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Newsletter September/October 2022

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Newsletter September/October 2022

Encouraging self-care for those with autoimmune inflammatory diseases

Welcome to our September/October 2022 edition

Welcome to Dragon Claw’s September/October 2022 Newsletter, written and edited by our dedicated Volunteers.

A variety of articles and information is packed into this issue:

  • A vaccine table to remind us what and when we need to be vaccinated
  • Nurse Jill alerts us to what Monkeypox is all about
  • A heartfelt carer story by Lupus Warrior Rachel’s mother
  • Miraculous Keto diet by Marilyn, and some thoughts on therapeutic diets by Dragon Charlotte
  • Celebrating 25 years of Indigenous Nursing Activism
  • Dark Emu book review by Annette
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis support
  • Summaries of our popular online Dragon Talks
  • A list of what’s on in the months of September, October and November

If you have any questions you would like us to research and publish, anonymously if you prefer, email our Dragon Talk’s Dr. Charmaine This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

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Vaccine Chart

Our Dr. Charmaine shares an invaluable Vaccine reminder chart for all of us who are working on the importance of Self-Care

To view Vaccination Chart for Immune-compromised patients or all > 50 year olds Click HERE

 

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Consider reading this booklet on the importance of vaccines and/or register for attending the forum by Clicking HERE

Antiviral Awareness community forums invitation: to register or be sent the recording:
Health Issues Centre are hosting two Antiviral Awareness community forums 7th September 6-7pm and 8th September 1-2pm

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/covid-antivirals-online-forum-tickets-404441153377.

Please consider registering even if you can’t attend, you will get the recording and report.

 

3

Monkeypox

by Dragon Claw’s Researcher,  Nurse Jill

 If you're feeling more virus literate these days, you may well want to know more about the latest one on the block and what led it to be declared a global health emergency. If so, please Read HERE

Care Givers Corner

Caring for Rachel

by Margaret Lea

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Margaret with her daughter Rachel Lea (note the “butterfly rash”on both of Rachel’s cheeks – which can be a hallmark of Lupus)

 This is a heartfelt story by Dragon Rachel’s mother, Margaret Lea, who struggled for over 3 years to get a diagnosis for her daughter Rachel who was mainly bedridden from the age of 14 suffering from a mysteriously painful and crippling illness. Read more HERE

 

5

KETO CHANGED MY LIFE

Miraculous Results

By Dragon Marilyn Hay

“I started the Keto ‘diet’ two years ago, as a way to lose weight – I did not expect Keto to give me my life back after thirty years of increasing illness, disability and pain. It didn’t take long, however, for me to change my mind.” Read on to learn of Marilyn’s positive results with the ketogenic diet by clicking HERE

Therapeutic diets - a Nutritionists View

By Dragon’s Functional Nutritionist,

Charlotte Hill

My main philosophy about nutrition is that every single person is bio-individual - even if they have been diagnosed with the same condition as someone else. Everyone differs based on where they come from, underlying genetics, conditions being experienced, the driving factors behind conditions being experienced and their current health situation right now.

As a result, there is no one size fits diet or broader supplement and lifestyle for anyone!

There are a number of therapeutic diets which have become more common in the autoimmune community over the last decade or so. These include the ketogenic diet, the Autoimmune Paleo Diet, the Wahls Protocol, the paleo diet and more. Depending on individual circumstances, these can be highly beneficial, however, often these are not used long term and must be accompanied by taking steps to make sure other driving factors of conditions are being addressed (for example: digestive issues, blood sugar issues, hormone dysregulation).

Therapeutic diets can often be a significant lifestyle change too which can be overwhelming. As a result, when I first work with clients in my practice, I am mostly supporting clients to upgrade to nutrient dense whole foods without further restrictions.

This can be transformative in itself. See this  “Foods to Enjoy, Foods to Avoid” list for a starting point.

I have created a handout on Therapeutic Diets that goes into further detail. Click HERE

Note: please see professional advice before experimenting with a Therapeutic diet.

 

 

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l-r Dragon Susan Hughes, Aunties Poppy & Emily and Dragon Director Aunty Lynda (co-founder of CATSINaM)

Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwives (CATSINaM) celebrating 25 years of Activism

On August 19th  we proudly attended this inspiring, deeply educational event. Keynote speakers included our Board member Roianne West CEO of CATSINAM, Pat Turner CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister of Indigenous Australians and Health. Special Guest at the Gala Dinner was The Hon. Linda Burney, Minister of Indigenous Australians.

Dragon Susan said “there wasn’t a dry eye in the room” following a national Apology by Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery.

Aunty Lynda said “CATSINaM is the only Aboriginal Controlled Organisation addressing racism in health

 

 7

 Indigenous Book Review

by Dragon Annette Guterres, OAM

The publication of Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu set off the debate: were First Nations people farmers who settled the land, or were they hunter gatherers?  

Apparently, there was strong resistance from some areas of our academic community to the idea that they were farmers who managed the land effectively for generations.

This book provides evidence of Indigenous people being highly effective farmers and the Early Settlers being “ignorant” or unaware that our First Nations People were farmers well before colonialisation in the late 18th century. To Read more Click HERE

 

 9

Announcing “Arthritis Unpacked” a new Janssen-sponsored podcast and video series for those living with arthritis.

Hosted by Rheumatologist, Dr Paul Bird, the series provides listeners/viewers with information about arthritis is simple terms, without the jargon.

Over five episodes, Dr Bird explores the different types of arthritis and treatments available for rheumatoid arthritis. He also provides tips to patients on living well and getting the most out of treatment. For links Click HERE

 

 10

 New Support site for those with Axial Spondyloarthritis – www.myas.org.au

 

Dragon Talks

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Dragon Talks is a weekly gathering online using Zoom format. Our meetings are educational, stimulating, and supportive.  All are welcome to join us.

Read on to gain an insight into our meetings by Clicking HERE

 

Contact  National (Australia) Help Line

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Our friends at Musculoskeletal Australia provide a contact free national Help Line!

Do you have questions about dealing with pain, your musculoskeletal condition/s, treatment options, COVID-19, or accessing services? Then be sure to call their nurses on their free Help Line. They’re available weekdays between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265. 

Alternatively feel free to drop a line to our patient volunteers with your phone number and we are happy to give you a call by appointment This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Here is MsK’s newsletter MSK News

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Call the toll-free national Arthritis Infoline on 1800 011 041 for information about arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions including self-management, community programs, seminars, support groups, and other resources. The Arthritis Infoline is staffed by health professionals and specially trained volunteers in your state or territory who can answer most questions about living with arthritis.

 

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We meet each week for conversation, support, and a programme with a presentation or a member’s story.

Wednesday mornings at 10am AET for those living in Australia.

Tuesday evenings at 8pm ET for those living in Canada.

To see the Event Calendar Click Here

 

Medical Disclaimer
While all information in our newsletter  has been researched, reviewed and presented with all due care, the content is provided for general education and information only.Information here is not intended to replace medical advice from a health professional and Dragon Claw does not accept any liability for any error or omission, injury, expense, loss or damage incurred by you or another party as a result of you using or relying on any information contained in our newsletter, on our website or any linked website. All users are urged to seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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