The St Mary's Vietnam Veterans' Outpost Health Department
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If you are an entitled person, you are able to receive, free of charge, a range of hearing rehabilitation services appropriate to your needs via the Australian Government Hearing Services Program which is administered by the Office of Hearing Services (OHS).
Hearing loss is sometimes referred to as the invisible disability. Rarely can it be cured and no type of hearing aid can restore your hearing, the good news is that your hearing loss can be managed by an individual hearing rehabilitation program to achieve realistic communication improvement.
The rehabilitation team, that is you and your hearing services provider, devise an individual program based upon your needs.
The program consists of assessment, information sharing and strategies to make the most of your communication abilities and better manage your hearing loss.
If your provider thinks that, as part of your hearing rehabilitation program, you will require hearing aids they will in the first instance talk about the free range of quality high technology devices appropriate for your rehabilitation needs. They will also explain about the range of top-up hearing aids that are available. These hearing aids offer additional features which are not clinically necessary for your rehabilitation program. As well they are also generally not free.
DVA does not cover the cost of top-up hearing aids, as veterans and war widows have access to the large range of well featured, quality, free-to-client hearing aids that will meet their rehabilitation needs. DVA and the OHS expect that if you require hearing aids as part of your rehabilitation program there will almost always be an appropriate free option for you.
If there are exceptional circumstances, your practitioner should consult the entire panel of free-to-client hearing devices. Should they still believe there are no appropriate free-to-client hearing devices available to you on the free-to-client list; your provider can submit evidence to the Office of Hearing Services for consideration of a non-standard device.
For more information go to the DVA website and refer to factsheet HSV22 Hearing Services for Veterans. You can also discuss your case with the Veterans’ Affairs Audiologist by calling 1800 637 816.
Hearing Services - it’s your FREEDOM of choice.
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Keep aspirin by your bedside. It can save your life.
About Heart Attacks
There are other symptoms of an heart attack besides the pain on the left arm.
One must also be aware of an intense pain on the
chin, as well as
nausea and lots of
sweating,
However these symptoms may also occur less frequently.
Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a heart
attack.
The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep, did not wake up.
However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep.
If that happens, immediately dissolve two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with some water.
Afterwards: CALL 000
- say "heart attack!"
- say that you have taken 2 aspirins.
- phone a neighbour or a family member who lives very close by
- take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door, and wait for their arrival and...
- DO NOT lie down
Bayer is making crystal aspirin to dissolve under the tongue. They work much faster than the tablets.
Do remember this it may save your life!
Bayer is making crystal aspirin to dissolve under the tongue. They work much faster than the tablets.
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Two new websites are being piloted to provide the ex-service community with access to vital health resources, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, announced today.
CLICK HERE to download a .pdf with more detail on "the Wellbeing Toolbox".
CLICK HERE to download a .pdf with more detail on "Touchbase".
Mr Snowdon said the sites, the Wellbeing Toolbox and touchbase, have been developed specifically for ex-service and transitioning personnel, their families and friends to help them face challenges that moving from military to civilian life may present.
"It is important that our service personnel and their families have access to helpful and informative resources to assist them in their day-to-day life.
These websites provide information links and where necessary, facilitate early intervention options for those who may be experiencing mental health issues.
The Wellbeing Toolbox provides interactive educational material in key areas such as problem solving, building support, helpful thinking, getting active, keeping calm and sleeping better and has been developed in conjunction with leading experts at the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health."
"The site provides practical step-by-step tips and tools for improving mental and physical wellbeing and relieving stress," Mr Snowdon said.
The touchbase website, developed jointly by Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides information on lifestyle issues such as employment and finances, and is a one-stop-shop for useful links on topics ranging from compensation and finances to health, housing and parenting support.
The touchbase website also provides users with the opportunity to keep in touch or reconnect with other former serving personnel, family and friends using its online community Find Your Mates.
"These websites are being piloted and I would encourage any current transitioning or recently discharged service personnel using the sites to provide feedback on how we can continue to improve the information and support provided during such a crucial time in a serving member’s life," Mr Snowdon said.
The Wellbeing Toolbox can be accessed at www.wellbeingtoolbox.net.au and touchbase at www.touchbase.gov.au.
Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203 or 0413 994 704
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CLICK
HERE to download a .pdf evaluation of the Department of Veterans' Affairs Mental
Health initiatives.
The report identifies the key issues as Communication and Provider Practice. It is worthy of review in detail.
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A man over 50? CLICK HERE to check your health NOW.
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This video is the result of a need identified by Army and supported by the Directorate of Mental Health for information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to be made readily available for Defence members and their families. It is equally appropriate for all ex-service personnel and their families, to assist gain a better understanding of PTSD – its causes, its symptoms, and what can/should be done to help. If you are viewing by yourself it is suggested that you view it several times – watch it all the way through, think about the content, then viewing it again pausing or replaying segments as required to take on board the various views expressed. If you then have further questions or seek additional information, our Pension or Welfare officers can direct you to appropriate assistance. Duration of the video is 31 Minutes.
Dents in the Soul
Microsoft Media Player required Download to view full screen or if video fails to appear.
Video courtesy RUSI of NSW website
