Category: medical

Companions are Companions Regardless

The importance of companion animals to the disabled cannot be overstated , regardless of the disability. Unfortunately though the category of “companion animal” is a very specific category which is extended to dogs and cats while other species are exempt, therefore cannot be taken into public places with the same freedoms. 

People confined indoors due to disability physical or mental health often can only afford smaller species like parrots, birds, and even reptiles which enrich their day to day existence are challenged sometimes by the uneducated or the over officious when they choose to bring their bonded pride and joy into public view which then send them further into darker places. 

Questions of how these pets can be given equal status after the appropriate medical benchmarks of dependability are met were directed to government and was responded with legislative changes would have to go through court at the applicants expense. Not a appropriate response from someone in the disability profession I would have thought, but probably factual. 

I’m certain their are many disabled with mini pets would venture out more often and life style enhanced if their soul mates were accepted as is our loved furry four legged kids.

Basic Voice a Essential Service to the Elderley 

The NBN debacle delivered by the Turnbull government is leaving many elderly and incapacitated people totally stranded in the whirlpool of competition for their basic telephone service. With exchanges shutting down, voice only services will be delivered by the NBN by VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) changing the way the basic service is delivered.

These people who only need the basic service, the service they have paid for and serviced them will be forced to decide which provider and the cheapest to select to maintain basic communication to their families and support teams. 

To provide that basic service will cost NBN less than the cost of cup of coffee as the switching will be done automatically as part of the cutover. Their business is data not voice, so that basic voice service should be standard across the nation and take the profiteer provider level out of the equation. 

It goes back to the question “is a basic telephone a essential service”? 

That Communication Act Clause should be reinstated as governments encourage the elderly and in-firmed treated at home rather than clogging the hospital systems. 

 

Disabled Transport Should Not be Dollar Drivin. 

In response to concerns about disability transport it should be made clear that the value of the carers and the drivers of the units that service disabled clients is often understated and undervalued because of their standing in the profession. As a former driver combined with my carer provided stability to many clients that never experienced it in the home. Depending on the demographic the punctuality forced parents to have their child ready for the pick up, dressed and that unfortunately was about it with some. Often it was discovered breakfasts and lunches were non existent, medications not administered, personal hygiene status wanting, all information freely given to us by the clients as they knew we would report it to the schools ahead of arrival so arrangement could be made before the kids entered the class room environment. 

On the positive the kids were looked after on school days and often the authorities were called in and action taken at home with variable results. 

Not all clients have these issues and taxis will suit, but for those clients who felt sitting on the bus in their own seat with kids and people they trust was a vital part managing their disability and prepared them for the day ahead. 

Sadly in my time involved we were the messenger as we saw first hand what the kids experienced daily in that particular demographic, some great stories and great kids and parents I recall vividly, but in the minority those less fortunate needed stability from the time they set foot on the footplate, that’s the role of the NDHS, end to end service for all recipients and if we let the bean counters allocate services we all know the needy’s voice will be given token value over a some boffins spreadsheet looking for a Micky Mouse Badge from his boss. 

The Law over Public Empathy in Ipswich. 

The Australian empathy for the Ipswich Robin Hood has been well broadcast across our media reminding us of the good done in his reign of mayor, however when one takes on the role of a public servant the rules change, the latitude for good outweighing the bad ceases.Although the the presumption of innocence must apply, the simple fact is charges laid need to be answered and we all need to think if it was not the ex mayor but local Joe Citizen charged with a similar offence would the same empathy exist?

No, because Joe has no profile, could have personal issues just as severe but no relationship with the media in his day to day life. 

So as we march to the polls let’s think of our future and let the courts do their job, and when the dust has settled then we can write the history accurately. 

Dr. Google, a Dangerous Consultant.

How would it go if when you took your car to the mechanics with a problem then proceeded to tell him how to do the job stand by while he did it, what parts to use how long to would take and then just leave the pricing to him?You’d probably complain about the price too and ask for a concession on using your knowledge even though you have never trained, in fact lifted a spanner. 

So imagine how Doctors must feel when they get a patient who thinks they know it all thanks to Dr. Google.

Yes diplomacy skills go into overdrive for the professionals when experiencing the online super graduates rants on their self diagnosed problems and woe is them if they dare to challenge the preconceived outcome or expectation of the patient.

Dangerous ground I feel as then we have to ask is the GP or Specialist actually using his experience and training or are they just conceding and sending them on their way feeling good about their own expertise without any confrontation. 

Knowledge is power and alternately Dangerous in the wrong hands. 

Dr. Google is a dangerous consultant in my book. Most Doctors have a set process of elimination follow by ongoing tests, checks and counter checks leading up to a educated guess, yes guess as they too are only human. Then it comes down to faith in that primary diagnosis and proceeding.

That tradesman mechanic is likely to just tell you to go somewhere else to fix those brakes, or fix them yourself and good luck but the doctor is not quite that abrupt but the result would still be the same come crunch time. 

Legislate to Designate NBN a Essential Service.

Any body who has been landed with the job of selling a car with a free bumper bar must feel sorry for Bill Morrow CEO of the NBN.The Super Cheap version he has been tasked to roll out combined with the telcos all clambering to make a buck does nothing to install faith of any new or existing customer. 

Too many players, and too many agendas all trying to split the profits. 

Is it not time to just stop and remind ourselves we live in a vast country, distance is a critical factor and so is delivery of services like health, banking, business and telephony are in the national interest which may shock some gamers and movie watchers.

History reveals when the government repealed the law which declared communication supply was a essential service the quality of service and delivery crashed from a world top five network into a bun fight to supply that car with a free bumper bar.

Privatisation of the national network is now a proven failure to service quality and cost, the exact things our politicians told us would be cheaper and better, so I feel it time to stop making excuses and give the nation back its network and remember it you build it correctly the first time it will last a life time. That was the proven principal we built into the copper technology. 

Enough Said. 

Mental Health a Secondary Question 

My Initial response to Bernard’s Tomic’s comments dragged out my old sporting aggression reflecting media disgust about how serious we Australians treat our sport.Our never give up ethos is ingrained early in our sporting career so when I settled I reviewed the reports then asked myself is this bloke in strife mentally? 

Unfortunately that question is only asked as a secondary response after commentary has cemented opinion. 

I fell into the hype as did the scribes and that spoiled brat may be a guy struggling with the pressure of performance.

I’ve got no medical qualification nor has the media so maybe we should accept mental health is a major contributing factor in all sporting achievements as is athleticism. 

Canabis, The Conversation we need to have.

With our police under the pump continually with major issues concerning public safety, drugs, Domestic Violence, Crime ect is it time to revisit our laws particularly those regarding Canibas?Is is now proven fact the substance has sound medical applications for various conditions and if controlled as it is in some European countries can we release the pressure and resources of our police by legalising it and government regulation, supervision making it a major income flow to the country.

If managed correctly the black market would crash and those funds redirected into boost public coffers, police time re prioritised to higher level crime. 

Government regulation similar to alcohol would apply nationally and maybe we might see a drop in alcohol related crime as other countries have reported. 

It will take brave politics and politicians to start a conversation on this issue publically for fear of being labelled soft on drugs however the value of the crops would decrease, police time would be curtailed, government coffers increased, black market shut down over time and yes some will overindulge initially as they do with other legalised habits but we can have more control if we are smart enough, or we can just continue to play the expensive never ending game of cat and mouse

Take the Stakeholders Out of the Domestic Violence Debate.

They say politics and religion are taboo if you want to keep your friends. Well hears a test… 

Domestic violence is a issue politicians and the religions have used to promote their causes on who is getting the moral high ground on fixing the problem.

We see pictures and articles of victims being abused from all over the world and comparisons drawn in our media and politicians on what religion they are and what culture they are and how lucky we are that we are good Christians neglecting to report that We, Australia, have possibly the one of highest domestic violence incidents per capita in the world with some Christian cultures promoting male dominance within the family unit. That goes under the carpet conveniently. 

We are consistently told we are a (Christian Nation). In actual facts are 61 % are of the Christian Faith in Australia, 31% either Atheist or No Religious which leaves the other 8% to all the rest. Yes 8% split up across all the other religions in the world yet if you listen or watch the spiels from the stakeholders protecting their own special patch you would believe the hoards are at our door and theirs is the only one to follow to get you wherever or whatever.

The point I am trying to make is if we continue to listen to the politicians and the churches spiel we will alway be divided on the issue of fixing domestic violence not only in Australia but world wide. 

We need a body of people not encumbered with beliefs or politics fully funded, and I do have some ideas that would be extremely controversial to go about funding that, but that’s another issue, to address domestic violence, with the assistance of our state and federal police as part of every police station in the nation, not just a part time or when needed position but full time. 

The cost of DV in dollar terms and mental health is incalculable considering the damage it does from cradle to cript to any population, so it has to start somewhere and soon as we are loosing the battle right now, ask any hospital worker or policeman. 

Old Age is Great… 

You know what. I’m stuffed.After 2 days of golf last week, a day going to Mothers 86th, a day down just vegging out now today with a little shower this morning thought the atmosphere might improve. 

It hasn’t.. Lungs are still heavy..

This asbestosis shits me off no end, but it’s not going to beat me..

Battling tiredness and breathlessness daily takes it toll but I will survive. I have jobs to do on my house and that will get done. That’s what drives me and even though some days it’s sit down and rest,no choice, I will win….

What really gets me is the mind. It wants to go and the body says piss off.. And I hate starting something and not finishing it but I have learnt listening to your body helps as the recovery level takes much longer if you don’t.

Today the lungs say air better than yesterday, the body is responding, be it slowly, the mind says lest go you pair of fuck wits and get these jobs done. 

Experience says let’s see how the morning pans out… 

Anyway mother called and she no longer has a clot, or pneumonia. 

Yep, that was the diagnosis after the party, a night in hospital and both were dismissed.. 

Some times a little knowledge causes a trauma, and worst case scenarios fester. That’s why my doctor dismissed a colenoscomy as a reaction rarely needed and trauma causing at my age. Every 5 years max. Good decision I feel…. 

Yes old age is great, bits falling off and body slowly closing down, that’s nature, so it’s here for a good time not a long time. 

That’s why my golf is so important. Good friends and comradeship, playing in a buggy on flat courses, keeps me younger, playing in company of youth keeps me younger, listening to youth and keeping abreast of their technology keeps me younger.. Staying competitive via handicap keeps me younger. 

Yes recovery time is required but it’s worth every cent… And having a wife that understands sport, played sport, and still follows more sport than I do, knows that sport has never left us from the day we met at the football club where we both were playing back in about 1964. 

Anyway after watching Australia qualify for the 2015 World Cup Rugby Final against the All Blacks we are really looking forward to getting up at midnight On Monday morning for the final.. 

I am split as I love both teams, and as I have blood in both camps apparently I’ll enjoy the spectacle…. 

TBC.  

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