Blog

What the Circuit Breaker means for our Inspiro community

Penny Molnar — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 20:15:53 GMT

Yesterday the Victorian Government announced that the state would be going into a compulsory five day lockdown, commencing last night, Friday February 12th at 11.59pm.

Welcome Back (and space...)

Penny Molnar — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 01:29:33 GMT

Welcome back! It is so lovely to see our clients coming back into our sites at the beginning of this new year. Fingers crossed 2021 is less tumultuous than last year!

We're taking a break

Penny Molnar — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 23:39:48 GMT

Inspiro will be closed from December 24 until January 3 (inclusive). We'll be back on Monday, January 4!

If you do require urgent assistance whilst we are closed, here are some useful numbers:

Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne: (03) 9341 1000
HeadtoHelp Mental Health Services: 1800 595 212
Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14
Community Health Outreach Program Eastern Region (CHOPER) :
0414 266 203
Direct Line (Alcohol & Drug Support): 1800 888 236
Emergencies: 000 (Maroondah, Angliss and Box Hill Hospitals all have 24/7 Emergency Departments)

From all of us at Inspiro, thank you. We wish you a safe and rejuvenating break and look forward to connecting with you in 2021. Enjoy!

Healthy teeth in ISO

Penny Molnar — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:23:58 GMT

Whilst we’re all in lockdown, it can be challenging to stay on top of many things, like getting in daily exercise and staying motivated to work from home 😱

But the Dental Team at Inspiro reckon it's a good time to think about your oral health and have a few tips for healthier mouths for you and your family so there might be less surprises when you can get back to see your dentist 👌.

Tips for keeping up good oral hygiene at home:

Ensure you are brushing for TWO minutes TWO times a day (morning and night).
Use a soft bristle toothbrush and aim the bristles towards the gums for the most effective method of plaque removal. Don’t forget to brush the inside, chewing and outside surfaces of your teeth
Remember, you don’t need to apply a lot of pressure, gentle motions will do the trick.
Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste is paramount to protect against decay as fluoride protects the other layer of teeth (enamel)
Don’t forget to clean in between your teeth! Floss or interdental brushes such as Piksters work best to remove plaque and bacteria that nearly 50% of your toothbrush misses with regular brushing.

Dietary advice:

Tap water is the best drink for not only your teeth but also your body! Drink when possible as an alternative to soft drink, juice, cordial or other sweet drinks.
Reducing snacks in between main meals is a great way to reduce the amount of sugar left on your teeth after eating. If you are having snacks throughout the day, good options include fruit, apple and peanut butter, yoghurt, cheese and crackers, unsalted popcorn and other healthy, low sugar alternatives.

Do you wear a denture?

Make sure you’re taking it out every night and storing it in a dry container, this ensures your gums are having a rest at night and that no irritation occurs from wearing them for long periods of time
When you clean your denture, try using a denture cleansing tablet or a water and white vinegar solution rather than a toothbrush and toothpaste. Toothpaste can be quite abrasive and can cause your denture more harm than good.

Have a dental emergency?

During these unpredictable COVID-19 times, sometimes it's difficult to know what health services are still available. Here at Inspiro, our dental team is operational and seeing clients for emergencies only. These include:

Swelling of the face, especially if it is hard to breathe
Trauma to the face, especially if it is hard to breathe
Bleeding from the mouth that will not stop
An ulcer or sore in your mouth that has not healed for 2 weeks or more
Severe mouth pain that keeps you awake at night
Tooth fracture, an opening the tooth’s nerve
Significant dental trauma, for example, your tooth has been knocked out

(As per DHSV Emergency Dental Care guidelines, 2020)

If you’re not sure if your situation qualifies as an emergency, give our friendly reception team a call on 9738 8801. They will be more than happy to help determine if you need an appointment according to the current guidelines.

Stay safe and look after your teeth!

The Inspiro Dental Team

The Youth Health Hub is GO

Penny Molnar — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 00:50:34 GMT

This week we launched the Yarra Ranges Youth Health Hub!

Inspiro is very excited and proud to lead the consortium that is delivering much-needed support services to young people in the Yarra Ranges. We launched it (softly) this week and we are looking forward to working with our youth reference group to develop a name, a brand and an identity very soon. Things are starting off a little quietly because of the whole COVID-19 situation but soon we'll have a venue and a full suite of services on board.

In the meantime, connect with us here:

Tel: 03 9757 8777
Mobile: 0409 348 604
Email: youthhealthhub@inspiro.org.au
Website: www.inspiro.org.au/youthhealthhub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Youth-Health-Hub-Yarra-Ranges

The aim of the Youth Health Hub is to have an integrated service model with many local agencies working together for the benefit of young people in the area. We are excited to work with our partners Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Community Legal Centre, Anchor housing services and Cire education services.

This initiative is funded by the Australian Government under the PHN program

Great news for Young People in the Yarra Ranges

Penny Molnar — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 01:33:19 GMT

Young People - you're getting a Health Hub and it's all about YOU

We are VERY excited to announce that a new Health Hub for Young People is on its way to the Yarra Ranges! Together with our partners, Anchor Inc., Cire Services, Eastern Community Legal Centre and Oonah Health and Community ServicesAboriginal Corporation, Inspiro has won a tender to develop a hub that will provide integrated health and support services for young people in our region.

The Integrated Youth Health Hub will provide a range of activities and engagement, while supporting young people with their health, mental health, employment, housing, legal and other needs.

We're all going to be working together to ensure the best outcomes for young people. The services offered will not only be co-located, they will be integrated, meaning that diverse staff from all services and young people will be working closely together to support the needs of individuals. No one wants to retell their story over and over to multiple professionals, the concept behind the Hub is that there will be no need for this repetition, all the services will work and communicate together in a caring and confidential way. Staff with lived experience of health and support services will be engaged to help young people navigate and use the services they need.

The best news? Young people will have a say in the design and development of the new Hub. All five health and community organisations involved in the partnership understand the importance of listening to young people and are committed to working closely with them right from the start. How the services are delivered will be guided by the voice of young people in the area via a Youth Reference Group.

Watch this space with news of the Youth Reference Group and how to get involved! Whilst the Hub will be located in Lilydale, outreach services will operate from Belgrave, Healesville and Yarra Junction. The Hub should be open in August 2020 and has been funded to the tune of $4.1 million by the Australian Government through the Eastern Melbourne PHN.

Exciting times! Don't forget to like our Facebook page, check our blog and sign up for our email newsletter so that you don't miss out on the latest news about the Hub (or anything else).

Back soon,

The Inspiro Team

Healthy Eating, Healthy Teeth

Penny Molnar — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:33:40 GMT

Looking after our teeth can be child's play

Whilst everyone is trying to stay home a little more, it is important to remember that healthy eating habits prevent dental decay and promote a healthier childhood. Kids are great helpers in the kitchen and getting them involved in the daily task of preparing meals can be a fun way to spend time together. It also improves fine motor skills, boosts self confidence and encourages healthy eating. Kids are much more likely to eat the fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious meals you give them if they have a hand in making it.

There are many recipes and simple cooking activities that can be found online to keep your child entertained and well-nourished during isolation. Don’t be afraid to get your creative cap on and make some animals or funny creatures out of fruits and veggies

Changes in your mouth start the minute you eat. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates from food into acids, and it’s the acids that begin to attack and decay the enamel (strongest outer layer) on teeth. The more often you eat and snack, the more frequently you are exposing your teeth to the cycle of decay. It is important not to snack on foods and drink plenty of water in-between meals. Water balance (input vs. output) is influenced by dietary intake, physical activity, age and environmental conditions (Riebl, S. K., & Davy, B. M.,2013). On average, men should drink 2.0 litres of water a day (approx. 8 cups) & women 1.5l itres (approx. 6 cups). At least 1 litre for children and adolescents. At first it might seem like a lot but it's actually easy once you do it every day. Your teeth (and body) will thank you!

Stay Healthy...

The Inspiro Dental Team 😁

National Reconciliation Week 2020

Penny Molnar — Mon, 25 May 2020 04:37:34 GMT

Our Country, Our Future – Igniting a Shared Responsibility.

Please join us for this special event.

Each year, for the past five years, Inspiro has partnered with Yarra Ranges Council to run a Reconciliation Week Event for the Yarra Ranges community. Inspiro sees the event as a significant way of paving the way forward in a spirit of shared responsibility.

This year is a little different for obvious reasons! The event this year has gone online and it is shaping up to be bigger than ever. We are extremely proud to present to you Stan Grant, Uncle Jack Charles, Djirri Djirri Dances, Chenile Chandler, Kutcha Edwards and more.

The event it suitable for individuals, family or could even be used as professional development opportunity. It's free, you just need to register.

We'll see you there, check it out here 👇
https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/…/National-Reconciliatio…

Don't Forget your Toothbrush

Penny Molnar — Tue, 12 May 2020 02:22:31 GMT

Toothbrush Care and Replacement

Whilst everyone is mindfully washing their hands and staying 1.5 metres apart, it is important to remember that our toothbrushes need looking after as well as a space of their own! Toothbrush bristles can harvest bacteria and even viruses that can affect your overall health.

There are hundreds of microorganisms in our mouth every day. These do not cause concern unless there is an unhealthy balance of bacteria in the mouth.

It is recommended that you do not share toothbrushes with anyone. There is a risk of infection from sharing unwanted bacteria.

Our toothbrush care recommendations include:

Replace/ switch to a new toothbrush every 3-4 months. Especially after you have a cold/flu or any other contagious infections
Do not share your toothbrush with anyone 😱
Do not cover or store your toothbrush in closed containers for extended periods. This creates a wet environment, ideal for bacteria to grow
Rinse and remove all food debris and water before storing your toothbrush upright in open area
Ensure that your toothbrush is not touching other toothbrushes and is away from the sink to prevent possible splashes
Inspect your bristles- if they have become frayed or worn then it is not effectively cleaning. Fraying bristles can be a sign of incorrect brushing technique. It is important to notify your clinician and they will demonstrate the appropriate plaque removing technique
Rinsing your toothbrush into an antimicrobial mouth rinse is an option. However, the effectiveness has not yet been proven

Stay Home and Stay Healthy

The Inspiro Dental Team 😁

Healthy Eating in ISO

Penny Molnar — Tue, 05 May 2020 06:05:12 GMT

So many temptations whilst staying at home! Here are some tips from our dietitian to help us all stay on the right track...

Some of us are finding that working from home, or staying in isolation, is causing boredom and irritability or stress, resulting far too often in comfort or mindless eating to pass the endless hours. The lack of normal structure to our days can wreak havoc! Unfortunately the weight gain, low nutrient intake and other health problems, not to mention the sneaky unhealthy habits, can be hard to break when life goes back to 'normal'.

Don't panic! We are here to help. Here are some tips straight from Inspiro's expert dietetic team to maintain a healthy diet during these times:

Stick to a routine: When working from home or in isolation, the temptation is often to graze all day long instead of eating regular meals at regular times.

If working from home, try to set up your day like a normal working day. Take your usual lunchbreak and take the time to eat away from your computer/workspace. Plan regular breaks with snacks if needed and try not to eat outside of these times.

Avoid mindless snacking: With the kitchen now only a few metres away, the temptation is to graze constantly throughout the day. Here are a few tips to healthy snacking.

👉Ask yourself if you’re actually hungry before snacking rather than eating out of boredom or as a distraction.

👉Have planned, portion-controlled snacks that you’ve prepared in advance, avoid eating out of packets.

👉Keep only healthy food at home- you can’t eat the chocolate or chips it if they’re not in the house 😂

👉Distract yourself if you find you’re eating out of boredom or comfort- for example take a short walk outside

Make meals filling: Focus on preparing healthy meals which are high in both fibre and protein to help keep you full throughout the day and reduce the need to snack. Here are a few examples:

✔️Eggs on high wholegrain toast with added vegetables

✔️Untoasted muesli with extra nuts and seeds or yoghurt

✔️Vegetable soups with legumes added (eg: chickpeas, lentils)

✔️Tinned fish on wholegrain toast

Watch your fluids:

Similar to snacking, easy accessibility to the kitchen can often lead to drinks such as coffee, juice or soft drinks replacing water intake. This can increase the total amount of added sugar consumed in the day, and can also negatively affect dental health.

Make water your main drink of choice. Consider keeping a bottle or jug near you and sip regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated,

Avoid drinking more coffee and tea than you usually would, excessive intake of caffeine can contribute towards issues such as sleep disturbances and anxiety. Your daily sugar intake can also quickly rise if you add sugar to your tea or coffee.

You've got this - these good habits will set you up for a healthy life, iso or no iso. For more information about the dietetic services Inspiro offers, check out our page here: https://www.inspiro.org.au/our-services/browse-by-service/dietetics