News

As concerns and anxieties in the community heighten over COVID-19 fears, Marathon Health is reminding people that help is at hand, through its NewAccess telehealth program.

Developed by Beyond Blue, NewAccess offers free mental health support via telephone or video. The program can be accessed without a GP referral.

Jo Symonds local NewAccess Coach, says the saturation of messaging around COVID-19 and the uncertainty about its effects on day-to-day life can lead to feelings of being anxious and overwhelmed.

This National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, headspace Dubbo is promoting ways young people and parents/carers can minimise potential damage caused by bullying.

Data collected through headspace National shows that approximately a quarter of young people aged 14-25 reported being bullied in the previous 12 months – whether verbally, physically, socially or online. headspace Dubbo Community Engagement Coordinator, Amy Mines, said it’s an issue that can affect everyone.

“Bullying can increase the risk of developing mental health problems for everyone involved but particularly those on the receiving end,” Ms Mines said.

Young people in Portland and Wallerawang now have access to free transport vouchers to attend headspace Lithgow appointments, thanks to a grant from EnergyAustralia.

Portland and Wallerawang experience higher unemployment rates than other Lithgow Local Government Areas, meaning young people may face barriers to cost-effective transport when accessing services only available in Lithgow.

headspace Lithgow Community Engagement Coordinator, Jason Eggins, said a core goal for the centre was breaking down barriers to mental health support.

In Australia, diet-related chronic diseases are a major cause of death and disability, however local dietitians say that improving health outcomes can be as simple as making informed diet choices.

71% of people living in regional areas are classed as overweight or obese1 . Marathon Health Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Anna Winter, says it can be difficult for people to make healthy food choices if they are time-poor or don’t understand nutritional values.

Heading back to school can be a difficult time for some young people, but local health service headspace, is ready to help.

Clinical Lead at headspace Bathurst, Melinda Lake, said there can be a number of reasons that can make returning to school difficult.

“It’s not uncommon for young people to have difficulty making new friends, feel pressured to achieve, encounter bullying orto experience a mental health concern. These stressors can make the next few weeks an uncertain time,” Ms Lake said.

The widespread loss and distress resulting from the current bushfires can affect anyone – whether you’ve been impacted by the fires directly or not. If you are feeling overwhelmed, there are services available.

headspace Community Engagement Coordinator, Amy Mines, said it’s important to remember that everyone responds to trauma and grief in different ways. What works for some, may not work for you – but ignoring thoughts and feelings won’t resolve the problem.

Marathon Health is urging the community to remember their After Hours medical services over the Christmas and New Year period for urgent non-emergency medical attention.

Marathon Health Portfolio Manager - Primary Health Services, Shellie Burgess said the holiday season is traditionally a busy time for emergency departments across NSW, which puts pressure on emergency resources and extends waiting times for people who don’t need urgent medical care.

The Christmas period is fast approaching and while for some that means a lot of festive fun, for others it can be a more challenging time.To help manage your wellbeing, Marathon Health’s clinical team have advised there are a number of things you can do such as meditation, exercising and taking time for yourself.

Practising mindfulness is a great way to help manage stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or need a moment to yourself, try practicing some breathing exercises. There are many resources online, or apps to download, for you to keep handy if you need them.