The Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Memory Van is a mobile education resource that travels statewide to help raise awareness on the importance of brain health and dementia risk reduction.

The Memory Van provides communities with information designed to help educate and assist people living with dementia, their carers and health professionals.

Staff can also assist with enquiries about memory loss.

The Memory Van is fully equipped with Help Sheets, Fact Sheets, DVD and video resources and a Nintendo Brain Game.

The Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Memory Van and experienced staff will be at:

• Ballina District Community Services Association Community Centre, 20 Bangalow Rd (next to IGA) on Tuesday, 9 March, from 1.30pm – 4pm
• Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club, Dalley Street, Mullumbimby, on Wednesday, 10 March, from 1pm – 4pm
• Byron Bay Plaza carpark, Jonson Street, on Thursday, 11 March, from 2pm – 4.30pm
• Ocean Village Shopping Centre, Rajah Road, Ocean Shores, on Friday, 12 March, from 9.30am – 12.30pm

1300 new cases of dementia are diagnosed a week in Australia and 1 in 3 Australians with dementia live in NSW. Dementia is a fatal disease and there is, as yet, no cure.

The Memory Van visit has been made possible by Community Development Support Expenditure funding from the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club.

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW is the peak body for people with dementia and their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information.

Currently 257,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to double by 2030. 

National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500

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The terms of the petition brought to the NSW Labor Government’s attention:

• That the mobile Breast Screen Units have been removed from many areas of the North Coast Area Health Service;
• This removal is disadvantaging women in these areas and reducing their chances of an early diagnosis of breast cancer due to the difficulty experienced in trying to get to a fixed screening unit;
• An early diagnosis greatly increases a woman’s chance of survival; and
• Already less than 50% of eligible women are being screened.
   
  Mr Page said it was important to keep the campaign for reinstatement of the mobile breast screening vans active because it would save lives.

“I’ve raised the issue many times in Parliament and I will continue to put this important issue before the State Labor Government,” he said.

The issue was first raised by Mr Page in March last year and the campaign to have the mobile service returned has been growing ever since.

“My office is consistently contacted by concerned residents who can no longer access the mobile breast screen service. Many of them have difficulty accessing the fixed services in Lismore or Tweed Heads due to lack of transport, work and family commitments,” Mr Page said.

One in eight Australian women will develop breast cancer, with over 12,000 women diagnosed every year. 

There is a rally today in Ballina and Byron Bay to protest against the loss of the mobile breast screen vans since June 2008. 

“Parliament is sitting, so unfortunately I can’t be there to support the rally today. I will be continuing to raise this issue in Parliament as I have this week,” Mr Page said.

Meanwhile, Greens MP Ian Cohen will ask Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt about improving access for all Northern Rivers women to the new breast screen machines that are at Tweed Heads and Lismore.

Mr Cohen supports the concerns of residents who are protesting the removal of mobile screening units that serviced Ballina, Byron Bay, Lennox Head and Casino.

Women in the area now have to go to fixed breast screening units at Lismore or Tweed Heads for a mammogram.
 
“I will be putting Questions on Notice to the Health Minister because I am concerned about a reduction of access to breast screening services,” Mr Cohen said.

“I raised this issue in Parliament during Breast Cancer Awareness Week last year. I also wrote to the Minister about the issue. She assured me then that the mobile units have been replaced by state-of-the-art breast screening machines at Lismore and Tweed Heads.
 
“I will be asking the Health Minister further questions to determine whether these new machines could be put into mobile units. Women would then have the advantage of the new technology and the increased access that the mobile unit provides.
 
“Not all women in the Northern Rivers area have a car; there is poor public transport in the area and many women will find it very difficult to get to their nearest screening centre.
 
“It is important to increase the number of women who are coming to be screened for breast cancer. I am especially concerned about women from Indigenous communities in less accessible areas such as Cabbage Tree Island, for whom travel to Lismore is quite an expedition.
 
“Local women report that when there was a van in Ballina, a mammogram was a quick examination that took around 15 minutes. Just to travel to Lismore from Ballina will take 40 minutes each way.
 
“The message of all breast cancer awareness campaigns is that early detection is of paramount importance in determining a woman’s survival and recovery from the disease.

“I will be asking the Minister if the return of the mobile BreastScreen units can provide better health outcomes for women by making screening easier to access.”

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Ms Saffin said two of 83 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outreach workers nationally will join the Lismore-based Northern Rivers General Practice Network and Grafton’s Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation by the end of June.

“These  organisations  are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous people in the region, and these outreach workers will help increase community engagement with primary health care services,” Ms Saffin said.

“The Federal Government’s $805.5 million Indigenous Chronic Disease Package includes $42 million to fund a total of 160 such positions to build the capacity of the Indigenous health workforce over four years.

“We are putting resources on the ground to improve the prevention, early detection and management of chronic diseases which account for about two-thirds of premature deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases.”

Outreach staff will work to increase the uptake of Indigenous health checks and identify Indigenous people who would benefit from improved access to health services.

They will also assist Indigenous people to access other health services, including follow-up care, specialist services and pharmacies.

The workers will have access to nationally accredited basic level training through the vocational education and training sector. They can choose to develop career paths in the health sector by undertaking more advanced training as health workers or enrolled nurses.

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“All indicators point to happier, healthier lives for people who plan early for their senior years.  In order to have full control over our lives it is important to understand what is available for us as we age,” a spokeswoman said.

These seminars are designed to help people decide what is right for them. The seminars are free, informative and friendly and there is a morning tea provided.

There will be information on the following subjects:
• Supported Living Communities presented by Ruth Harrison, manager Pinevale Villas
• Disability and Aged Care Information Services,  by Dona Graham of Daisi
• Financial Planning for the Elderly by Rick Rutten, RetireInvest
• RSL LifeCare @ Home
• Wills and Powers of Attorney from Guy Latham of Sommerville Laundry & Lomax
• St Carthage’s Community Care, Lesley Martin RN.

Details:

Community Aged Care Options Seminar:
Date:  Tuesday, 2nd March 2010
Time:           10 – 11:30am
Venue:         Pinevale Villas Community Room
                   1 Star Avenue, Goonellabah
Entry:           Free
RSVP:         6624 5010

If you can not make it to this seminar keep your eyes out for the next seminar being held in Evans Head in April.

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Ms Saffin and State Member for Lismore Thomas George inspected the near-completed Integrated Cancer Care Centre at the hospital, where they received a briefing from North Coast Area Health Service CEO Chris Crawford.

One of Ms Saffin’s major election commitments was $15 million in Commonwealth funding to fast-track the cancer care centre so that it will be operational from the end of May this year. The NSW Government’s contribution is $12 million.

Ms Saffin said the $2.7 million ELEKTA linear accelerator – the single most expensive equipment item in the project – will increase the availability of radiation oncology services and improve health outcomes for cancer patients in our region.

“This new machine in Lismore will be linked with similar technologies in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, giving the people of Page easy access to the highest quality, safe radiation oncology services,” she said.

“Two new technical specialists, medical physicist Nick Bennie and deputy chief radiation therapist Stephen Manley, have joined the cancer care centre. Over the next three months, the linear accelerator will be commissioned and new frontline staff will be trained.”

Associate Professor Tom Shakespeare will also commence the first Lismore Radiation Oncology Clinic in April.

The linear accelerator will be housed in one of the centre’s two bunkers, which has capacity for a second linear accelerator in the future.

The radiation oncology service will also include a CT scanner for radiotherapy planning, an X-ray unit to treat skin cancers and associated work spaces integrated with the existing cancer care unit that will relocate to the new cancer care centre in May.

The Integrated Cancer Care Centre is being built by National Buildplan Group with the project managed by Health Infrastructure NSW and directed by NSW Public Works.

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“The Sustainable Street program is a joint initiative of Tweed and Byron shire councils which aims to bring neighbours together for local environmental improvements,” Councillor Warren Polglase said.

“This project has been so successful that Tweed and Byron shire councils are now seeking more streets to take part.

“Tweed and Byron councils are pleased to announce that we have secured State Government funding through the Tweed-Byron Bush Futures Program to deliver the Sustainable Streets package to two streets in each shire in 2010.”

For the past year, Murwillumbah Street has become ‘Sustainability Street’ and neighbours have become friends through swapping goods, information and ideas.

Murwillumbah Street resident Lisa Blackwell was one of the instigators of the project, and sought help from Tweed Shire Council’s Sustainability Officer Dan Walton to help move the project from the discussion stage to reality.

“Initially we wanted to get our little street operating as a community – we wanted to get back to grassroots,” Ms Blackwell said.

“We live in a town but it can be a village. We all know our neighbours but we don’t live in each others’ pockets.”

Interested residents meet once a month at a bench under a shady jacaranda tree to discuss joint and individual projects to reduce water and energy consumption, swap vegetables, eggs, unwanted goods and talk about practical environmental improvements, such as car pooling.

“Through our meetings, we have identified common goals, including a bushland restoration project in a nearby reserve,” Ms Blackwell said.

Over the last few months, Dan Walton has initiated a monthly project to improve environmental outcomes. One month, residents painted gutters with stormwater messages, while another, they set daily targets for water (150 litres per person per day) and energy consumption (less than five kilowatts per person per day).

Through the Bush Futures program, Mr Walton also helped residents at access a State Government grant to plant sustainable street trees, including oranges and lemon myrtles.

“This program offers residents practical ways to restore local biodiversity, improve household water and energy efficiency as well as organic gardening and ethical shopping workshops,” Mr Walton said.

“We’re hoping residents of other streets in Tweed and Byron will be inspired by the hard work, enthusiasm and practical example of Murwillumbah Street.”

Once chosen, the successful streets will participate in series of council-led workshops and community activities including the planting of community fruit trees, painting stormwater messages on gutters, energy and water efficiency workshops and culminating in a community feast using locally sourced ingredients.

Participants will also get the opportunity to provide ideas and suggestions on activities and outcomes they’d like to see for their street.

If you think your street would benefit from this exciting grassroots initiative, download the information package including the application form at www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainability

The closing date for applications is 1 March 2010. People without internet access can call Dan Walton, Tweed Council Sustainability Officer on 02 6670 2555.

The Sustainable Streets program is funded by the Tweed-Byron Urban Bush Futures grant – a local government partnership under the NSW Government Urban Sustainability Program.

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Mr George said politicians will be joining the cause and wearing their teal ribbon on Wednesday 24 February 2010 to support sufferers and raise the importance of prevention.

“There are 1500 women in Australia diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and more than half will die from the disease,” Mr George said.

“The goal of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is to see that every woman in Australia knows the symptoms of ovarian cancer because an early detection significantly increases the chances of a full recovery.”

Mr George said certain women are at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, so knowing the warning signs and the myths surrounding ovarian cancer could save a life.

“Women who are at highest risk are those who have a history of cancer in the family, particularly ovarian, breast or bowel cancer, as approximately 10 per cent of ovarian cancer cases are due to an inherited gene fault found effecting one in 500 Australians,” he said.

“Women over 45 are unfortunately more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer but there have been girls as young as seven diagnosed, so all women must be aware of the disease.

“Unlike cervical cancer, there is no test for ovarian cancer and so, until there is a test, awareness is the only tool we have in preventing deaths by ovarian cancer.

“Watching out for lower abdominal or pelvis pain or bloating, frequent urination and feeling full quickly or finding it difficult to eat could assist in early detection of ovarian cancer as these are the major signs that ovarian cancer may be present.

“Other reported symptoms include excessive fatigue, weight loss or gain, change in bowel or menstrual habits, vague but persistent stomach upsets such as wind, nausea, heartburn or indigestion.”

Mr George said that those wishing to donate, order teal ribbons or find out more could do so by calling 1300 660 334 or visiting www.ovariancancer.net.au or phone the electorate office on 66213624 for a fact sheet.

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Ms Saffin said: “I am delighted to be able to turn the first sod for the long-awaited Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment work. It is an election promise to our Clarence Valley community and today’s sod turning with the immediate start of works that can be seen by the community makes it a seeing is believing reality.

“This is an election commitment made by me, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister for Health Nicola Roxon that gives me the greatest of pleasure. The people of Grafton fought hard for this and I am delivering.

“I especially thank the hospital’s Medical Council Chair, Dr Allan Tyson, former Grafton City mayor Shirley Adams OAM, former Clarence Valley mayor Cr Ian Tiley and current Clarence Valley Mayor Cr Richie Williamson for their strong support, and all those people who worked to ensure that the development of Grafton Base Hospital stayed on the political agenda.”

Ms Saffin’s shovel work on the surgical services construction site was also welcomed by health administrators, including NSW Public Works regional project manager Kevin Plummer, North Coast Area Health Service CEO Chris Crawford and Grafton Base staff, including Director of Nursing Beryl Jordan and new Executive Officer Dan Madden.

State Member for Clarence Steve Cansdell was an apology as he had a prior commitment in Sydney.

Ms Saffin confirmed that a total of $2.4 million had been spent on early works to pave the way for the redevelopment.

These early works included:

$600,000 for Ballina-based TF Woollams’ fit-out of public mental health services which have been relocated from Grafton Base to the nearby Aruma site.

And $400,000 on decommissioning old steam boilers at the hospital and replacing them with a natural gas heating system, reducing carbon emissions.

Ms Saffin said prior to a start-up workshop at the hospital on Monday, January 18, main works building contractor, Lahey Constructions, had already set out up to 20 concrete footings for the operating theatres.

“Health Infrastructure NSW delivery project manager Phil Cortis advises that work will start on the Emergency Department by the end of February, meaning that the two medical facilities will be built and fitted out almost concurrently,” she said.

“Lahey Constructions is a family company based in Kempsey with 30 years’ experience in building public facilities in New South Wales, and currently has contracts for Gosford Mental Health and the Coonamble Hospital redevelopment.

“Lahey’s project manager Vaughan Hitchings will have up to 40 tradespeople and apprentices on site at Grafton Base, and has a policy of employing local people wherever possible.

“The challenge is to minimise any disruptions to the hospital’s normal operations throughout 2010, so the Health Service will keep the community regularly informed about the redevelopment’s progress and any special arrangements which need to be put in place.

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But Amy, a Lismore-based second-year student studying for her Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science in the School of Health and Human Sciences, has had her first research project supported by a Summer Scholarship from the Heart Foundation.

Titled ‘An evaluation of central blood pressure in cardiac rehabilitation’, the project will be conducted in conjunction with the cardiac rehabilitation unit at Lismore Base Hospital over January and February, supervised by University staff Dr Rosanne Coutts and Mr Kade Davison.

The pilot project aims to investigate the efficacy of measures of blood pressure using new technology called ‘pressure pulse waveform’.

The SphygmoCor pressure pulse waveform unit provides a tool for the non-invasive assessment of the cardiovascular system, focused on central blood pressures and measures of arterial stiffness and autonomic function.

Because it measures central blood pressure, it has been shown to be a superior predictor of cardiovascular function and beneficial in the management of patients with hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, high-risk pregnancy, drug therapy management and cardiovascular disease conditions.

“I am really thrilled to have been given this opportunity so early in my studies,” Amy said.

“I chose to study at Southern Cross University because I am interested in health and the human body and how it works, so this is the perfect course for me and I am really glad I chose it.

“The experience has been exciting and rewarding so far and I have enjoyed great support from my lecturers and supervisors, who gave me tremendous guidance and encouragement in putting the research proposal to the Heart Foundation and helping to train me in the use of the equipment.

“I will be using the equipment on patients at the hospital and evaluating the results to see if this technology provides improved data to assist in managing various conditions.

“Southern Cross University has purchased the equipment and will be using it this year for both student training and in its new public health clinic, so it will be good to be have the research outcomes from my project to better inform how the equipment can be effectively used.”

Students can still apply to study at Southern Cross University this year. The university provides a range of flexible study options.

For anyone considering studying their degree by distance education, applications can be made directly to the university.

The Direct Application Form can be downloaded from the website and applications are open throughout January and into February. Personalised campus tours can be booked at any of the campuses by phoning 02 6620 3975.

Information about courses and how to apply to SCU is available at www.scu.edu.au/studyin2010

Anyone with questions about their applications or changing preferences should contact student services on 1800 626 481.

PICTURE: Amy Coy is undertaking research on the new pressure pulse waveform technology for testing blood pressure.

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Rather, it is a group of like-minded people satisfying an inner urge to learn. It offers low-cost, self-paced learning opportunities and the sharing of interests, skills and knowledge. 

This voluntary, self-help learning movement started in France in 1973, and has since spread world-wide.

The Ballina/Byron branch, using the same guidelines as the international model, began in 1994.

Nor is the U3A limited to those in their ‘third age’, or retirement. Anyone with time on their hands is welcome to attend classes.

U3A classes cover many areas, from the purely physical, such as bush walking, tap and Scottish country dancing, table tennis, yoga and tai chi, to the entertaining, such as the movie discussion group, which always seems to include a visit to a nearby café.

The mentally stimulating courses cover a swag of history classes, a bevy of computer classes, environmental issues and craft groups.

Then there are creative writing and poetry, languages, cryptic crosswords, as well as forums and exploration trips held once a term.

If interested, a complete list of classes will be available in the newsletter, out early in the new year and also on the website. Classes are held in Ballina, Lennox Head and Brunswick Heads.

Every one must enrol for any courses they wish to do. This can be done at Ballina Fair on 13-14 January, 2010 between 10am-3pm, when committee members will be available to answer your questions. Some classes have limited numbers, so it is important to get your name down early.

There is a one-off joining fee of $5 for new members or those who have let their membership lapse and an annual subscription of $30 single or $45 couple.

This is valid for 12 months from the payment date and allows you to attend as many classes as time will permit.

Some classes do incur a small extra cost to cover consumables that may be used.

The Fripp Oval office is unattended during school holidays. Phone enquiries 66814450, leave a message if unanswered; website www.ballinabyron.u3anet.org.au

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