Southern Highlands MEN’S HEALTH MONTH 2019 |
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7th November 2019
Odyssey House NSW was founded in 1977 by Sydney businessman, Walter McGrath, following the death of his son
from a heroin overdose. As a testament to his son, Mr McGrath committed himself to finding a program to help other
people who suffered from problems with drug dependence. From humble beginnings, the program has expanded to
be one of the largest and most successful alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services in Australia. More than 35,000
people have been assisted over the past 40 years.
On Thursday night Russell Bickford, Senior Coordinator South Western Sydney Primary Health Networks for Odyssey
House, which covers the Wingecarribee Shire and Johan Torsteinsrud, Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor,
addressed the opening night of this year’s Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month at the St Jude’s Church
auditorium in Bendooley St Bowral
Addiction can mean many things to many people, but in general it refers to repeatedly using a substance or engaging
in an activity for pleasure, even though doing so causes harm or interferes with everyday life.
Whilst the three main forms of addiction in Australia are Gambling, Smoking and Alcohol which are regulated by the
government, it also can be prescription medications, exercise, internet, shopping, sex or overeating. However, most of
us think of drugs which include Heroin, Cannabis or Amphetamine. Methamphetamine is just ahead of Alcohol as the
primary drug of concern in our area and the major range of ages presented at Odyssey House is between 35-44 and
with the 25-34 age group it represents nearly sixty percent of their local clients. Sixty six percent of their clients are
male, of which 88 percent are non-indigenous.
Odyssey House operate an Outreach Service at 22 Bendooley Street in Bowral and can be reached on 1800 397 739
or their website https://www.odysseyhouse.com.au/
Odyssey House NSW was founded in 1977 by Sydney businessman, Walter McGrath, following the death of his son
from a heroin overdose. As a testament to his son, Mr McGrath committed himself to finding a program to help other
people who suffered from problems with drug dependence. From humble beginnings, the program has expanded to
be one of the largest and most successful alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services in Australia. More than 35,000
people have been assisted over the past 40 years.
On Thursday night Russell Bickford, Senior Coordinator South Western Sydney Primary Health Networks for Odyssey
House, which covers the Wingecarribee Shire and Johan Torsteinsrud, Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor,
addressed the opening night of this year’s Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month at the St Jude’s Church
auditorium in Bendooley St Bowral
Addiction can mean many things to many people, but in general it refers to repeatedly using a substance or engaging
in an activity for pleasure, even though doing so causes harm or interferes with everyday life.
Whilst the three main forms of addiction in Australia are Gambling, Smoking and Alcohol which are regulated by the
government, it also can be prescription medications, exercise, internet, shopping, sex or overeating. However, most of
us think of drugs which include Heroin, Cannabis or Amphetamine. Methamphetamine is just ahead of Alcohol as the
primary drug of concern in our area and the major range of ages presented at Odyssey House is between 35-44 and
with the 25-34 age group it represents nearly sixty percent of their local clients. Sixty six percent of their clients are
male, of which 88 percent are non-indigenous.
Odyssey House operate an Outreach Service at 22 Bendooley Street in Bowral and can be reached on 1800 397 739
or their website https://www.odysseyhouse.com.au/
Nov 14th 2019
“There are over 100 different types of Arthritis that affect joints; the most common being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis” These were the words that summed up the presentation by Andrew Cairns, Health Services Manager from Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW on the second night of this year’s Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month. Andrew mesmerised his audience of over 40 people with a positive presentation at St Jude’s auditorium in Bowral last Thursday. “well presented”. “full of information”, “flowing” were some of the comments heard from the audience who generally felt that they now knew more about Arthritis.
Although there is currently no cure for arthritis Andrew emphasized that there are ways to manage it effectively to maintain function and reduce pain. He left with the message that learning about your condition, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, caring for your joints, using medicines wisely and working well with your healthcare team can improve the overall management of your condition.😊
“There are over 100 different types of Arthritis that affect joints; the most common being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis” These were the words that summed up the presentation by Andrew Cairns, Health Services Manager from Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW on the second night of this year’s Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month. Andrew mesmerised his audience of over 40 people with a positive presentation at St Jude’s auditorium in Bowral last Thursday. “well presented”. “full of information”, “flowing” were some of the comments heard from the audience who generally felt that they now knew more about Arthritis.
Although there is currently no cure for arthritis Andrew emphasized that there are ways to manage it effectively to maintain function and reduce pain. He left with the message that learning about your condition, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, caring for your joints, using medicines wisely and working well with your healthcare team can improve the overall management of your condition.😊
Nov 21st 2019
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85% of all diabetes and is increasing and there are large numbers of people with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes which may be damaging their bodies. The combination of massive changes to diet and the food supply, combined with massive changes to physical activity with more sedentary work and less activity, means most populations are seeing more type 2 diabetes.” With these words Cheryl Nankivell from Diabetes NSW proceeded to hold her audience’s interest with a well-structured, illuminating and educational talk on the third night of this year’s Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month presentation at St Jude’s auditorium in Bowral last Thursday. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can take a very long time to appear, which means you could be living with it for a long time before you are diagnosed. It usually develops in people over the age of 45. However regular physical activity, following a healthy eating plan and having regular health checks can help you reduce your risk, seems to be the most popular piece of advice coming from this year’s event. For more information check out the online assessment tool to see if you are at risk on the diabetes website https://diabetesnsw.com.au/ 
Nov 28th, 2019
“Being a Man in 2020” drew a large audience to the last night of this year’s Men’s Health Night last Thursday at the St Jude’s Church auditorium. Former pastor Vic Roberts, a remarkable man of 82 years agreed that things had changed over his lifetime. He noted that today information is very accessible and immediate with the advent of modern technology. However, he demonstrated that by getting the correct order of Essentials, Duties and Desirables into our daily lives leads to a more fulfilled life. First you must concentrate on your health and well being before providing the means to maintain yourself and then you can consider the nice things you enjoy. Current Rector of St Jude’s Gavin Perkins spoke to Men and Spirituality. He suggested that the three principles of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness might be the secret to happiness. With the ability to pay attention to what you have instead of what you don’t have, together with feeling what another is feeling and to focus on the present, our lives can be filled with pleasure and meaning. 
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