INSIDE

AONT Open Weeks

Doubt over Back Procedure

Raffle News

Meet Stephanie Todd

Course in Alice

Vollies Corner

….. and more

Stephanie Todd Administration and Education Officer

March 2010March 2010March 2010March 2010

the newsletter

joiNTNTNTNTed NT

Proposal from SA As this newsletter goes to press, Arthritis SA is putting a proposal to Osteoporosis Australia (OA) for OA to provide funding for SA personnel to spend some time in Darwin to assist in planning income generation, policy and procedure reviews working towards the National Awareness program, and development of new and existing programs, amongst other things. AONT has been given the opportunity for input to the proposal and it will be interesting to see what develops.

Submission to NT Government for increased funding Quite separately, the AONT Board has considered making a submission to the NT government for increased funding, as our service agreement is due for review/renewal at the end of this year. For many years we have received funding to provide “arthritis and osteoporosis support, health promotion and advocacy”. The AONT Board believes increased staffing levels from two part-time positions of 10 and 25 hours per week (compared to 60 to 65 volunteer hours per week) is essential to maintain services. Any recommendations by Arthritis SA are expected to rely on increased staffing.

Your support Please contact the office if you would like to be involved in any of the above proposals. Letters of support are welcome. Also contact the office if you are interested in setting up a petition. The Board looks forward to hearing from you. Call 8948 5232, 9.30 to 2pm, leave a message with Stephanie or one of our helpful volunteer receptionists.

Welcome to Stephanie …. who commenced duties when the office re-opened on 11th January. Since then Stephanie has completed four days of leader training in the Chronic Disease Self Management Program (Healthwise), three days training in the Community Speaker Program (Arthritis information), and attended meetings in Sydney with the CEOs from Arthritis Australia and all the other affiliates. The Board greatly appreciates Stephanie’s willingness to attend these meetings, at very short notice, to represent AONT.

…. and Hilary …. who has accepted a position on the Board following the resignation of Cathy Flint due to ill health.

How we compare with other Arthritis Foundations around Australia. It was at these meetings that a rep from the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing expressed concern that a truly national approach to osteoporosis awareness in Australia was not in place, particularly in relation to a lack of activities in the NT. AONT is well aware that we don’t reach everyone in the NT - it’s a big place! - due solely to our limited resources. From Stephanie’s reporting of the Sydney meetings, there seems to be a widely held perception that there is a lot of money in the NT, if only we asked for it! The reality is, that unlike other states and territories, large donations and bequests simply don’t happen - here we are talking six figure amounts. No disrespect is intended to all those thoughtful members and other individuals who have made donations; every little bit helps and is truly appreciated. Similarly, our capacity to conduct fundraising events is very modest relying largely on the efforts of member volunteers who are not in good health. However, we do believe the content and quality of our services are equal to those delivered around Australia.

From the Board

Arthritis & Osteoporosis NT

Patrons: His Honour Mr Tom Pauling AO QC Administrator of the NT, and Mrs Tessa Pauling

Shop 18

Rapid Creek Business Village

48 Trower Rd Millner

PO Box 452, Nightcliff 0814

Phone (08) 8948 5232 Fax (08) 8948 5234

Email info@aont.org.au

Website www.aont.org.au

Staff Administration and Education Officer Stephanie Todd

Accounts Natalie Valastro

Board

President / Public Officer Charles Atherton

Vice President Beth Harvey

Secretary Ruth Garden

Treasurer Mary Willis

Board Members Maureen Archbold

Ash Dally Hilary Fowler Gail Keddie Denis Power

Newsletter Editor

Peg Gellert

Members are invited to contribute articles, news, views, photos and items of interest for inclusion in future editions. Normal editorial prerogatives

apply.

The opinions expressed in joiNTed are those of the authors and advertisers respectively and do not necessarily reflect the

view of AONT.

House sitter required Stephanie is looking for a house sitter

from June 18 to July 12, to care for her beagle dog Bella,

cat Sylvester, gold fish and guinea pig.

If interested call 0404 921 443

DOUBT OVER BACK PROCEDURE A world first study involving Monash University and the Cabrini Research Institute in Melbourne has cast doubt on the efficacy of an accepted medical procedure.

It found the injection of bone cement into broken vertebrae is not an effective treatment for patients suffering painful osteoporotic fractures.

The treatment, known as percutaneous vertebroplasty, is regularly recommended by doctors and specialists around the world. About 600 patients in Australia alone undergo the procedure annually.

The study results were published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine

(NEJM).

Director of the Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology at Cabrini Hospital, Professor Rachelle Buchbinder, said the trial results showed that vertebroplasty was no better than a placebo. Therefore potential risks outweighed any potential benefits.

“We assessed each patient at the one-week, one-month and six-month stage of their recovery and found the technique has no significant benefits at any time during a patient’s recovery,” Professor Buchbinder said.

“Those who had undergone the vertebroplasty treatment showed no additional improvement in symptoms such as pain at night or at rest, function, quality of life or perceived improvement over patients in the placebo group,” Professor Buchbinder said.

Almost 80 patients with osteoporotic fractures participated in the six-month randomized trial. About half were given vertebroplasty as a treatment and the rest were given a “sham” treatment. To stimulate the real procedure, patients in the “sham” group had a local anaesthetic and insertion of a needle in the back and were exposed to the smell of the bone cement. Both sets of patients otherwise received the same care.

The research was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council along with contributions from Arthritis Australia, Cabrini Institute and medical manufacturer Cook Australia.

From “Monash Magazine” October 2009

Palmerston Hospital Shuttle There is a new FREE mini bus service from Palmerston to Royal Darwin Hospital. This is a trial service designed for seniors and mobility impaired passengers who reside in the Palmerston area and have an appointment at RDH, DPH, Diabetes Clinic or Farrar Medical Centre. Eligible passengers must be the holder of either:

• a current NT Govt Pensioner and Carer Concession Card

• NT Govt Seniors Card • Vision Impaired Travellers Pass • or have a disability to prevent them from

using the regular bus service. For additional information about this service contact Dep’t Lands & Planning, Public Transport Division on 8924 7666.

STUFFED CAPSICUMS 4 medium-sized green capsicums 1 tbsp safflower oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1cup cooked mashed chick peas 1 tsp soy sauce 1tsp each of parsley, chives, thyme, and rosemary, finely chopped 1 medium-sized carrot, grated 1 cup cooked brown rice ¼ cup crushed walnuts

• Cut tops off capsicums and finely dice. Remove seeds and white flesh from capsicum shells.

• Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and plunge in the shells. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to soften, then drain, reserving cooking liquid.

• Heat oil and fry onion until just starting to brown. Add garlic and cook for another minute

• Place onion, garlic, chick peas, diced capsicum, soy sauce, herbs and ½ cup cooking liquid in a food processor or blender and for a few seconds until blended but still chunky. Mix with ⅔ carrot and the rice.

• Fill capsicum shells with stuffing the decorate with remaining carrot and walnuts.

• Stand stuffed capsicums in ½ cup water in a greased baking dish and cook for 30 minutes in a moderate oven until capsicums are tender.

• Serve hot or cold. 4

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Community Speaker Training Program (CSP) Course

Alice Springs March 27, 28 - 8.30 to 4.30

& April 10 - half day Adam Giles Electorate Office

Vacancies still exist! The primary purpose of the CSP program is to provide trainees with arthritis related information that they may not previously been aware of, not only in relation to their own condition but on some of the many other conditions. Trainees are encouraged to present information to the general public on behalf of AONT. Our former Health Educator, Louise Schnitzhofer, who is an accredited trainer to present the program, provides her well honed skills in this worthwhile course. AONT was happy to have 7 participants at the recent CSP program held in Darwin in February.

April Falls Day Thursday April 1st starts 9 am

We are having a stall at Royal Darwin Hospital.

Anyone interested in helping out call the office

on 8948 5232.

Hilary Fowler (Our Friday volunteer and

new Board member) I am a retired high school science teacher, in the Territory for 25 years. I came from a very difficult school in NSW with my four children (aged 4 to 11) and the move was the best thing we could have done. I have taught at Taminmin High, Darwin High, NT Open Education Centre and Casuarina Senior College. My children are now spread around Australia and the world— one daughter in London, another daughter here with me, one son in Gunning near Canberra, and my youngest son in Italy. Along with two sisters in North America, I feel it is incumbent on me to travel. After I retired I spent 6 months living in Italy near my son, learning Italian, experiencing Italian life and seeing a variety of interesting places off the usual tourist track. Unfortunately this was cut short by OA in my right knee, necessitating a return home for an arthroscopy. Last year I returned to Italy and London for 2 months for my son’s wedding. Since my return I have had a knee replacement and am now working on such skills as climbing stairs! My daughter-in-law in Gunning is expecting my first grandchild in August, and hopefully I will be returning to Italy for a second trip in the not too distant future.

VOLLIES CORNER

The impact of adult attachment on depression and anxiety for people dealing with arthritis over the lifespan.

Researchers in the School of Psychology at Deakin University are investigating the psychological factors that impact on how people deal with arthritis. This research study is one of the few to explore the psychological impact of arthritis across all age groups in adulthood. The study will yield important findings about how adults deal with arthritis and who they turn to for support. To participate in this research, you must be 18 years or over and have a diagnosis of arthritis or other related illness such as Lupus, and Fibromyalgia. If you agree to participate, you will be required to complete a confidential online survey. The online questionnaire will take you about 40 minutes to complete and can be accessed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/arthritis . As a token of appreciation for participating in the study, you will be sent a $20 gift voucher after the submission of your confidential responses. A summary of the major findings of the study will be published in Arthritis Foundation newsletters after the completion of the study in December 2010.

Questions? Contact Dr. Sian Cole, Research Manager on – (03) 9244 6206 or sian.cole@deakin.edu.au

Tai Chi for Arthritis Workshop Date: 24-25 June, 2010

The Tai Chi for Arthritis program, developed by Dr. Lam, has been shown to significantly reduce pain and stiffness and improve balance in people with arthritis. Arthritis Australia supports this program for its effectiveness and safety in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. No prior Tai Chi experience is required to participate. Cost: $420 (includes DVD, 2 books and 2 wall charts) Enquiries: Rani Hughes (0409 164 396) Email: ranihughes@gmail.com Note: AONT is not involved in the running of this course,

but is pleased to endorse a program that was

developed by Dr Lam.

Tickets $2.00 each OR

Sell a book of 10 for AONT (all the proceeds of our ticket sales go to us!)

Collect individual tickets or books of 10 to sell from the AONT office between 9.30 am & 2.00pm

Monday to Friday

1st prize Mitsubishi Outlander XLS plus Luxury pack

valued at $52 000 2nd prize

Jurgen ‘Terra’ Caravan valued at $37 000 3rd prize

Solarhart 300 L Hot Water System + 1 kW Solar PV System incl. installation valued at $20 500

4th prize Harvey Norman Shopping Spree valued at $20 000

5th prize Bunnik Tours International Travel Voucher valued at $20 000

6th prize The Ghan Platinum Service Holiday valued at $15 000

7th prize Yamaha Wave Runner Jet Ski valued at $14 500

8th prize Home Office Computer Package valued at $5 917

9th prize Complete Home Theatre Package valued at $5 498

Self Management Courses As part of “Activate NT” the GP NetworkNT is offering

two 6 week self management courses, “Healthwise” in

collaboration with AONT and Carers NT.

(Activate is formerly Darwin Lite and Palmlesstonnes)

There will be one daytime course and one evening course,

due to start in the week beginning May 17th.

Times to be advised.

AONT, Carers NT and GPNNT are the only NT licensed

providers of this course.

For further details please contact Kristine Holmes at

GPNNT 8982 1025, 0418 743 354, or

kristine.holmes@gpnnt.org.au

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Stephanie Todd As most of you are aware I am the new Admin. Education Officer, Stephanie Todd.

I came to Darwin via boat from Fiji shortly after Cyclone Tracey had devastated the town and the rebuilding of Darwin had begun. I remember living in a caravan for the first few years, and apart from going to school, St Johns College, fishing trips with my father were the highlights of life in the Territory then as they are today. I also have fond memories of the old crocodile Sweetheart that used to roam the waters of the Adelaide River or was it the Mary River….

I have worked in the health related industry most recently as a Recruitment Officer for the allied health industry here in Darwin. I am also a nurse, so this is what attracted me to work as an Education Officer for Arthritis & Osteoporosis NT.

I am also currently expanding my health related study

as I have an interest in natural medicines and complimentary medicines. This interest was fostered during the time I spent living and working in Fiji, on the remote island of Kandavu. On and off I have spent several years living in Fiji, and my husband Walter and I worked in the tourism and hospitality industry, we have lived in both Suva and in Nadi.

My family has had a long association with the Northern Territory and my sister Andrea and her husband Stuart Kellaway live in Yirrkala here in the NT.

I have a daughter, Adelaide, who is currently in Year 9 at Darwin Middle School.

I will be in the office most days, Monday to Friday from 9 to 2.00 if you would like to drop in and say hello. Or if you would specifically like some detailed information on Arthritis and/or Osteoporosis or health and diet in general please come in and talk.

If you are interested in the Community Speakers course you can also contact me at the office directly on 08 8948 5232 or on my mobile 0404 921 443.

Harvey Norman BBQ Fundraiser

Sausage Sizzle - Sunday May 16 AONT requires volunteer workers for this fundraising activity

from about 9.30am to 2pm Volunteers required for 1 to 2-hour shifts for cooking, serving, selling raffle

tickets, handling money, manning an information stand.

Contact 8948 5232 to register.

Mon 22 March to Fri 26 Because of -

ARTHRITIS AWARENESS WEEK

(From March 22 to 28)

Mon 10 to Fri 14 May Because of -

WORLD SPONDYLITIS DAY May 9 WORLD LUPUS DAY May 10

WORLD FIBROMYALGIA DAY May 12

Drop by the office any time between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm and - ���� Have a cup of tea or coffee with cake ���� Meet with one of our Community Speakers ���� Find out more about what AONT has to offer you ���� Check out the library ���� Meet Stephanie, our new AEO ���� Browse through our latest Information Sheets

No booking or appointment necessary.