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As of 1 June 2015 the Department of Health & Human Services is funding pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine for all pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation. This provides two-for-one protection with the mother passing antibodies to the baby.

The following groups are eligible for FREE whooping cough vaccine from 1 June 2015:

pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation during every pregnancy

partners of women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant if the partner has not received a pertussis

booster in the last ten years

parents/guardians of babies born on or after 1 June 2015, if their baby

is under six months of age and they have not received a pertussis booster

in the last ten years.

The greatest risk of pertussis infection and severe consequences is before infants are old enough to have received at least 2 vaccine doses. Around one in 200 infants under 6 months of age who are infect-ed will die. Infants are best protected by vaccinating their mothers during pregnancy.

Please give us a call at Active Health on 55221200 to arrange your free immunisation.

Free Pertussis Vaccination

NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2015

Active Health Portland’s June Newsletter

1ST—30TH OF JUNE Bowel Cancer Awareness

Week

1STOF JUNE Say Something Nice Day

1TH —7TH OF JUNE Heart Rhythm Week

1TH—7TH OF JUNE International Men’s Health

Week

17TH OF JUNE Eat Your Vegetables Day

22ND-28TH OF JUNE World Continence Day

26TH OF JUNE Red Nose Day

Days to Celebrate in June2015

People who are eligible for the free vaccine:

People who are 65 years of age and over

Pregnant women at any time during their pregnancy

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months to under five years and 15 years and older

Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Any person 6 months of age and older with a chronic condition predisposing to severe influ-enza illness that requires regular medical follow-up or hospitalisation, including children aged 6 months to 10 years undergoing long-term aspirin therapy, and people with:

cardiac disease

chronic respiratory conditions

immunocompromising conditions

renal disease

diabetes and other metabolic disorders

chronic neurological conditions

haematological disorders

Down syndrome and fall under one of the above categories

obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2) and fall under one of the above categories

alcoholism requiring regular medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the preceding year and

fall under one of the above categories.

DON’T FORGET THE FLU SHOT

Page 2

https://livelighter.com.au/Recipe/471/roast-potato-salad

Friday 12th of June 2015—Monthly Topic Meeting—7:30pm, Baby first aid

guest speaker, at Kristy’s. 26 Tamora Crescent Portland.

Walk and Talk Group— Group meets in the town centre at 10am on Wednes-

days for a casual catch up while strolling 30-45 minutes.

BAKED CHICKEN PARMA WITH

SWEET POTATO MASH Ingredients 400 g can no-added-salt diced tomatoes with

basil, onion and garlic

2 small skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed

20 basil leaves

270 g jar 97% fat free sundried tomatoes, drained

270 g jar char-grilled capsicum or roasted pepper strips, drained

2 cups baby spinach leaves

1 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

800 g sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1 1/2cm dice

1/4 - 1/2 cup low-fat milk

basil leaves, extra, to serve

1/2 red chilli, chopped (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced).

2. Spread ¼ cup diced tomato in the base of a large

ovenproof dish.

3. Halve each chicken breast lengthways to form 4

thin breast steaks. Using a rolling pin, pound steaks between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to 5mm thickness. Arrange chicken on tomatoes in pan base; layer each with basil leaves, sundried toma-toes pieces and capsicum. Pile on spinach, spoon over remaining diced tomatoes and sprin-kle with mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked and melted cheese has browned.

4. Place sweet potato in a steaming basket over a

medium saucepan of boiling water; steam for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Discard water and return potato to the hot dry saucepan. Add ¼ cup milk and mash with a potato masher until smooth, adding additional milk if required for desired consistency.

5. Divide sweet potato and chicken between serv-

ing plates, sprinkle with basil.

6. Serve with fresh chilli for extra heat.

Australian Breastfeeding Association

Page 7

ITS NEVER

TOO LATE

TO BE ACTIVE

Page 6

Advice from the Royal Children’s hospital, Melbourne

Fever occurs when the temperature of the body rises above 38 degrees Celsius. (normal

range from children is from 35.5 to 37.9 degrees)

Fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting an invader, or infection. The infection can be

caused my several different things, including bacteria and viruses.

Most fevers in children are due to viruses. Fever in the case of viral infection is not harmful

and is the body’s natural defence against infection. Thus, a high fever does not necessari-

ly mean that your child is seriously unwell.

While some bacterial infections require antibiotics to help the child get better more quickly,

many bacterial infections in children are naturally overcome by the child’s own body, so

whether antibiotics are required depends on a number of factors, including your child’s

previous health, how unwell they are, what type of bacteria is involved, who the child is in

contact with many other factors.

Antibiotics are not helpful in the case of viral infections, and can even have serious side ef-

fects (damaging the liver, causing rashes and life threatening allergies).

While it was previously believed that lowering a fever can reduce the risk of febrile convul-

sions (seizures), lots of studies have now shown that there is no benefit to lowering a child’s

fever.

Treat your child by making them more comfortable. This may include:

Giving plenty of clear fluids (water is okay, but if child is not eating, try diluted fruit

juice, icy poles or commercially available electrolyte drinks)

Allow the child to rest in a warm, quiet environment

Avoid exposing the child to cigarette or wood smoke

Try paracetamol if the child is miserable with headache or aches and pains or if the

fever is making your child miserable.

If your child has not improved in 48hours, it is worth consulting your local health service to en-

sure there are no underlying problems preventing your child from recovering.

There are some signs that may indicate serious illness when they accompany fever in a child.

Please seek medical attention straight away if you child has any of the following features:

A stiff neck

Complains that the light is hurting their eyes

Vomiting and refusing to drink

A rash

More sleepy than usual

Difficulty breathing

Pain

Remember, a fever can be a healthy response to infection. However, parents often know

the children best and if you have any concerns, please contact a health care provider or

seek medical attention

FEVER!

Page 3

TV in the Waiting Room

If you are sitting in the waiting room and would like the

channel on the TV changed, please ask reception.

We understand that the day time TV may not always be

appropriate.

Thank you!

Exercise Right Night

Congratulations to Shae Johnson (Exercise Physiologist) and Lindy

Stuchbery (Health Promotions) on their Exercise Right event held on

the evening of 27th of May 2015.

Around 40 people attended, and were treated to a debunking of

the myths attached to exercising properly.

Shae gave an interesting and interactive

speech, and the supper supplied was a treat!

The are also organising a seasonal newsletter,

for updates in health, exercise tips and ways to

improve health. We all look forward to the publi-

cation of this.

Upcoming GP’s Annual Leave

The following GP’s will be away on these dates:

Dr Judy Carson—Thursday 25th of June to 1st of July

Dr Deborah Carrington—Wednesday 1st of July to 21st of July

Dr Malinda Leary—22nd of July—29th of July

Page 4

Water sits on the top of the ladder for many reasons; it has no added sugar - therefore no

empty kilojoules, and it’s not fizzy so you avoid high acid levels that can also damage your

teeth. It’s practically free, easily accessible and packed with fluoride (for healthy teeth) if you

drink it from the tap*.

Can’t I just switch to diet soft drinks?

* 90% of Victoria has tap water containing fluoride (100% of metropolitan Melbourne has tap

water containing fluoride).Diet soft drinks don’t contain the sugar or kilojoule content regular

ones do. But because they’re fizzy, they have high acid levels and can damage your teeth.

They provide no nutritional value and have even been associated with overeating and weight

gain. Water is still the best bet.

How do I know if I’m dehydrated?

Your body relies on water to keep it hydrated and performing at its

best. When you don’t drink enough, you’ll feel the effects of dehydra-

tion. Your physical performance diminishes; you feel slow and lethar-

gic, your senses become weak and your psychological responses and

reaction times will be impaired.

Mild dehydration may appear in subtler ways that can easily be over-

looked – you might feel tired, lack energy, find it difficult to concen-

trate, have a dry mouth or a headache. When these symptoms go on

over a long period of time they can develop into serious health prob-

lems and increase your risk of kidney stones, gastro-intestinal problems

and some cancers. The best way to make sure you’re always hydrated

is to choose water as your regular drink. If that’s something you’re not

used to doing, a great way to start and get yourself in the habit is by

taking the H30 Challenge.

How much water should I drink each day?

The general guide for recommended total fluids per day is about 8 cups* for women (9 cups

in pregnancy and lactation) and about 10 cups for men. It is preferable to meet most fluid

needs by drinking plain water. (Eat for Health, Australian Dietary Guidelines, Educator Guide,

NHMRC 2013)

Water requirements may increase in hot climates and with increased levels of physical activity.

*one cup = 250mL

How do I check how much sugar is in a drink?

Unfortunately, a lot of sugary drinks appear healthier than they actually are. It's always good

to check the number of grams of sugar in the 'nutrition information panel’. The best way to

work it out is this: 4 grams of sugar is equivalent to 1 standard teaspoon of sugar. So if a drink

has 10 grams of sugar in it – that’s 2.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Why is water the best drink for your health?

Page 5

Feeling sick ? Have you got a sick day action plan? If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, preventing illness is advised, for example by having a yearly flu vaccine. Yet, not all illness

can be avoided.

Being sick can make blood glucose (sugar) levels go up very high and

serious conditions can develop. Good planning can avoid problems.

The best way to prevent a minor illness from becoming a major prob-lem is to work out a plan of action for sick days ahead of time. Then when you become sick, you will feel safe and secure. You will already

know what to do and you will have the supplies to do it.

A Diabetes Educator can work with you and your doctor to develop a

sick day action plan and prepare a sick day management kit.

A sick day action plan includes information on how to manage your di-

abetes during your illness such as:

how often to monitor your blood glucose levels

when to check for blood ketones

how to stay hydrated if nauseated or vomiting

what to do with your medications

who to call for advice and when to seek medical help

Your sick day management kit will contain supplies you may need

such as

your sick day action plan

monitoring equipment such as blood glucose and blood ketone

strips, record book and thermometer

food supplies that contain glucose or glucose gel or tablets

fluid including water, sweetened and diet drinks

pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen

short or rapid acting insulin, if recommended by your doctor

A Diabetes Educator is available each Tuesday Active Health to help if you aren’t certain what to do to take care of yourself when unwell and would like to a sick day action plan. An appointment can be arranged

by calling Active Health on ph: 55221200.