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Beware of hay fever effects, mild to severe at any age

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Hay fever can affect those at any age in varying degrees – from mild to more severe effects. If you or someone you suspect has hay fever, then you may want to consider the following potential consequences. If you know someone who is possibly in denial about this bothersome, if not possibly life-threatening condition? read on for aspects to consider.    Hay fever effects in children In children, hay fever can interfere with their sleep and has many potential knock-on effects. Behavioural impacts the next day due to poor sleep can impact relating to others and affect learning.  As a result, being able to concentrate is compromised. Physically, the eyes are likely to tear up and become itchy because of swelling in and around the nose. Eyes are affected due to the blockage of the naso-lacrimal duct. Eye problems can result, including infections!                                                                                        Worse still is the blocking up of the Eustachian tube to the ears, as this impairs a child’s hearing and subsequent learning. It can also lead to middle ear infections.         Antibiotics may be required or surgery and lifelong implications for those who suffered any untreated scenarios. Any inflammation of these small organs can significantly impact them as they have limited capacity to cope with any swelling. In this case, children who have affected or blocked up ears may be considered ‘not listening or difficult’!? Combine the effects of impaired hearing, irritated eyes, sleep deprivation and behavioural impacts, and what do you get? All these factors are often misconstrued as a naughty or disruptive child!?  Additionally, on top of this is the effect on balance. Impacting the ear(s) becomes a concern, particularly in the elderly (more about this later).   Treating advanced hay fever  Having reached this point, the individual is in the grip of advanced disease.  Once this occurs, the condition is not easy to bring under control as it can take several weeks to settle the inflammation and get the swelling down.                                                                                   That is, ‘IF’ they comply with the recommended therapies? Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) may be indicated to reduce the severity and the need for regular medication. AIT is typically offered to children over five years of age with severe allergic rhinitis. Treatment is initiated and observed by an immunology/allergy clinician. Untreated allergic rhinitis has the potential for dental problems as well, as we are all meant to nose breath, right? The nose warms, filters and humidifies ‘allegedly’ fresh air. Specifically, mouth breathing can cause gums to recede, exposing teeth to potential decay (and pain). You know you’re in trouble when your dentist says your teeth are okay, but your gums have to come out?!  Yes, another bad Dad joke. Cold unfiltered air entering the throat can trigger the cough response. Not handy then if you are an asthmatic!                                                                   Getting in control of your hay fever Asthmatics can control their symptoms and hay fever effects better and possibly reduce their need for as much medication or hospital admissions. Yay. Dry and cracked lips, ulcerations in or around the nose are also controllable.               These scenarios are potentially successfully prevented or limited with the timely and or prophylactic use of an INCS (Intra Nasal Corticosteroid). More recent INCS have lower absorption rates and are indicated in children from three years of age for allergic rhinitis. However, getting a 3-year-old to comply has its challenges. In this case, it might be best to wait until they are asleep; after all, it is only one spray/nostril daily. Be mindful that it can take a week or more, depending on which spray (or molecule) is being used, to obtain a ‘steady state’ (or, control of symptoms) of hay fever. Slipping behind in class because you are sleepy has even longer-term impacts and can prevent you from doing well in sport. Now that is very un-Australian!   Hay fever affecting adults In adults, the potential for sleep deprivation, impaired hearing and subsequent behavioural effects can play havoc in the workspace. In particular, the driving of machinery or vehicles and operating of equipment. Any workplace incidents could lead to injury to the individual or others, or worse!? Unfortunately, there is also the potential to impact one’s personal relationships. “He/She doesn’t listen to me” sound familiar? Spare a thought for those looking out (or rather, smelling out) a potential spouse? When the snoz is blocked, not are you only unattractive, you cannot smell any pheromones. Above all, integral to being attracted to any said potential spouse! Another unfortunate consequence of a blocked snoz due to hay fever is that you are now mouth breathing?  Mouth breathing impacts your gums and teeth! Receding gums exposes teeth to decay and pain. You are increasing the potential for bad breath (halitosis) as well as a postnasal drip, making you so unattractive! Snoring can also be controlled or minimized with the use of an INCS.                                                                                                                           Chronic sufferers can develop a ‘nasal crease’ due to the constant rubbing or wiping upward of the nose. Commonly referred to as the allergic salute. Unfortunately for those slow off the mark with treating their symptoms, they cannot appreciate the early relief. As spring or autumn draws to an end, they often misinterpret this as “I knew I’d get better in time”, or misconstrue hay fever as a ‘NORMAL’ event? Are you a surgeon, dentist, chef, pilot, or operator of any vehicle?  You need to be able to control undesirable symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing events. More so if you are required to wear a mask.                                                                            Growing a beard or moustache is not recommended. Think about it? With modern INCS, you can afford to cease therapy as the hay fever seasons abates. Knowing that you can get back to steady state relatively quickly due to their

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In-Home Healthcare Services – is Your Business Ready for Growth?

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With the ever-growing need for in-home healthcare services Australia wide, now is the time for healthcare professionals to maximise their reach in providing a range of health and critical healthcare services for Australian consumers.  For instance, from allied health to healthy living and medical services and personal and social support providers. Services affect all age groups across a wide range of health conditions and care for at-home care. Not long ago, in-home healthcare services were focused primarily on older people. There is no doubt that the data suggests an increase in this age group. The Aged Care Royal Commission Final Report projects that the number of Australians aged 85 years and over will increase by more than three times: to more than 1.5 million by 2058  from 515,700 in 2018–19,  up to 3.7% from 2.0% of the population. However, in recent times, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, for young Australians:  41% aged 15 to 24 years were overweight or obese in 2017-18 those aged 12 to 24 years made up 21% of all people who received Medicare subsidised mental health-specific services in 2018-19. In-home healthcare services With Australia’s changing demographics, the demand for and provision of healthcare is also changing. In addition to in-room services, at-home care offers many more convenience and reduces stress in the daily lives of patients and others involved in their care. So, if you are a: physiotherapist podiatrist occupational therapist nurse doctor nutritionist massage therapist  personal trainer mental health practitioner, or  provide independent living assistance or social services,  now is the time to meet the growing demand. Business growth strategy benefits And, what are some of the many benefits of a business growth strategy or building a new or additional revenue stream in your area of specialty through Roaming Healthcare? Increase your brand profile A strong brand profile builds customer recognition, gives you a competitive edge in the market and is a fabulous way to introduce new services.  By being part of our healthcare industry directory you can strengthen your brand by providing services at your current premises or rooms via telehealth or in-home care for seniors and others needing home care assistance. Make your skills visible As a Roaming Healthcare Service Provider, you also have the opportunity to showcase your skillset on your individual listing to be visible to potential clients. You have the ability to add your own bio as well as documents around your specialty experience and certifications to make you stand out. Introduce at-home health care services as an add on to your existing service offering Your business may currently offer services within your business environments, such as clinics or medical centres. Along with your current team of professionals – or by engaging a new professional for mobile services alone – you also can provide telehealth or in-home care services for Australians.  As an example, whether you decide to offer healthcare services for set blocks of time or certain days of the week, it’s up to you.  This channel allows your own business’s growth and development; and boosts the specialised industry in which you operate. Extend the reach of your services offering When you extend the reach of your service offerings to a previously untapped client base, you can generate more sales and profit for your business. As a result of the increase in at-home care, now has never been a better time to enter the Australian home care services industry. Fill your diary of appointments Having the ability to add to your existing service offering or spread out further to a new client base has the potential to fill your appointment diary more easily. Most importantly, you still have control and flexibility in scheduling your appointments. No Third-Party involvement Connect and conduct negotiations directly with patients, families, and carers.  You are the best salesperson or spokesperson for your business to offer the right advice for in-home care services. In other words, your dealings are direct whether you cater for elderly Australians or other ages in need of your services. Further, no commissions are paid to Roaming Healthcare by either side, Service Provider or Client. Marketing for you at no additional cost Our business provides support to your business as a Service Provider when it comes to marketing. There is no additional cost, time or effort required from you in this area.   Great start-up or early-career opportunity If you are a recent graduate, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable industry experience more quickly. All without the high overhead costs of buying into a practice or the need to rent premises.  Similarly, as an early-career professional, you have the flexibility to easily increase your experience in your field if you’re currently working part-time through another source of revenue. You are still your own boss – setting your own schedule and having the choice of working not far from home. Supporting your local community In-home care services are expected to continue to grow. As your local community ages, you will be able to offer your services, fostering solid and meaningful relationships with clients. You will be visible to all age groups, such as:  youth  young adults and  those with a disability in the community seeking your services. If you are in the business of ensuring optimal health for your patients, you will have the potential to have a direct and significant impact on in-home care services for all Australians at hand who are seeking help. Become a Valued Service Provider or contact us today for further information.

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How to Best Control the Devastating Effects of Hay Fever This Season

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Dear Fellow Hay Fever Sufferers and Deniers, It’s that time of year again.  September winds are upon us all. Sneezin’ Season is here! Or Allergic Rhinitis (Greek- Rhino/nose), the medical term. The potentially severe effects of hay fever Rhinitis is more frequently a blocked nose and less often a runny or itchy nose. Facial pain can be present, perhaps due to a blocked sinus, and a ‘postnasal drip’ may develop. Watery, itchy eyes are common, along with clogged up ears which can be painful beyond belief! Obscure, hard to diagnose paroxysmal vertigo may develop. This condition can have serious outcomes, if not be plain irritating.  Loss of smell and taste can occur. All of which can take weeks to months to clear. All due to the general area becoming swollen with inflammation. Severity depends on complying with medication(s) and avoiding triggers such as dust mites. A deviated septum or any other deformity is best rectified to achieve optimal results. First, what can start as a nasal issue can also lead to the eyes, ears, throat and lungs.  All are adding their layers of complexity, depending on the severity or chronicity. Hay fever: the bigger picture The incidence of hay fever in Australian adults is around 20% (depending on which study you view) and somewhat higher in peak seasons! The eastern seaboard of Oz is known as the ‘pollen belt’. Also, when any westerly wind blows, what is currently flowering inland comes in our easterly direction. Thunderstorms trigger pollen release. It is equally important to be aware that these can increase your chances of a bout of hay fever. Spare a thought for the potential consequences for asthmatics. On 21 November 2016, Melbourne experienced the world’s largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event. Time off work to try to recover is also a real problem and has a cost to bear. Including excess tissues! It is worth noting whilst we are all in the middle of a Covid 19 pandemic, which appears to be with us for the foreseeable future, sneezing is NOT a recognised symptom of Covid 19. However, control of hay fever symptoms is practical if wearing a mask! Minimising the symptoms of hay fever If you are more familiar with the routine of minimising your symptoms, antihistamines help, but Intra Nasal Corticosteroids (INCS) are the mainstay.  You need to start spraying your nose BEFORE the season ramps up.  This practice is called achieving ‘Steady State’ medically and can take several days, even weeks, to attain. Depending on which molecule or spray you are happy to use. ‘Steady State’ for any given therapy is when the therapeutic level for ‘control’ is achieved.  So long as the therapy is routinely administered at the dosage indicated.  Some sufferers will stop spraying when they get to a steady state, thinking they are cured.  For this reason, they only become afflicted again, especially if this occurs mid-season. Recent improvements to INCS molecules provide us with combined improved efficacy directed at the target organ and reduced absorption of steroids into the bloodstream. Some sufferers, unfortunately, may have an intolerance to INCS. Perhaps either due to the molecule or the preservative. Nasal saline washes may help here and before the use of your INCS.  Some might be able to get away with simply clearing their snoz whilst in the shower of a morning and getting rid of the overnight build-up of dust mites, common in humid conditions and bedding. The bedding needs to be washed in hot water at least once a week and airing the bed daily. The ‘cross over spray technique’ is recommended. Using your right hand to spray your left nostril, then your left hand to spray your right nostril. You are directing the spray/applicator in a low trajectory toward one’s ear. Spraying vertically is not optimal as you are not spraying along the larger inferior turbinate, which has a larger surface area, to best absorb any spray and provide optimal results. And maintaining a steady approach Remembering, of course, that symptom ‘control’ does not stop you from having the odd sneeze or two. A high pollen count on any given day will see you have break-through symptoms, especially in the peaks of spring or autumn.  You may even get the odd eyelash pass down through your naso-lacrimal duct, which will likely cause irritation and subsequent sneezing. Note, the nose normally sheds or decongests several times a day. This function is referred to as ‘The cycle of the nose’. This cycle usually occurs every 4-8 hours and will cause one to sneeze, perhaps. No different to cleaning your air conditioner’s filter. It needs to happen for the best results. Beware of not using decongestant sprays for more than a week, or you WILL suffer a rebound of symptoms (Tachyphylaxis). They are only for short term use. However, they can be beneficial in conjunction with your INCS in the first week while your INCS therapy builds to a steady state. Unfortunately, compliance and denial remain a problem given that hay fever affects our lives in different ways and to different extents. And symptoms often drive sufferers to despair. TIP: Put your nasal spray next to your armpit spray. When you spray your pits, spray your nose! Recognising hay fever Many accept that this happens to them from time to time. Taking hay fever as normal? NOT!  Growing up, I always seemed to get sick, either going into winter or summer. Now, with hindsight and having become educated about the disease, this occurred in spring and autumn. Hay fever symptoms vary greatly from mild or seasonal (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR). Through to more serious, even chronic (Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)). Maybe you are not sure whether you are a sufferer or not? Check your pockets.  Do you have multiple hankies or tissues in your pockets?  Consider yourself as busted. It’s not all bad news for allergy sufferers. Recent studies suggest that allergy sufferers outlive the unafflicted!? Findings reported participants with hay fever had an active

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