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Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Nine

SPORT INJURIES ‘I did it all the time when I was younger’ is a common catch phrase of those in the emergency room with sports injuries. It doesn’t take that much common sense to know if you haven’t done something for at least a year, it is probably best to start slow or at least warm up well. Although, we all know common sense goes out the window in a competitive family when a game of footy is at stake. Broken bones, concussion, sprains, cuts and bruises can all result when a friendly game gets out of hand. Just like batteries, safety equipment is often not included in presents for kids. Ambulance calls increase significantly in the afternoon on Christmas Day when there are many children trying new bikes, skateboards, basketball hoops and water slides for the first time. It is always best to give knee pads and helmets along with the present to avoid anyone losing too much skin. SUNBURN AND HEAT STROKE Sunburn is synonymous with summer and conjures images of days spent in the backyard or in the pool. However, it can be a very serious condition. As well as significantly increasing the risk of melanoma, sunburn - if severe enough - can cause severe burns, especially in children. This can result in serious blisters and the risk of infection. Heat exhaustion is another condition that can happen easily, especially when performing activity in the heat. People suffering from heat exhaustion can experience headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, profuse sweating and nausea. If left untreated, there is a risk this can develop into heat stroke where the body is no longer able to cool itself and a person’s body temperature becomes dangerous high. Moving to a cool place, stopping activity and re-hydrating are the best things to do for heat exhaustion. If a person has seizures, loses consciousness or is not responding after cooling off for 30 minutes, it is best to seek medical advice. MENTAL ILLNESS Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year. The combination of Christmas shopping, relatives, lack of sleep and logistics can add a level of anxiety and exhaustion to an already busy time of year that can become too much for some people. It is important to be aware of your mental health and the mental health of those around you during this time. Existing mental illness can be a serious matter and the pressure of this season can exasperate existing feelings around financial concerns, loneliness, depression and substance abuse. It is important that we all take the time to rejuvenate the mind along with the body and check in on loved ones who may be feeling isolated. If disaster does strike, Pindara Private Hospital’s specialised Emergency Team are there to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 6 7 8


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Nine
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