Whether it’s quality physiotherapy, rewarding exercise or effective treatment of conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, Canberra is home to many experts passionate about improving health.

MAINTAINING health or going on a journey towards good health means different things to different people.

Whether it’s quality physiotherapy, rewarding exercise or effective treatment of conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, Canberra is home to many experts passionate about improving health in all sorts of ways.

This week “CityNews” speaks with local allied health experts, surgeons and medicinal practitioners who specialise in maintaining people’s wellbeing.

Health services in a safe environment

FROM its humble beginnings as a temporary medical service set up at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy site, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services has grown into an important part of the health services provided to indigenous people in the national capital.

In the Wiradjuri language, Winnunga Nimmityjah means “strong health”, says the service’s CEO Julie Tongs.

Tongs’ vision as CEO, a role she has held since 1997, has always been for Winnunga to be a leader in the provision of primary health care.

Some of the clinical services operating out of the purpose-built facility include a dental clinic, audiology, optometry, physiotherapy, podiatry, alcohol and drug services, a needle-exchange program, mental health services and a diabetes clinic.

“All Winnunga wants to do is give people an opportunity to be better, to feel good about themselves, and to start to work through some of the layers of trauma that Aboriginal people have experienced,” Tongs says.

Since then it has grown into a pivotal healthcare service, which last year saw some 7000 clients. 

Providing around 60,000 occasions of service to its clients annually, Winnunga offers health care to people living in the ACT and across the border. 

Clients come from all walks of life, Tongs says.

“They come to us because they feel safe here and not judged.”

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6284 6222 or visit winnunga.org.au

Dr Vass offers life-changing hearing help

GETTING help with hearing loss is all about improving communication and gaining clarity, says Dr Vass Hearing Clinic audiologist Dr William Vass.

Offering professional, independent advice and treatment, Dr Vass says taking the first step with a hearing test can be life-changing.

“We know hearing loss can be linked to anxiety, isolation, anger, relationship issues, work issues and miscommunication in general,” he says.

“After treatment or rehabilitation patients can find it a lot easier to get along with people, don’t have to guess so much and are much more confident in their communication skills, especially with their partner.”

While hearing loss can come with ageing, Dr Vass says it can also often affect young people too.

“Those exposed to loud noises in military and construction fields can experience hearing loss. Some people might be genetically exposed to hearing loss or there could be viral infections,” he says.

“It’s very important to act early. Waiting too long can start to see a disconnect between the brain and the ear.

“We find that those people who put off getting help with their hearing loss for long periods don’t have as successful outcomes as those who seek help earlier.”

Dr Vass says patients have the certainty that they’ll be seeing him when they visit the clinic and that he will provide one-on-one, tailored care and advice.

“It’s rewarding to help people not be so isolated, and help improve their communication with others, especially their loved ones,” he says.

Dr Vass Hearing Clinic, suite 14, John James Medical Centre, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin. Visit drvasshearing.com.au or call 6282 2717.

Help to manage the impact of arthritis, osteoporosis

ARTHRITIS ACT will celebrate World Arthritis Day (October 12) and World Osteoporosis Day (October 20), says CEO Rebecca Davey.

“These days are created to remind us of the impact of both conditions on our communities,” she says.

“At Arthritis, Pain Support and ME/CFS ACT, we can assist with managing the pain of both arthritis and osteoporosis, as well as providing a suite of programs that can help people manage these conditions.”

Rebecca says there are more than 100 types of arthritis, and it can affect people in many ways, and at any age.

“From being a niggly knee or finger that plays up when it rains, to leaving people completely bed bound on drugs that mimic their immune system, and lifelong severe disability,” she says.

“It’s not ‘just arthritis’, it is a condition that you should always seek medical advice for.”

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become thin, weak and fragile, says Rebecca.

“Whilst it is commonly considered a condition of ageing, it can affect people at any age, and can be the result of treatment for cancer, other conditions, or the result of other diseases,” she says.

“One of the biggest risks of osteoporosis is broken bones and pharmaceutical treatment for the condition is usually considered essential, as well as strength and balance exercise.

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

Pilates classes adapt to anyone’s needs

THE exercise program at Studio Pilates is perfect for people with any level of fitness, says co-owner Simon Hunter.

Combining innovative video technology that plays inside the studio and the experience of world-class instructors, Simon says the workout keeps your body guessing and gives fast results.

“We pride ourselves on being able to tailor the sessions to any individual,” says Simon.

“Because you can dial up or down the resistance, which is provided by the reformers, it can be adjusted to any level of fitness.”

In addition to the many fitness benefits the Studio Pilates workout offers, Simon says there are also many rehabilitative benefits.

“Our instructors can adapt the exercise according to each person’s needs and if anyone’s carrying an injury or has a disability we can accommodate that,” he says.

Simon says both he and his wife and co-owner Tammy-Jo Hunter, who he describes as the “driving force behind it all”, are passionate about helping people achieve their goals.

“She loves that opportunity to help people. We get a lot of people with ailments and mobility issues and core strength and stability issues and  we find helping them through pilates very rewarding,” he says.

Studio Pilates. Visit studiopilates.com

Strengthening classes for people aged 50+

HIGHER Function offers a range of classes that are taught by experienced physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, using evidence-based exercises, says physiotherapist Andrea Rich.

“Strong Bones is a group class designed specifically for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia (low bone density),” she says.

“This class focuses on exercises to safely improve bone density – stomping, holding weights – and incorporates strength training, mobility and balance exercises to improve overall mobility and prevent falls.

“Strength For Life is a class for people over the age of 50 in which you receive your own personalised strength and exercise program and are working towards your own individual goals.

“Golf Fit is great for those who want to play longer games of golf without pain, prevent injuries and improve mobility, strength, power and speed.”

Andrea says people come to class to work hard, get stronger and reduce their pain, but the atmosphere is still fun and friendly.

“Lots of people have become friends and go for a well-earned coffee after classes,” she says.

“Our small group classes allow for everyone to receive attention from the therapist, ensuring they are performing exercises correctly, safely and can offer modifications where needed.”

“We have a 90-year-old client who attends three classes a week. We have lots of fun but are still working hard.”

Higher Function Physio & Pilates, Suite 4, Level 1/23 Petrie Plaza. Call 6262 9664 or visit higherfunction.com.au

Experienced surgeons improve patients’ quality of life

ORTHOPAEDICS ACT was established in 2013, and provides a complete range of care for patients with orthopaedic conditions.

Associate Professor Chris Roberts says they are the largest and most comprehensive orthopaedic practice in Canberra.

The goal at Orthopaedics ACT is to treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders, strive to reduce pain, and improve their patient’s function and quality of life.

Chris Roberts says this may involve trauma and fractures, sporting injuries, high-speed motor vehicle accidents, overuse injuries, arthritis and disabling pain.

“There is nothing more satisfying than hearing from our patients that there has been a reduction in their pain or that they are pain free and able to get back to activity without restrictions,” he says.

“At Orthopaedics ACT we have all devoted ourselves to caring for our patients and striving to be the best in our field.”

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6221 9320 or visit orthoact.com.au

Store celebrates the health benefits of hemp

SOUTH Pacific Hemp, Canberra’s first all hemp store, celebrates the time-tested health benefits of hemp and its multiple uses, says store manager Sue Booth.

“It’s time we moved away from hemp’s old reputation – while hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant and often get confused, hemp is most definitely not something that can get you high,” she says.

“Hemp has strength, medicinal and nutritional value, and was first cultivated more than 10,000 years ago.”

With a selection of products that includes unique health foods, proteins, hemp seed oils, balms and skin creams, babycare and more, Sue says there’s plenty to find.

She also says the store has a range of clothing and  linen, fabrics, bedding and cushions all made to promote wellbeing.

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odors and has four times the strength of cotton and it won’t weaken when washed,” she says.

“Hemp gives years of wear while its breathing ability, antibacterial and antiviral properties help promote good sleep.”

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898 or visit southpacifichemp.com.au