by Grace | Mar 1, 2022 | Workplace Education
What are your kidneys and what do they do?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine. Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine (nih.gov.au, 2022).
Why are kidneys so important?
- They remove waste and extra fluid from your body;
- They remove acid that are produced by the cells;
- They maintain a healthy balance of water, salts and minerals in your blood;
- They make hormones that help control your blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep bones strong and healthy;
How do you help look after your kidneys?
According to kidney.org.au (2022)..
- Check your blood pressure regularly;
- Monitor blood glucose levels if you have diabetes and ensure you stay within your targets;
- Lead an active, healthy lifestyle and maintain healthy body weight;
Risk factors of kidney disease.
‘One in three Australians have an increased risk of kidney disease.’ – Kidney Health Australia (2022). Risk factors for developing kidney disease include people who:
- have diabetes;
- have high blood pressure;
- have established heart problems (heart failure or heart attack) or have had a stroke;
- have a family history of kidney disease or kidney failure;
- are obese with a body mass index (BMI) 30 or higher;
- have smoked or is a current smoker;
- are 60 years or older;
- are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin;
- have a history of acute kidney injury;
It is also important to note people who have none of the risk factors above may also develop kidney disease.
You can take a quick kidney risk test here – https://kidney.org.au/kidneyrisktest/
Always consult your doctor for any areas of concern.
by Grace | Mar 1, 2022 | Skin Checks, Workplace Education
Melanoma March is a reminder to look after one of your greatest assets – your skin! Our doctors provide on site skin assessments for your staff – assisting with early detection of any areas of concern.
Some careers such as construction, or jobs which involve site visits, require employees to be out in the sun. Here’s some easy steps to ensure your workplace helps protect your employers from skin cancers and melanoma (Better Health, 2022).
- Schedule outdoor activities in early morning or late afternoon when the UV radiation is high;
- Provide information, instruction and training for workers about UV radiation and protection;
- Modify reflective surfaces;
- Provide personal protective equipment and clothing (wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, protective clothing, sunscreen and shade);
- Develop a sun protection policy that documents control measures;
- Conduct periodic assessments of the UV exposure risk to all workers;
- Offer yearly skin assessments (provided on site at your location, by our doctors at WHS Vic);
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation (2022), early detection of a melanoma is crucial and can vastly increase your chances for a cure.
Look for anything new, changing or unusual on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas. This should be a monthly practice. Keep in mind that melanomas can arrive anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesn’t shine. The ABCDE approach can help you check your skin:
A – A is Asymmetry: Most melanomas are asymmetrical. If your draw a line through the middle of the lesion and the two halves don’t match, be sure to have this professionally checked by a skin doctor.
B – B is for Border: Melanoma borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped of notched edges.
C – C is for Colour: Multiple colours are warning signs.
D – D is for diameter and Dark: While it’s ideal to detect a melanoma when it is small, it’s a warning sign if a lesion is the size of a pencil eraser or larger. It’s also important to look for any lesion, no matter what size, that is darker than the others. Some rare melanomas are colourless.
E – E is Evolving: Any change in size, colour, shape or elevation of a spot on your skin or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting are warning signs.
Remember: Early detection is key!
For more on early detection and pictures – https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/
by Grace | Mar 1, 2022 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
According to Healthline (2021), Dental and oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, and has also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
How do you look after your oral health?
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment. The earlier you learn proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and limiting your sugar intake — the easier it’ll be to avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health issues.
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily (mayoclinic.org, 2022):
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid tobacco use.
Symptoms of dental or oral problems:
You shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to visit your dentist. Going to the dentist twice a year will usually allow them to catch a problem before you even notice any symptoms.
If you experience any of the following warning signs of dental health issues, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible:
Causes of dental or oral diseases include but are not limited to:
Types of dental and oral diseases:
- CAVITIES: Otherwise known as tooth decay. These are areas of the tooth that have been permanently damaged and may even have holes in them.
- GUM DISEASE (GINGIVITIS): Inflammation of the gums. This is usually a result of plaque build up on your teeth due to poor brushing and flossing habits. Untreated gingivitis can lead to more serious infections.
- PERIODONITIS: This can also spread to your jaw and bones and cause an inflammatory response throughout the body.
- CRACKED OR BROKEN TEETH: This can be caused by an injury to the mouth, chewing hard foods or grinding your teeth at night.
- SENSITIVE TEETH: This may cause you to feel discomfort after having cold or hot foods or beverages.
- ORAL CANCER: This includes cancer of the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, floor of mouth, hard or soft pallet.
View the following Australian Dental Association videos in light of World Oral Health Day (20th March), to help look after your oral health – https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Oral-Health-Video-Resources
by Grace | Mar 1, 2022 | Workplace Education
Blood cancers such as Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma, affect blood cells and bone marrow (the spongey tissues inside your bones where blood cells are made). These cancers change the way blood cells behave and how well they work (The Cancer Centre, 2020).
You have three types of blood cells:
– White blood cells fight infection as part of your immune system;
– Red blood cells carry oxygen to your body’s tissues and organs and bring carbon dioxide to your lungs so you can breathe it out;
– Platelets help your blood clot when you’ve been injured;
The 16th – 20th March is the time when your workplace can participate in The World’s Greatest Shave. Get sponsored to help Aussie families beat blood cancer.
‘Blood cancer takes so much. It can take your job, it can take you away from your family, it can take your hair… and it can take your life.’ – The World’s Greatest Shave, 2022.
Where do raised funds go towards?
– Providing financial assistance to families;
– Providing accommodation for patient’s and families going through traumatic times;
– Towards research to help find a cure;
What options have you got when participating in the world’s greatest shave?
– Shave your hair;
– Donate your hair;
– Colour your hair;
– Cut your hair;
Sign up here to participate with your workplace – https://worldsgreatestshave.com/work
by Grace | Mar 1, 2022 | Uncategorised
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease where the lining of the small intestine is damaged by tiny amounts of gluten (a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats) – Health Direct (2022).
‘Coeliac disease affects on average approximately 1 in 70 Australians. However, around 80% of this number remain undiagnosed. This means the vast majority of Australians who have coeliac disease don’t yet know it.’ – coeliac.org.au (2022).
Symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, constipation, fatty stools, flatulence);
- Nausea & vomiting;
- Pain or discomfort in the tummy;
- Iron deficiency or anaemia;
- Weight loss or gain;
- Feeling tired;
- Irritability;
- Bone or joint pain and stiffness;
- Swelling of the mouth or tongue, recurring mouth ulcers;
- Itchy and blistery skin rash;
Causes:
It’s not yet known why people develop coeliac disease. Some factors associated with an increased risk of developing this disease include:
- Family history;
- Environmental factors: previous GIT infections, a person’s diet during early childhood;
- Other health conditions associated with an increased risk: diabetes, ulcerative colitis, neurological disorders, thyroid disease or downs syndrome;
Can coeliac disease be prevented?
It is not preventable, however it is possible to prevent complications of coeliac disease by being diagnosed early.
Complications of coeliac disease:
Early diagnosis and treatment of coeliac disease can significantly reduce the risk of most complications ever occurring. If not treated early, coeliacs may lead to:
- Chronic inflammation of the small bowel, skin, joints, bones, liver, pancreas, thyroid gland, nervous system and reproductive system;
- The changes in the small bowel can lead to poor absorption of nutrients, resulting in problems such as iron deficiency;
- Increased risk of bowel lymphoma (a type of cancer);
- Infertility;
- Chronic ill health;
How do you get diagnosed?
Bring up any concerns of symptoms or family history with your doctor.
How is coeliacs disease managed?
Coeliacs disease can not be cured, but it can be managed.
Once diagnosed by your doctor, a gluten free diet is commonly used to manage coeliacs disease. Today, we are so lucky to be offered a variety of gluten free foods and beverages with some supermarkets offering gluten free isles!