News

Approximately 1.7 million people in Australia have diabetes – with one new person developing the condition every five minutes. It is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease and is a real risk in our country communities.

Anna Blackie, Marathon Health Diabetes Educator, says there can be a lack of understanding about risk factors and associated health problems if someone already has a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

“A lot of people aren’t aware that if they have diabetes, they are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease and on top of that they are likely to develop it about 10 to 15 years earlier than the general population.”

Drought affected communities across Lithgow and Hawkesbury can now access free mental health coaching support developed by Beyond Blue and delivered locally by Marathon Health.

The NewAccess program will be launched in Lithgow on Wednesday, July 10, and is available to people aged 16 years and over who live in the local government areas of Lithgow and Hawkesbury.

Farming communities in the region remain seriously affected by drought conditions, creating financial uncertainty and stress which can have lasting effects on people’s mental health.

headspace Dubbo have one the highest rates of access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across headspace centres nationally. As such, providing a safe place for young Indigenous people to express and engage with their culture is a priority for the centre, who have recently joined forces with Uniting to host this week’s Ngumba-dal Festival.

The event is open to the whole community, with a focus on showcasing the centre’s Barrang-gi-rra Group – an Aboriginal culture and teachings group run in partnership with Uniting, where young non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participate in hands-on activities to learn about local Aboriginal culture.

The nature of employment is changing with research indicating that, on average, young people will have 17 jobs over five different careers in their lifetime . Rapid advancements in technology also means a life-long commitment to education, to be equipped with the skills and capabilities needed to stay ahead in the job market.

As pathways from education to employment shift, headspace Orange believe it’s important for local businesses and education facilities to support young people and provide hands on experience to help them move into employment. The Youth Vocation Expo will do just that.

The Federal Government’s pledge to decrease waiting times for children accessing NDIS support is a decision welcomed by Marathon Health NDIS staff, who have long advocated for the needs of their young NDIS participants.

Justine Summers, Regional Manager at Marathon Health, says that the NDIS process can be lengthy—and faster access to support is a huge relief to families and carers.

The greatly anticipated headspace Lithgow service has officially opened, welcoming a new chapter for youth wellbeing supports across the community.

Bryan Hoolahan, Marathon Health’s Executive Manager of Governance and Quality, says the community and stakeholders have been exceptional in assisting Marathon Health to get the service up and running.

“The community fought to fill the gap in youth wellbeing supports identified in this region. Through funding from Wentworth Healthcare – provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network – and the support from local stakeholders, we are proud to officially begin delivering services under the headspace Lithgow banner.”

A lot of things go unsaid between men and their friends and families. These unspoken words can often do more harm than good, with research showing that men are far more likely to die by suicide than women – with statistics even higher for our fathers, brothers, uncles and sons living in rural and remote communities.

This Men’s Health Week, Marathon Health is turning the conversation to men’s mental health and shining a spotlight on help-seeking behaviour; ensuring those silent words are spoken.

With flu season well and truly upon us, Marathon Health is reminding Dubbo locals of the After Hours GP Clinic and Telephone Service – connecting residents with local GP’s for non-emergency medical care in the after hours period.

With more flu cases presenting to local emergency departments (ED) this year, health authorities are urging people to get vaccinated and to prioritise the emergency room for true emergencies only.