Health & Wellbeing
EDITION
Special
Royalty and Celebrity Yoga Instructor, Charlotte Dodson gives you her personal insights...
GIVE IT A GO!
Every yoga getaway has its own unique 'character' and particular areas of focus/goal-setting.
Our wellness weeks at Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island include two yoga classes a day, outdoor activities which take place around the island's incredible landscapes, and a nutritional wholefood meal plan that's energising and delicious. The week provides a balanced menu of adventure, fun, relaxation, and enjoying what the island has to offer. It's a happiness week, not a detox grind!
Here are a few tips I've picked up from assisting participants in making the most out of their Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe experience over the past seven years:
BECOME FAMILIAR
It's a good idea to become familiar with a yoga class 'setting' - to be aware of the main postures, breathing techniques, and overall benefits that come with participation. Start bringing yoga postures and techniques into your weekly routine before the wellness week begins so as to ensure that your body is up for the daily practice scheduling. To ensure you are confident in your 'yoga-flow' before your wellness week begins with Charlotte, she is offering our readers a free month sign-up to her online 'yoga studio', which will provide all of the necessary insight, guidance, and motivation needed to make you feel prepared upon arrival at her yoga getaway.
You can find Charlotte's online classes at charlottedodson.tv
BE PATIENT
Remember to be patient with yourself during this preparation period, and to commit to a class that's realistic for you (fitness-wise, scheduling-wise, etc.). If you can’t practice as much as you want to, or find yourself struggling through certain poses, that's okay! Charlotte is there - via her online portal and in-person at these getaway experiences - in order to help you in your yoga journey, whatever your circumstances may entail. Your yoga week is meant to challenge you in some ways, and take you to the next level on a variety of fronts - Charlotte works with you towards developing your mental, emotional and physical balance, and is keen for her students to progress as practitioners and take something away from the experience (whether it's improving a posture, or feeling emotional clarity, or simply through taking onboard some of the positivity she shares). We are all at different points along our life's journey. Embrace where you are at, and look forward to the change that’s coming your way. The best thing about yoga is that it’s not a competition. At your retreat, you will see that all yogis are simply individuals who currently express themselves at different levels within their personal practice. Charlotte adjusts each class to suit everyone, no matter how inexperienced or advanced they are.
GO TECHNOLOGY-FREE
To be able to fully relax and focus on your yoga week, you need to practice being technology-free. Turn your phone off for a few hours and sit with nature - watch the ocean waves or sit under the trees. This is easy to achieve on Lord Howe Island, as the area has no phone reception (local phone only), so it's a good idea not to promise your friends and family that you'll call them every night. You need this space to disconnect and reconnect. A perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle and remember how to be present in the moment.
NUTRITIONAL GOALS
Nutrition is an essential part of every yoga practice. At Pinetrees Lodge, they consider all types of dietary needs, and are happy to accommodate everyone's particular palette. The wellness week is full of tantalising wholefood options that nourish the body and soul.
While you prepare for a yoga getaway, take time to consider what type of dietary needs you have, or if you have any specific dietary goals which you want to achieve during your yoga retreat. If you have a special diet, just make sure to communicate your needs beforehand so as to ensure that you get what your body needs. With the Lord Howe retreat, you'll walk away with their kitchen team's beautiful new cookbook, which will definitely assist in ensuring that you stay healthy after the wellness week's completed!
Five stylish self catering apartments suited to couples looking for privacy and comfort in a tranquil northerly aspect on beautiful World Heritage Lord Howe Island.
Close to popular Neds Beach where you can hand feed the colourful fish and view the coral straight from the shore.
Julie and Emma will meet you on arrival at the airport and give you an introduction to the World Heritage Island and its many wonders.
Transfers to and from evening restaurants and assistance with activity bookings are just some of the ways your friendly hosts will make your visit easy and memorable.
There’s usually fresh fish available to go on the BBQ along with the fruit and veg from the garden
Muttonbird Drive, Lord Howe Island NSW 2898
Doctors urging at-risk adults to vaccinate against “killer lung infection”
One-in-10 Australians aged over 65 years who are hospitalised with pneumonia die from the “killer lung infection”.1,2
This is according to an article just published in MJA Insight1 which is driving Lung Foundation Australia’s urgent plea for all at-risk adults to vaccinate against pneumococcal pneumonia this Pneumonia Awareness Week (May 28 – June 2, 2019).
According to article author, renowned Infectious Diseases Paediatrician and Immunisation Coalition Chairperson, Professor Robert Booy, Sydney, most people carry the pneumococcal pneumonia-causing bacteria in their throat, which can be complicated by pneumonia due to a weakened immune system or viral infection.1,3
“All it takes is a simple lung or flu infection, particularly in those at-risk (people aged over 65 and those with medical and lifestyle risk factors), to wake the ‘sleeping dragon’ and develop into a life-threatening case of pneumonia.1
“We are experiencing a record flu season, with more than 44,200 already confirmed cases of the virus this year,4” said Prof Booy.
“Flu often develops into pneumonia.5 Although older Australians are increasingly having an annual flu shot, only one-in-two are vaccinating against pneumococcal pneumonia,6leaving them vulnerable to the killer lung infection.”
“All it takes is a simple lung or flu infection, particularly in those at-risk (people aged over 65 and those with medical and lifestyle risk factors), to wake the ‘sleeping dragon’ and develop into a life-threatening case of pneumonia"
According to article author, renowned Infectious Diseases Paediatrician and Immunisation Coalition Chairperson, Professor Robert Booy, Sydney, most people carry the pneumococcal pneumonia-causing bacteria in their throat, which can be complicated by pneumonia due to a weakened immune system or viral infection.1,3
“All it takes is a simple lung or flu infection, particularly in those at-risk (people aged over 65 and those with medical and lifestyle risk factors), to wake the ‘sleeping dragon’ and develop into a life-threatening case of pneumonia.1
“We are experiencing a record flu season, with more than 44,200 already confirmed cases of the virus this year,4” said Prof Booy.
“Flu often develops into pneumonia.5Although older Australians are increasingly having an annual flu shot, only one-in-two are vaccinating against pneumococcal pneumonia,6 leaving them vulnerable to the killer lung infection.”
According to article author, renowned Infectious Diseases Paediatrician and Immunisation Coalition Chairperson, Professor Robert Booy, Sydney, most people carry the pneumococcal pneumonia-causing bacteria in their throat, which can be complicated by pneumonia due to a weakened immune system
Pneumonia is contracted by inhaling infected droplets from someone who has coughed or sneezed into the air.3 The infection results in more than 77,000 hospitalisations7 and 4,000 deaths8in Australia each year.
GPs offer free pneumococcal vaccines to those at highest risk of the infection, including over 65s, infants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those with impaired immunity, chronic tobacco smokers and people with chronic medical illnesses, such as heart, lung, kidney and liver disease, and diabetes.9,10
Estimates suggest more than 10 million Australians will have their annual flu shot in the coming months.1
“Flu and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccinations can be given together, to offer at-risk adults the best protection against infection,” said Dr Rob Menzies, Senior Lecturer, UNSW VIRL, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sydney.
“Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae. The adult pneumococcal vaccination protects against the 23 variations of this bacteria responsible for 85 per cent of adult pneumococcal infections in Australia.11
“The lung infection can hit anyone, at any time. So when you next visit your GP, ask your doctor whether you qualify for a free pneumococcal vaccination,” Dr Menzies said.
or viral infection.1,3
“All it takes is a simple lung or flu infection, particularly in those at-risk (people aged over 65 and those with medical and lifestyle risk factors), to wake the ‘sleeping dragon’ and develop into a life-threatening case of pneumonia.1
“We are experiencing a record flu season, with more than 44,200 already confirmed cases of the virus this year,4” said Prof Booy.
“Flu often develops into pneumonia.5Although older Australians are increasingly having an annual flu shot, only one-in-two are vaccinating against pneumococcal pneumonia,6leaving them vulnerable to the killer lung infection.”
Retired bookkeeper and regular gym goer, Glenys, 66, Sydney, has long held a genuine zest for life and a love of adventure. But when she was struck down by pneumonia during a holiday to New Zealand in June 2013, Glenys was left feeling depleted, lethargic and unproductive for weeks on end.
Diagnosed with the potentially life-threatening, but vaccine-preventable lung infection after returning home to Australia, Glenys was hospitalised for three days, and spent a month mounting a recovery from the infection.
I knew something wasn’t quite right. So I decided to head to hospital immediately,” said Glenys.
“I checked in at Accident and Emergency (A&E), and it wasn’t too long before I was ushered into an inspection room where I answered a number of questions. I was put in a wheelchair and sent for an X-ray which showed I had a shadow on my right lung. Back in a treatment room at A&E, the duty doctor informed me that I probably had pneumonia.
“When I contracted pneumonia at the end of the financial year, it was an extremely busy time for my bookkeeping business,”said Glenys.
“I felt extremely drained for at least a month after leaving hospital. I had absolutely no energy. I wasn’t supposed to work or do household chores.
“It’s very important for those at risk of pneumococcal pneumonia to protect against the infection through vaccination.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO, Mark Brooke, said this year Pneumonia Awareness Weekaims to ignite conversation about the dangers of pneumonia for those at particular risk, including Australians over the age of 65 and those living with chronic illness and immunocompromising conditions.
“I wouldn’t wish pneumonia on anybody. Pneumonia really knocks you about, which can be particularly difficult if you have others depending on you at home, or at work."
“Vaccination is your best defence against pneumococcal pneumonia,”
Said Glenys.
“Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalisation in Australia and vaccination is your best defence against contracting
pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s also very important that people
practice good hygiene, so washing their hands, maintaining clean surfaces, and avoiding others, including staying away from workplaces, if they feel symptomatic. All of those things are
incredibly important, but it is absolutely critical to remember
that pneumococcal pneumonia is vaccine preventable.
“Pneumonia symptoms include fever, cough or difficulty
breathing12 and they often come on quite rapidly or may develop over one to three days. If you notice any of these symptoms, it
is important that you see your doctor straight away,”
said Mr Brooke.
The pneumococcal vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule for all Australians aged 65 and above, Indigenous Australians aged 50 years and over, Indigenous Australians aged 15 to 49 years who are medically at risk, and infants under 12 months.10 A second dose of vaccine is also available to Australians withimmunocompromising conditions or chronic disease, or smokers, a minimum of five years following their first dose.10
The vaccine is also available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and the NIP in some States, for all adults aged 18 years or over, who are smokers or medically at risk, such as those with chronic lung, heart or liver disease or diabetes.10,13
For more information about Pneumonia Awareness Week, call Lung Foundation Australia on
1800 654 301 or visit https://knowplanact.lungfoundation.com.au.
About pneumonia & pneumococcal pneumonia
Pneumonia is a broad term used to describe inflammatory lung infections that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.9 During normal respiration, air travels through the lungs to the alveoli or air sacs. Pneumonia results when air sacs in the lungs fill with secretions and fluids that obstruct normal air flow.9Pneumonia symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing and stiffness of the bones and joints.12 One of the most severe and potentially life-threatening forms of pneumonia is pneumococcal pneumonia, which is caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and is the only bacterial pneumonia for which vaccination is available.7,9
About Lung Foundation Australia
Lung Foundation Australia is the only national charity dedicated to supporting anyone with a lung disease. Since 1990, Lung Foundation Australia has been the first point-of-call for patients, their families, carers, health professionals and the general community. Lung Foundation Australia works across all areas of lung disease. Our aim is to ensure lung health is a priority for all, from promoting lung health and early diagnosis, to supporting people with lung disease and championing equitable access to treatment and care.
To learn more, visit: https://knowplanact.lungfoundation.com.au
Like us on Facebook: @LungFoundation
Follow us on Twitter: @Lungfoundation
1. Booy, R, Vaccine-preventable pneumococcal disease: we can do better. MJA Insight 2019. To be published.
2. Dirmesropian, S, Liu, B, Wood, J G, MacIntyre, C R, McIntyre, P, Karki, S, Jayasinghe, S, and Newall, A T, Pneumonia hospitalisation and case-fatality rates in older Australians with and without risk factors for pneumococcal disease: implications for vaccine policy.Epidemiol Infect, 2019. 147: p. e118.
3. Better Health Channel. Pneumococcal disease. Spread of pneumococcal disease April 2019 [cited 2019 May]; Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/pneumococcal-disease.
4. Health, A G D o. National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System 2019; Available from: http://www9.health.gov.au/cda/source/rpt_3.cfm.
5. Better Health Channel. Pneumonia. June 2015 [cited 2019 May]; Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/pneumonia
6. Australian Institute of health and Welfare (AIHW), 2009 Adult Vaccination Survey: summary results. 2011.
7. Poulos, L M, Correll, P K, Toelle, B G, Reddel, H K, and Marks, G B, Lung disease in Australia. 2014, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research.
8. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 3303.0 - Causes of Death, Australia, 2017. 2018.
9. World Health Organisation (WHO). Pneumonia fact sheet. [cited 2019 May]; Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs331/en/
10. Australian Government. National Immunisation Program Schedule. 2019; Available from: https://beta.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-throughout-life/national-immunisation-program-schedule.
11. Forrest, J M, McIntyre, P B, and Burgess, M A, Communicable Diseases Intelligence: Pneumococcal disease in Australia, D.o. Health, Editor. 2004.
12. Australian Government - Department of Health.Conditions and diseases: Pneumococcal disease. 2017 [cited 2019 May]; Available from: https://beta.health.gov.au/conditions-and-diseases/pneumococcal-disease
13. Australian Government. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Available from: http://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/home.
NAD+...
The Fountain of Youth
Discovered?
Fight age-related decline with NAD+
NAD+ assits in preventing chronic disease and neurogical degeneration with natural vitamin and coenzyme supplementation
Non-Surgical Reversal of Skin Age
Cutting edge treatments to wipe years from your appearance without breaking your budget
30 Day "Big Event" Diet and Skin Plan
How to astound and infuriate friends at your upcoming reunion
In the last decade doctors, geneticists and a plethora of Nobel Peace Prize winning scientists have realised one of the most important keys to extending human life has been sitting right in front of us for over 90 years... It is the energy source of every living cell and it is a coenzyme (think vitamin) called NAD+.
NAD+ is the fuel of the energy production units of our cells called Mitochondria. Mitochondrial decline is linked to the most crippling of age related diseases including Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s.
High NAD+ levels are essential for mitochondria to drive normal cellular communication, convert food into energy, maintain metabolic rate and, most importantly, prevent and repair DNA damage.
DNA damage occurs daily through oxidation by reactive oxidation species or ROS’s which are a simple by-product of us living and breathing. The DNA damage results in coding errors in our DNA. This leads to the formation of abnormal proteins that ultimately lead to inflammation and life threatening chronic disease like Fatty Liver, Alzheimer’s, Heart Disease and Diabetes.
Human NAD+ levels peak at age 20. By 40 years of age the levels have halved. By age 60 they have dropped to 25% of the
youthful levels. This is not good news for the mitochondria fuelling our cells as they rely on NAD+ to maintain powering normal cellular function.
When NAD+ levels within mitochondria decline by direct damage (tissue or brain injury) or oxidative stress caused by normal ageing, the mitochondria can no longer support normal cellular and intercellular communication.
When NAD+ levels become critically low, the mitochondria mark themselves for death and when mitochondria die, the cells die.
The cells of our body when NAD levels decline are like a toy with no batteries… the whole organism comes crashing down.
More significantly scientists have now discovered that low NAD+ levels lead to the up-regulation (think “turn on” switch) of age acceleration genes like the ones that code for Arthritis, Heart Disease, Alzheimers and, of course, Cancer.
In other words low NAD+ levels are the switch for accelerated decline of any living organism. The most startling proof of this hypothesis came from a joint UNSW and Harvard University study published worldwide to much acclaim in March of 2017.
In the study fifty "control" mice were provided a normal diet and lived to a human average of 80 odd years. Fifty “active treatment” mice were given an NAD+ boosting vitamin supplement in their diet and lived on average 20% longer, some reaching the human equivalent of 130 years or longer.
NAD+ is rightly being described as a “wonder molecule” since the discovery of its pivotal role in maintaining cellular vitality via the mitochondria.
In Sydney’s Bondi Junction, Dr Jeremy Cumpston has established the first NAD+ treatment facility in the Asia Pacific region called AgelessNAD. He has been working with the NAD+ molecule for the last two years, using a combination of intravenous NAD+ and oral maintenance doses of NAD+ to treat a variety of neurological based disorders.
“
More significantly scientists have now discovered that low NAD+ levels lead to the up-regulation (think “turn on” switch) of age acceleration genes like the ones that code for Arthritis, Heart Disease, Alzheimers and, of course, Cancer.
“
Dr Cumpstone trained in USA with the treatments pioneering doctor, Dr Richard Mestayer III who has been using NAD+ for nearly 20 years for the effective treatment of alcohol and substance use disorders. Dr Mestayer’s use of NAD+ in his facility in Springfield, Louisiana has to date delivered sobriety rates (cure rates) that are in the order of 60-80%...three times that of standard
rehabilitation clinics worldwide. The NAD+ treatment has now been effectively extended to treat other neurodegenerative disorders
such as Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s with impressive results.
Says Dr Cumpstone:
“I came to be interested in NAD+ in 2016 after a patient of mine underwent a “NAD+ Brain Boost” treatment at a clinic on Harley Street in London. The patient was a very successful young business entrepreneur who suffered from regular bouts of depression, anxiety and low energy/ fatigue…probably related to his high stress lifestyle. His experience with a single treatment of NAD by IV infusion was so profoundly positive that he begged me to investigate provision of the same in Australia.”
After months of research I came to understand that NAD+ has been used in treating addictive disorders since 1930 in USA and has been used regularly in South Africa since the early 1960’s with unparalleled success in treatment of alcoholism and other mood and addictive
disorders. The positive effect on brain chemistry, cellular communication (along with the established cognitive benefits and DNA repair higher NAD+ levels confer) made it an attractive “natural” treatment modality to offer Australian patients. The results we have had in treating addiction/anxiety / depression/PTSD and chronic fatigue with IV NAD+ have been exceptional and have led us to develop a more affordable and accessible oral NAD+ treatment protocol using high grade oral NAD+”
A recent (2017) home-grown peer reviewed paper in the New England Journal of Medicine by the Victor Chang Institute has confirmed that maintaining high NAD+ levels is the critical factor determining prevention of genetic abnormalities in newborns and prevention of spontaneous abortion. Another paper published this year has shown oral NAD has been able to reverse cognitive decline associated with early onset Alzheimers disease.
The last word is best summed up by Dr Cumpston:
“The scientific community worldwide is aware of the importance of maintaining NAD+ has on repairing DNA and thus extending life and quality of life. In terms of its use in humans we are at the beginnings of understanding the exact dose protocols.
Our work at AgelessNAD thus far has delivered results above expectation and certainly anyone with a family history of Alzheimers or Parkinson’s would be advised to consider doing more research and considering NAD+ oral therapy. It certainly improves mood and cognitive function in healthy adults and has been proven to aid memory and cognition in patients with early Alzheimers…I think anyone wishing to prevent neurodegeneration may gain significant benefit from this affordable co-enzyme (vitamin) supplement.”
For more information of NAD+ in Australia go to www.agelessnad.com.au
Lucy Landers
Turning Back the Clock-
Some New Developments
in Anti-Ageing
“Old age ain’t no place for sissies”
-Bette Davis
Discoveries for restoration of vitality are improving – welcome news for our community aging beyond our fifties and sixties. Grumbles resound of inflamed joints, burgeoning waistlines, weakening muscles, and wilting skin.
At Ageless, Dr Jeremy Cumpston has formulated a system of living for vitality which he sets out below.
1. YOUR FORMULA FOR VITALITY
Dr Jeremy Cumpston - Ageless Clinics & AgelessNAD Having spent years researching all manner of medicines / practices and treatments that may not have promised a fountain of youth but at the very least offer a gulp at the cup marked“Ageing Gracefully” I thought I might share the very little things I have gleaned.
2. ATTRACT WATER MOLECULES TO FACIAL SKIN WITH BEAUTY BOOST
Skin aging is a result of loss of volume - mostly in loss of proteins that not only give skin its elasticity and bounce but most importantly draw water to the skin and keep it hydrated. To preserve skin moisture, elasticity and water
volume:
use sunscreen and prevent UV-related damage and removal of essential skin proteins; to promote skin repair everyone over 40 should use topical retin A (doctor prescribed) three to five times a week at night - remember to only use a pea sized amount and avoid thin skin under eyes and mucous membranes in order to replace skin hydration and elasticity there is no better treatment that I have found (in 10 years of cosmetic practice) than the Beauty Boost treatment that uses micro dots of injectable filler across the skin surface, resulting in an even coverage of water attracting sugar molecules mixed with potent antioxidants and skin boosting amino acids. One treatment can reverse skin age by 12- 36 months and visibly tension and support sagging skin on the face and neck.
IT’S ALL ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT... OR RATHER HOW LITTLE YOU CAN EAT.
The unequivocal scientific evidence is that the best way to stay healthy past 50/ 60/ 70 and beyond is to start intermittent fasting. Fasting raises growth hormone and a molecule called NAD+ that is essential for restoring cellular DNA. Basically ageing occurs because our DNA gets damaged by oxidative stress (what happens when you eat and breathe and burn fuel to keep moving... ie life...) Low NAD = cellular decline and cell death.
Particularly, not eating past 5 pm at night can literally double your NAD and hence help repair your DNA which slows body decline. So if you want to keep going, start fasting. Try the 5 / 2 eating regimen, of semi-fasting twice a week, eating around 500 calories, and eating a regular healthy diet the rest of the week.
3. EARLY TO BED...
Sleep is essential for keeping growth hormone and NAD+ levels high. Without enough sleep the body will become inflamed on this will accelerate the loss of NAD+- An inflamed unrested body is under stress and this will literally takes years off your life.
4. EAT THE COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW
Polyphenols in bright coloured fruit are incredibly important anti-oxidants that prevent vascular and cellular damage- So if you can eat fresh and colourful...you will be eating this way for a lot longer...
5. CONSIDER NAD BOOSTER MEDICATION
Science has reached exciting new levels with the potential anti-ageing / longevity potential of taking NAD+ enzyme supplements to boost your bodily level of NAD.
If you want to boost your NAD then I suggest getting a compounded formula of NAD+ double encapsulated tablets. A dose of 200mg is appropriate for most, requiring a doctor’s prescription. At AgelessNAD we specialise in NAD biochemistry, methylation issues and the appropriate doseage of NAD to support healthy ageing.
30 DAY “ BIG EVENT” SKIN AND DIET PLAN…
Make young reunion a day to remember!
DIet Plan (Day 1-30)
Drink more water- 2.5 L a day Take fish oil two times daily with vitamin B and Vitamin C
Cut-out all sugars and wheat where possible- So if its white or alcoholic it is GONE!
Replace one meal a day with a low calorie shake ( ie OPTIFASTMEAL REPLACEMENT )
Do Not eat past 6pm at night and ensure your last meal is a small serve of protein and vegetables.
Skin Plan (Day 1-30)
Have a facial every week till the event
Walk 30-40 minutes daily to improve skin circulation
Use Retin A 4-5 x weekly at night
Consider low dose antiwrinkle injection for excess facial wrinkles
Consider doing 3ml Beauty Boost 1 week prior to the event
For more information on the science of NAD+ go to www.agelessnad.com.au
Sleepless and sore
in Salvador
Travellers can now go to many exciting places providing memories which we can treasure for years to come. However some of these places provide standards of medical and dental care which may be of concern. While away many prefer to delay treatment until they return home to their trusted doctor or dentist.
Trying to speak a foreign language can be fun but not when you are in pain trying to access medical or dental care. Some travellers now pack additional medication, spare glasses and prescription just in case while away from home. Currently available medical/travel kits can deal with a range
of medical problems but lack any effective means of dealing with dental problems (apart from readily available pain-killers). Occasional toothache due to a lost filling or broken filling may initially cause only minor inconvenience. Without prompt dental attention this pain will become more severe causing problems throughout the day such as eating and at night disturbing sleep.
Could you imagine trying to find a dentist, away from home, minimal or no free time and unable to speak the language? Blutack and chewing gum don’t work so how long can you survive on pain-killers?
Regular dental care and a routine dental visit with your dentist before you travel is good advice when travelling locally or overseas. However dental problems may occur and are often unexpected despite regular dental visits.
Dental problems are unlikely to be fatal but for those affected it can be irritating, extremely distressing or profoundly debilitating. Be careful when buying painkillers bought overthe-counter for relief from toothache as some should not be taken with some prescribed medicines - this combination can cause major medical problems. Some “stronger” pain-killers can also cause drowsiness and dizziness. Unexpected effects can involve any medication purchased be over-the-counter, “alternative” or even with a prescribed medicine.
Don’t rely on pain-killers. Minimise unexpected problems by regular dental care and make sure you have Dentist In A Box® the “no mess/ no fuss” kit for common dental problems.
About the size of a CD case Dentist In ABox®. kits easily fit into the glove-box, hiking day-pack or hand bag. How many holidays have been spoilt
by unexpected dental problems? Whether you are travelling locally or overseas Dentist In A Box® can temporarily care for a damaged tooth until you can see a dentist. More information available at www.dentistinabox.com.au or phone 1300 THE KIT (843 548).
Doctors are encouraging middle-aged Aussie blokes to have their prostate checked. Their call coincides with a newly published MJA Insight article, citing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – or a benign enlargement of the prostate – can compromise a man’s quality of life, and his relationships with his partner and family.2
According to article author, Clinical Associate Professor of Urology at Macquarie University, Bill Lynch, Sydney, the prostate – a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system that surrounds the top of the urethra and is found under the bladder – has proven extremely burdensome to the lives of men. An enlarged prostate can cause difficulty in passing urine and over time can lead to the complete inability to pass urine, urinary infections, damage to the kidneys or bladder and eventually potential surgery – reportedly the major concern for men regarding their prostate.2
“Prostate issues are a fact of life for men, and are just as relevant now as they have been through the ages.2“
BPH is a progressive, non-cancerous disease that tends to strike ageing men.1 Fifty per cent of men aged in their 50s will experience BPH, increasing to 80 per cent of men aged in their 80s,”3 said A/Prof Lynch.
“While not all men with BPH will show symptoms, more than 30 per cent of those aged over 50 will experience moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), two-thirds of whose symptoms will be caused by BPH.2,4,7
“This equates to more than a million Australian men experiencing significant symptoms due to BPH, noting most men aged over 50 must contend with LUTS,”4,8 A/Prof Lynch said. The quality of life for men with symptoms of BPH is significantly lower than for those exhibiting no symptoms, with daily activities, such as driving, sport, sleep and social activities considerably affected.5
Moreover, BPH is also linked to male sexual function, with a higher International Prostate Symptom Score (IPPS) – a scoring system used to screen for, diagnose and monitor symptoms – associated with more severe erectile dysfunction.6
“Men experience varying symptoms of BPH with different degrees of bother, including increased frequency and urgency of urination both day and night, difficulty starting, maintaining and finishing urination. They may also experience urine infections or urinary retention,” said urological surgeon, Dr Martin Elmes, Gold Coast.Business Development Manager, weekend skateboarder and father-to-three adult children, David, 61, Gold Coast, has first-hand experience of BPH, having lived with the disease for almost five years before being diagnosed and treated last year.
“I was constantly going to the bathroom. I had to plan my entire day around the next toilet, and I was getting up about four-to-five times a night to urinate.“I lived with these symptoms for so long having mistakenly assumed they were normal. It wasn’t until visiting my GP for an unrelated matter that he mentioned my frequent urination may be linked to my prostate,” David said. Further testing confirmed David’s frequent urination was in fact due to BPH, and he was referred to urological surgeon, Dr Elmes, for treatment.“ I’d never heard of BPH until being diagnosed. Up until then, I thought prostate issues were a reflection of poor health, and given I was so healthy and active, it never crossed my mind,” said David.
Treatment improved David’s BPH symptoms and quality of life, and he now has a simple message to share with other blokes.
“If you’ve got trouble with your waterworks, don’t muck around. Get checked out. Visit your doctor.” In his article, A/Prof Lynch argues it’s important to get to ‘the heart of the matter’, citing the management of prostate symptoms can have far-reaching benefits for a man’s general body health.“Maintaining overall prostate health is vital. Importantly, anything that’s heart healthy, is prostate healthy.“Nearly all documented interventions or lifestyle changes beneficial for heart health, have been shown to prevent, or reduce the impact of BPH and LUTS, including moderate exercise, diet (regular vegetable and water consumption, fibre and Omega-3 intake), and weight control,” said A/Prof Lynch.“High blood pressure, excessive calorie intake (particularly foods high in saturated fats), high cholesterol, heart disease and conditions that heighten your risk of developing diabetes, stroke and heart disease all negatively impact BPH.“Making lifestyle and behavioural changes to positively support prostate health should prove even more beneficial to the heart, while helping to allay men’s fears over surgery,”2
A/Prof Lynch said.“All of this information provides a compelling argument for men to consider their prostate.”Importantly, having BPH does not increase your chance of developing prostate cancer.1
While the disease cannot be prevented, there are many options available to improve the symptoms of BPH.Oral medications can be prescribed by a GP or specialist (Urologist)2 including alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, anticholinergics or a combination of these agents.1
In addition, “surgery is continually evolving, resulting in less invasive, less morbid and safer procedures,” said Dr Elmes.BPH worsens over time if not treated.1 Various tests are available to determine whether symptoms are indicative of BPH or another condition.1
References
1. Andrology Australia. Prostate enlargement. A guide to urinary symptoms in men. 2017. Available at https://andrologyaustralia.org/wp-content
uploads/AA20193_Prostate-Enlargement-Guide_Web.pdf [last accessed July, 2018].
2. Lynch, B. Men and their prostates!. MJA Insight. August 13, 2018.
3. Berry SJ, Coffey DS, Walsh PC, et al. The development of human benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. J Urol. 1984; 132(3): 474-79.
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