Maintaining good health from top to toes is the theme of this feature in which we talk with experts in pain management, mobility and indigenous health.

Helping mums deal with autoimmune disorders

Pregnancy and having a baby can feel like the best and worst of times for women living with autoimmune disorders.

“Women living with autoimmune disorders may find that during their pregnancy, symptoms may appear to get better, although we do find that post pregnancy, flare ups may occur,” says Arthritis ACT CEO, Rebecca Davey.

“The change and stress of having a baby can also often create autoimmune issues.”

A midwife herself, Rebecca urges women not to be complacent and prepare to push a bit for themselves within the medical industry should pain and sickness begin to get out of control.

“We are here to make sure mums are getting the best outcome of being with their baby and managing their disorder,” she says.

“We are here to support mums and help them adjust to living with autoimmune disorders throughout the entire process of their pregnancy, and are here for people when they need us.”

Rebecca says pregnancy can be an intersection for many women and says they shouldn’t have to “just put up with symptoms”.

“When you have an autoimmune disorder, it can add pressure to a pregnancy,” she says.

“Mothering is a huge adjustment process and complications with pain can make this an even more stressful process.

“That’s what we are here for.”

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

Podiatric surgeon with a passion for patient mobility

A podiatric surgeon is a specialist podiatrist and can provide conservative as well as surgical interventions, says Canberra Foot Surgery podiatrist and podiatrist surgeon Dr Nicholas Studdert.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to provide this meaningful service to the ACT community and surrounds,” he says.

Seeing all types of patients – from children to the elderly – with hammer toe, bunions, plantar fasciitis, flat feet and high arches, Dr Studdert says he can offer orthoses, laser therapy as well as surgery.

“The scope is very broad,” he says.

“I have always been interested in working in health and this provided a specialised skill set I could use to assist people – podiatric surgery is primarily about mobility, which anyone who has had their mobility restricted will know, it is of vital importance to our health and life.”

Dr Studdert says a podiatric surgeon provides specialist advice and procedures for foot and ankle complaints, often consulting with patients who have not been able to find relief elsewhere, who have complex or advanced conditions or who may be seeking surgical intervention for their ongoing pain or symptoms.

“I consult with them, provide advice, take them through the surgical journey if needed and provide comprehensive follow up after surgery,” he says.

“Often I see people in the long term, providing initial surgical intervention as well as ongoing podiatric care to them and their family into the future.”

Canberra Foot Surgery. 4/19 Napier Close, Deakin. Call 6105 9555 or visit canberrafootsurgery.com.au

Culturally safe service for indigenous women

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services is a culturally safe service that provides holistic care to indigenous women throughout Canberra and the surrounding region, says CEO Julie Tongs.

“It is well documented that Aboriginal women die eight to 10 years younger than non-Aboriginal women and carry a higher burden of chronic disease at very young ages,” says Julie.

“It is important for women who are struggling to reach out to the Winnunga social health team or a Winnunga staff member to seek assistance. They should never feel ashamed as there is assistance available.”

Poverty, racism, trauma, addiction, mental health issues, domestic violence, homelessness and incarceration are just some of the issues that Julie says are affecting indigenous women every day.

On top of providing assistance with all of those issues, she says Winnunga can help secure access to covid testing and vaccination, child protection, court and Centrelink support and assist with the filling out of paperwork.

“Winnunga provides GPs, nurses, midwives, a drug and alcohol nurse, and a mental health nurse who are also able to be accessed in the Alexander Maconochie Centre,” she says.

“We also have allied health professionals in our clinic who the GPs can do internal referrals to. They include the social health team psychiatrist, psychologists, sessional dietitians, an audiologist, optometrist, physiotherapist and a podiatrist.”

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

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 30 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 card is presented at ordering.

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