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 their patients’ wellbeing.

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 principal 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.

Pain support with a personal touch

ARTHRITIS ACT can support people no matter what type of chronic pain condition they have, says CEO, Rebecca Davey.

“It’s important to remain active at all ages, to condition muscles that protect against injury”, and Arthritis ACT has solutions for people of varying abilities.

Rebecca says Arthritis, Pain Support & ME/CFS have staff who are not only experts in their fields, but many are peers in that they also live with the conditions that bring our clients to us.

“This means we really understand where you are coming from, your fears, your hopes, and what you can do,” she says.

“We are hosting a mindfulness for chronic pain workshop beginning with a physiotherapist who has 30 years of experience, so she really knows her stuff.

“Mindfulness is a critical part of managing chronic pain, so the workshop is beginning mid-October and will be delivered over eight weeks.

“It is a one hour session once a week over Zoom at lunch time, but in future we will have other options and other times available.”

And that’s only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

“No task or question is too big or small for us.”

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

Unlocking health benefits for seniors

DIRECTOR of the Tuggeranong branch of Performance Edge Physiotherapy, Dave Wellington says as we age our bodies undergo changes that can impact our physical well-being.

“Physiotherapy is an effective way to counteract these changes allowing

a good quality of life to be maintained,” he says.

“Physiotherapy is not only beneficial for the rehabilitation of injuries, it offers a multitude of health benefits for our seniors.

“Firstly, physiotherapy helps seniors maintain their strength and mobility. Through targeted exercises and techniques, physiotherapists work to enhance muscle strength, improve balance and increase flexibility, this is crucial in the prevention of falls which can have devastating consequences for older adults.”

Dave says by improving mobility, physiotherapy enables seniors to continue living independently, improving their overall quality of life.

“Physiotherapy also plays a vital role in managing chronic pain, a common issue among seniors,” he says.

“Whether it’s arthritis, osteoporosis, or joint problems we use a variety of techniques including manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to reduce pain and increase mobility.

“This can reduce the need for pain medication and improve an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, this contributes greatly to their mental well-being.

“At Performance Edge Physiotherapy we help our older adults maintain their independence so they can enjoy an active and fulfilling life as they age.”

Performance Edge Physiotherapy. Call 6293 4355 (Tuggeranong), 6162 0252 (Belconnen) and 6162 0252 (Brindabella Park), or visit pephysio.com.au

A new boutique dedicated to health foods

OWNER Kelly Moss opened January Health Foods on August 7.

“We are a health foods boutique specialising in gluten free, dairy free and vegan products,” she says.

“As a health-conscious mum with coeliac disease and dairy intolerance, I was always on the hunt for healthy, allergy and family-friendly recipes.

“We pride ourselves on stocking all your favourite health foods.

“We’ve road-tested all our products and are happy to give you tips and suggestions if you’re just starting out.”

Kelly says if there’s something you’re looking for, let her know.

“We’ll do our best to track it down and get it in for you,” she says.

“I was frustrated going store to store to find ingredients to make a new recipe or a fudgy brownie, ordering online was always an option but I found I was never organised enough.

“I would have loved to be able to walk into a store and get everything I needed in one location,” so that’s what she became.

“A shop that wasn’t overwhelming and had simple tips and suggestions for the right gluten-free pasta for the best lasagne, or the best flour for a coeliac-friendly brownie.”

January Health Foods, 2/1 Chandler Street, Belconnen. Call 0433 834427, or visit januaryhealthfoods.com.au

The importance of getting screened for diabetes

DIABETES Australia operations manager NSW ACT Natalie Smith says that as people get older their risks of diabetes increases.

“Unfortunately, as we get older the pancreas produces less insulin meaning there’s a higher risk, especially for type 2 diabetes,” she says.

“It’s so important for us to continue raising awareness, for people to have a conversation with their GP and get screened every year.”

Natalie says the earlier diabetes is detected, the faster treatment and lifestyle changes can begin to stop or delay complications such as heart disease and amputations.

“There is support out there, and I am seeing more and more stories of people who are diagnosed early that are going into remission,” she says.

“Nationally, 5.6 per cent of people have diabetes. In the ACT there are more than 20,000 living with it.

“Unfortunately we know there are more people living with undiagnosed diabetes.

“Type 1 has four ‘T’ symptoms, thirst, toilet (increased urination), thinner and tired. Type 2 is thirst, toilet, hunger, weight change, wounds that are slow or don’t heal, or sudden vision changes.”

She says Diabetes Australia has an online risk calculator where people can measure how much risk they’re at of the chronic illness.

“It calculates cultural, genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute, and we encourage everyone to do it,” says Natalie.

“If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, don’t panic, talk with us, we’re here to help.”

Diabetes Australia. Call 1800 177055, or visit diabetesaustralia.com.au

‘Strong demand’ for self recovery

CANBERRA Detox and Rehab Services opened in 2022 to help people recover from drug and alcohol problems and addiction issues.

“There is strong demand for a service like ours, we also pick up from Sydney and the airport for our interstate guests,” a spokesman for the  business said.

“Unfortunately, there are many youthful and otherwise successful people with cocaine, marijuana, prescription or other drug misuse and alcohol problems.

“Sometimes it starts as a binge issue, is seen as a reward for hard work, or is due to a deep physical or mental pain.

“It gets out of control and starts having a negative impact on health, relationships and career.”

Canberra Detox and Rehab offered detox services in a relaxed, modern retreat environment.

“Some people only stay a week to physically detox, reset and get back on track,” the spokesman said.

“Others stay 28 days plus, to focus on rehabilitation and deal more deeply with the causes of their problems.

“We offer a personalised service, guests have their own rooms with ensuites, our chef prepares nutritious meals and you can stay in touch with business and family.”

He said Canberra Detox and Rehab took great satisfaction from its guest’s success: “We look after everything so a person can focus on themselves and their recovery.”

Canberra Detox and Rehab Services. Call 0477 827744, or visit canberradetoxandrehab.com

Making access to eyewear easy

CURTIN Optical stocks a wide range of eyewear and accessories, says owner Corey Nicholls.

Having been a part of the Curtin community for 23 years, he says Curtin Optical has three experienced optometrists available for appointments from Mondays to Fridays. 

“We cater to all tastes – from budget to well-known brands,” says Corey.

Curtin Optical also offers mobile optical dispensing services – spectacle selections and deliveries to the elderly or people unable to come into the store due to disability, he says.

“This includes spectacle repairs and adjustments, and an after-hours service,” says Corey.

“In addition, Curtin Optical offers an express service for those who have lost or broken their spectacles (Rx dependent). 

“Curtin Optical’s in-store services can offer a same-day turnaround and its mobile jobs have a 24-hour turnaround.”

Corey says its independence from large chains gives customers a more personalised service.

He says they are also providers to the ACT pension scheme and DVA, with Curtin Optical offering a 10 per cent discount to ACT Seniors Card holders on complete spectacles, when their Seniors Card is presented at ordering.

Curtin Optical. Shop 1B, Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6281 1220 or visit curtinoptical.com.au