Snowy River Health Centre

24/07/2022

This year, 30 children have been admitted to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with burns from accidents involving steam inhalers and vaporisers.

This is more than three times as many compared to the same time last year.

Many of those admitted spilled boiling hot liquid on themselves while trying to inhale steam, or burnt their hands on vaporisers.

Steam inhalation should not be used in children.

There is no proven benefit to this treatment and the devastating burns it can cause is simply not worth the risk.

If your child is burnt, act quickly. Place the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes – this is the only effective treatment.

More information: www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/news/articles/2022/07/the-common-cold-and-flu-remedy-causing-kids-burns-to-spike

The Children's Hospital at Westmead

14/07/2022

It’s always easier to get through a tough time when you’ve got the support of a mate.

Be there for your mates by checking on them and asking if they’re doing OK.

For some people, it can be difficult to start the conversation about how they’re feeling. It’s important to remind your mates they can talk to you when they’re feeling down, especially if you’re worried about them.

Having a chat with a mate who is doing it tough can make them feel supported and less alone.

For advice on mental health services, you can call the NSW Mental Health Line 24/7 on 1800 011 511. If you need crisis support, call Lifeline Australia any time on 13 11 14.

Men can also call MensLine Australia 24/7 on 1300 78 99 78 for free telephone counselling, or visit their website for online counselling options: https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/

More info on mental health services and programs: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/Pages/default.aspx

14/06/2022

02/06/2022

The recent crises have left many in our communities feeling angry, overwhelmed and upset. These feelings are valid and normal.

It can be helpful to share how you’re feeling with people you trust, and remind each other to take it a day at a time.

If you need crisis support, call Lifeline Australia any time on 13 11 14

Children and young people can call Kids Helpline Official on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

For non-crisis support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636

31/05/2022

Learn to manage difficult behaviour in children 2-12 years old. A Program for Parents and Carers

30/05/2022

A free flu jab will be available to all NSW residents in a month-long blitz from June 1 in an effort to combat this year’s expected severe influenza season.

With a sharp increase in flu cases already, the NSW Government will fund flu vaccinations at GPs and pharmacies until June 30.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there were 1,140 cases of respiratory illness notified this week, compared with 766 in the previous week and 150 presentations and admissions to hospitals.

“We strongly urge everyone over six months of age to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, as the virus is easily spread and potentially deadly,” Dr Chant said.

“This is particularly important for those in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and children aged six months to five years. If you live in an aged or disability care facility, are aged over 65 or are immunocompromised, now is the time to book in.

“We also recommend a COVID-19 winter booster if you are eligible, as both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.”

The Commonwealth Government provides vaccines for vulnerable populations, and funds GPs through the MBS to administer vaccines. However, as COVID-19 has taught us, the role of pharmacies is crucial and the NSW Government is funding community pharmacies to deliver influenza vaccinations this June.

NSW Health has also permitted pharmacies to administer flu vaccines to children aged five years old, reduced from 10 years, making it easier for families to be vaccinated together. GPs will be reimbursed for any flu stock they have already purchased that is used in the month of June for this vaccination program.

The Commonwealth Government provides free flu vaccine for those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from the flu, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age
- Children from six months to under five years of age
- People with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 and over.

Other protective measures individuals can take include staying at home if sick and washing your hands. Find out more about how to protect yourself from the flu at www.nsw.gov.au/flu.

19/05/2022

There are some awful and tragic events occurring in our communities, our country and the world.

Whether you’re directly impacted, worried about loved ones, or feeling overcome by everything that is happening – it’s ok to feel overwhelmed.

But please know that you don’t need to face it alone - reach out for support, especially if you live with a mental illness and aren’t coping.

For emergency support, or if life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For crisis support:
• Call 24/7 on 13 11 14
• Children and young people can call 24/7 on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

For non-crisis support:
• Talk to your GP or other trusted health or mental health professional
• also has great resources or you can call them for mental health advice and support on 1300 22 4636
• Young people can reach out to for an online chat or to find a headspace centre at eheadspace.org.au
• If you need a referral to specialist mental health support, please call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511

More services & programs:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/Pages/default.aspx

06/05/2022

For the first time in two years flu is circulating in NSW.

We are expecting an increase in all respiratory viruses this winter due to open borders, increased travel and the reduction in restrictions. And because we haven’t had flu in the community for a few years, our immunity against it is lower too.

Your best protection this winter is to get a flu vaccine, practice safe behaviours such as staying home when unwell. Also remember to keep up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.

More info: www.nsw.gov.au/flu

02/05/2022

Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in weedkiller, nail polish remover, bug spray and cleaning products.
They just don't put it on the pack.

The take-up of va**ng by young people is increasing. Research shows that 1 in 5 young people 16 – 24 years have vaped.

The ‘Do you know what you’re va**ng?’ campaign is aimed at young people aged 14-17 years who should not be va**ng or smoking.

Vapes are not safe.

Do you know what they’re va**ng?

Get the evidence and facts about va**ng at www.health.nsw.gov.au/va**ng

15/04/2022

Does my child have an up to date vaccination status?

For people aged 5 to 15, being up to date means your child has had:

• 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, or
• 3 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine if severely immunocompromised.

Booster vaccinations are not currently recommended for people aged 5 to 15.

More info: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/facts

10/04/2022

Going to a large social gathering?

Doing a rapid antigen test before heading out can protect your family and friends from COVID-19.

If your result is positive, stay home and self-isolate for 7 days.

More information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/management/advice-for-confirmed