Diabetes: the feet come first

People with diabetes risk serious and disabling foot complications and even amputation. Diabetes can affect the feet in two ways:
1. The nerves which enable you to feel pain, temperature extremes and give early warning of possible trauma are damaged.
2. The blood supply to the feet is diminished due to damage to the blood vessels.

Under these circumstances, even a minor foot problem of little significance to other people can be hazardous to people with diabetes. It is recommended that people with diabetes should be assessed by a podiatrist who will advise a commonsense daily care routine to reduce the risk of injuries and complications.

Discuss your mobility and footcare problems with your podiatrist, who can advise which service or professional support is most appropriate to your needs.

Talk with your doctor about a Medicare referral and take notice of these foot-health tips:
ENCOURAGE good blood circulation by regular walking and wearing good walking shoes.
CHOOSE footwear which is appropriate for your activity and make sure to have your feet measured properly by a trained fitter.
CHECK your shoes regularly for excess wear on the outside and any rough spots on the inner lining.
WASH your feet daily in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, and then dry thoroughly with a gentle blotting action.
USE a moisturiser to stop heels cracking and to help keep the skin supple.

When you need help with psychological expertise

Dr Jaimie Cox has worked as a Consulting Psychologist in Parkes for more than 10 years in private practice. He has also had an academic career in both psychological research and university teaching. Jaimie’s expertise extends to medico-legal work for clients who require psychological reports to be presented on their behalf at local courts.

He has expertise regarding accurate diagnosis and treatment of:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
• Depression and difficulties with mood/motivation; anxiety disorders;
• Stress management;
• Loss and grief;
• Phobias and fears (including social and specific);
• Behavioural health management (eating disorders, substance abuse);
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children;
• Students suffering performance anxiety prior to exam periods (eg HSC).
For an appointment, phone 6863 5013.

Curves: supportive & caring

Curves is a facility especially designed for women and features weight loss, exercise and motivation all in the one place. It’s fast, fun fitness. The combination of our Curves Complete online weight-management program (real food, ladies!), a personal coach to keep you motivated and accountable, and our 30-minute cardio and strength-training workouts at a time to suit you is hard to beat. We also have Zumba classes and body-basics circuits that
target arms, legs, core muscles, balance and, of course, stretching to improve flexibility.

Women are busy and have many responsibilities, so a half-hour workout is perfect. It targets every major muscle group and meets the medical recommendation that we elevate the heart rate and maintain the elevation for 20 minutes three times a week. Hydraulic equipment is safe (no weight stacks) and effective. It is appropriate for all levels of fitness, from beginner to elite athlete. Older people lose lean muscle mass due to inactivity and are often afraid of workout injuries.
With the Curves workout they can enjoy the benefits of strength training without the fear of injury. Shaping up for summer starts now in winter, so it’s a great time to make a start and have the new you ready to wow everyone!

You won’t just look better, you’ll feel better with more confidence and energy. And that’s a real bonus. Join Curves today and enjoy a community of ladies who are supportive and caring.

Beat that cold by strengthening immune system

It’s that time of year when most people are affected by coughs, colds and viruses. Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are some ways of combating it. Strengthening your immune system by taking Vitamin C, Echinacea or an immune booster such as Immune Defence is a great way to help boost your immunity during the winter months.

There is also a wide range of products to help relieve the symptoms of colds and flu and the friendly, experienced teams at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies can help you with advice and products to suit your individual needs, whether it be for a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, chesty or dry cough, headache or aches and pains.
Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies also have a range of humidifiers and vaporisers to help your child get a good night’s sleep when they have a cold.

The MedeScan Rainbow Mist Humidifier is a cold-steam humidifier which doesn’t leave a wet residue on walls and is completely safe for children. So if you do catch a cold or the flu, call in to your local pharmacy and get some professional advice and products to help relieve your symptoms.