MIGRAINES. 19
we he lp hOMe lOANS hAppe N . ď‚˜ 1800 075 078 Normal lending criteria and fees and charges apply. Queensland Country Credit Union Limited ABN 77 087 651 027 Australian Credit Licence 244 533