Free Health Information Sessions for Older People

Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically joints where two or more bones meet. While arthritis is very common – affecting 1 in 6 Australians, more than 3.9 million adults and children in Australia – it is not well understood.

Arthritis Management sessions are delivered in partnership with Arthritis NSW. During the session the speakers will cover the information below:

• What is Arthritis?
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Risk Factors and Diagnosis
• Signs and Symptoms
• Self-Management Practices
• Resources

Diabetes is a serious and chronic condition which can affect the entire body. While there is currently no cure, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about diabetes and effectively managing it. The are three main types of diabetes all of which are complex and serious. Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood. The body can’t make insulin, enough insulin or is not effectively using the insulin it does make. Over time high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, resulting in long term health complications including heart, kidney, eye and foot damage.

Diabetes Awareness sessions are delivered in partnership with Diabetes Australia. During the session the speakers will cover the information below:

• About diabetes and types of diabetes
• Risk factors and symptoms for diabetes
• Preventing type 2 diabetes
• Complications of diabetes
• Self-management of diabetes
• Diabetes care team
• Healthy diet and physical exercise

The falls injury prevention program provides information on how to reduce the risk of falling and to maximise independence at home.

Falls Injury Prevention sessions are delivered in partnership with Health Promotion at Western Sydney Local Health District. During the session the speakers will cover the information below:

• Facts about falls
• Where, when and why people fall
• Factors contributing falls
• Osteoporosis versus falls
• Strategies to prevent falls
• Helpful resources

Keeping your bladder and bowel healthy is important for overall health. Having a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent problems like incontinence. Find out what else you can do for good bladder and bowel health.

Healthy Bladder & Bowel Habits sessions are delivered in partnership with the Continence Foundation of Australia. During the session the speakers will cover the information below:

• What incontinence is
• Who is at risk of incontinence?
• Who can help?
• Five healthy habits for bladders and bowels
• How the Continence Foundation of Australia can help

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease affecting over 1.2 million Australians and leading to over 173,000 broken bones each year.

Healthy Bones and Osteoporosis sessions are delivered in partnership with Healthy Bones Australia. During the session the speakers will cover the information below:

• Normal bone function
• Causes of bone loss
• Who gets osteoporosis?
• Risk factors of osteoporosis
• Diagnosing osteoporosis
• Pillars of bone health
• Preventing osteoporosis

Good oral health care is about practicing good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. eating and drinking healthy foods low in sugar and having regular dental check-ups.

Oral Health Care sessions are delivered in partnership with the Oral Health Unit, Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Aged Health Chronic Care & Rehabilitation.

During the session the speakers will cover the information below:

• Importance of a healthy mouth
• Common oral health problems
• Five messages for a healthy mouth
• Diet and exercise for a healthy mouth
• Caring for dentures
• Tips for free dental services

Medicine management is the clinical, cost-effective and safe use of medicines to ensure patients get the maximum benefit from the medicines they need, while at the same time minimising potential harm.

Medicine Management sessions are delivered in partnership with a Consultant Pharmacist. During the session the speakers will cover the information below:

• Importance of medicines
• Types of medicines
• Consumer Medicine Information sheet
• Home Medicine Review
• Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) program
• Generic vs Brand medicines
• Importance of a medicine record
• GP Management Plan

Stroke attacks the brain – the human control centre – changing lives in an instant.  Your brain is fed by blood carrying oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels called arteries.  A stroke happens when blood cannot get to your brain, because of a blocked or burst artery.  As a result, your brain cells die due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients.

StrokeSafe sessions are delivered in partnership with the Stroke Foundation, Australia. During the session the speakers will cover the information below:

• What is a stroke?
• The impact a stroke can have
• How to recognise the signs of strokes so that people can save someone’s life
• Things people can do to prevent a stroke
• Where to contact after a stroke.