GPs can now refer a patient to a single practice for any orthopaedic condition. The Orthopaedic Clinics Gold Coast (OCGC) group provides a unique and innovative approach to delivering quality orthopaedic care under one roof
Established in 2017, the group has moved away from the ‘single surgeon practice’ model, instead combing six surgeons covering upper and lower limb, hand, pelvic, foot, ankle and sporting injuries, to name a few.
Founding member of OCGC, lower limb surgeon James Reidy, said there were plans to expand the group this year, including the addition of a spinal surgeon.
“It is clear that we are greater than the sum of our parts,” said Dr Reidy. “With increasing levels of specialisation within the discipline of orthopaedics, OCGC is well placed to deliver comprehensive care under a single brand. For GPs, they no longer have to wonder who the correct person is to receive a shoulder patient, or which particular surgeon offers a desired approach to joint replacement. A generic referral to the group is all that is needed to set the train in motion and our internal systems efficiently directs the right patient to the right doctor. This streamlined approach means shorter waiting times and a world class service, delivered at three convenient locations across the Gold Coast. We also have a GP hotline if the need for further consultation or questions arise.”
OCGC surgeon Jason Tsung said the surgeons involved in the venture all undertook postspecialisation fellowship training in a special area of interest, resulting in an unprecedented range of therapies offered through a single point of contact.
“A healthy atmosphere of collegiality and cooperation exists within the group,” said Dr Tsung. “Some of our patients with more complex problems are reassured by the multi-disciplinary nature of our practice. If I need a second opinion, or face a challenging problem, I simply go to the next door office. As a surgeon it also encourages accountability to the patients, the practice and each other.”
OCGC upper limb surgeon Fraser Taylor said ongoing education was also a focus. “The presence of a dedicated educational and liaison officer within the practice is a testament to our commitment in this area. We have taken an increasing role in presenting high quality educational events to GPs on the Gold Coast, even attracting interstate delegates. We pride ourselves on our CPD-accredited educational events, which is a great way to connect with our generalist colleagues. Our programs are structured to deliver concise topics that have been identified by GPs’ themselves.”
Dr Taylor said combining expert care with a collaborative approach and a commitment to education aims to make a positive impact in orthopaedic care on the Gold Coast. “This dynamic and motivated group are sure to create an impressive legacy on the Gold Coast orthopaedic landscape.”
For information contact: Orthopaedic Clinics Gold Coast
Active, heathly, happy. Physical activity is one of the most important things you CAN do to improve your overall quality of life. The City’s Active & Healthy classes are free or nearly free and are perfect for seniors!
Being active is vital. Not only does regular exercise help improve balance, maintains mobility and strength but it also plays a significant role in the prevention, treatment and management of many chronic health conditions.
Says 80-year-old John, “I owe the Australian Academy of Tai Chi, Rod Ferguson and the City of Gold Coast a great debt of gratitude for without them my health would not be where it is now. For 6 months I attended the tai chi classes regularly and noticed an overall improvement in my physical condition. I was called into hospital for a triple bypass and fell both physically and mentally ready for surgery. I sailed through the operation with no problems and have maintained excellent health and activity ever since.”
The physical benefits are great! But it’s the mental and social benefits that come from regularly connecting with others, having fun and staying strong that really drive home the importance of remaining active as we age.
The City’s Active & Healthy classes are all run by supportive, friendly, and qualified instructors and each class is designed to improve your:
body’s function, strength and range of movement
balance and coordination
bone and muscle development
social connection and interaction
mental wellbeing and happiness.
The City of Gold Coast offers classes that are gentle and progressive. They also offer classes that are great for those up for more of a challenge. Let age be no barrier! It is time to reconnect with others and join in one of the City’s many Active & Healthy classes. Embrace living a happy, healthy lifestyle right here on the Gold Coast.
Stay Active with TAI CHI
Tai chi is a healing martial art combining many movements with qi (energy), circulation, breathing and stretching techniques. Qualified instructors will guide you through a series of movements to help promote harmony, improve mobility and suppleness, and increase mental alertness. 25 free or low-cost classes on offer.
Stay Active with WATER THERAPY AND FITNESS
Exercising in water builds cardiovascular stamina, strength and flexibility. It also helps burn body fat, increase circulation and speed rehabilitation after illness or injury. These low impact classes include aqua fitness, deep water running and water therapy and will support your physical wellbeing, promote relaxation, reduce stress and relieve pain. On offer in local pools from $3 to $5 per class.
Stay Active with GENTLE YOGA
Improve strength, flexibility and mobility through poses specially adapted for seniors at any level of health and fitness. Perfect for all skill levels including beginners, these classes combine gentle stretching, traditional yoga poses and breath work to help you build strength and confidence. Over 40 classes available.
MATURE-AGED MEN’S FITNESS
This is a great class for men of all sizes, shapes and fitness levels to improve their general strength and conditioning. Work at your own level in these classes that focus on stretching, cardio and strength training. Come join trainer Bill for a laugh and a great workout!
STAYING STRONG
Improve stability, coordination, muscle tone, flexibility and wellbeing. Experienced senior fitness trainers will help take you through exercises targeting balance, mobility and strength. Great for all levels. 20 classes on offer, $3-$5 per class.
GROWING STRONGER
These classes aim to restore and rehabilitate; combining strength training, mobility and core work to improve strength, balance and mobility. Classes provide structured exercises for seniors with chronic health conditions or mobility concerns. Only $3-$5 per class.
BALANCE AND MEMORY IN MOTION
This class combines cognitive function through games, patterns, balance and memory tasks combined within an exercise class. The class will help you become stronger and fitter while improving your memory and balance all in the one class.
OVER 50S STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
Ever wanted to cruise the waterways on a SUP but not sure how to start? Starting from the shore, the lesson progresses in small steps with the goal of getting everyone up and standing on the water. This is a fun, non-competitive class and is on offer at Budds Beach, Surfers. Only $5!
ACTIVE & HEALTHY @ HOME
The City is offering popular classes online and many of these online classes can be accessed at times more suited to you and they’re a great way for people to get a taste of a new class in the privacy of their own home. Online classes include tai chi, yoga, pilates and senior fitness. Find classes at cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ICAN
HOLIDAY FUN WITH THE GRANDKIDS
Grab the grandkids and join in one of hundreds of free and low-cost activities on offer each holiday through the Active & Healthy Holiday Program. Kicking off from December, feature activities include pop up playgrounds, tie dye, bubble fun, ninja warrior courses, splashtastic fun, surf safety, art and craft, movies in the park and so much more.
To find a class near you, pick up an Active & Healthy Lifestyle Guide from your local library. CALL 1300 465 326 to have one sent in the mail or check out the Active & Healthy calendar online at cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ICAN
AWLQ (Animal Welfare League Queensland) vets are vessels of knowledge when it comes to animals. Here are some of your questions answered.
WHEN SHOULD MY PET BE VACCINATED AND FOR WHAT?
AWLQ Advice for Puppies/Dogs
To safeguard your pet from potentially serious and sometimes fatal diseases your puppy needs to be vaccinated.
Our vaccines protect against several diseases including Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis and Canine Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella (Kennel Cough).
Puppy vaccinations can commence as young as 6 weeks of age. So, your puppy can safely socialise with other dogs and go for walks outside. We aim to achieve full immunity by 16 weeks of age.
To maintain immunity, adult dogs require an annual vaccination booster. You will receive a reminder when your dogs’ yearly vaccination is due.
AWLQ Advice for Kitten/Cats
Our vaccines protect against several diseases including Feline Enteritis, Feline Rhinotracheitis and Feline Calcivirus. Kitten vaccinations can commence as young as 6 weeks of age then every 2 to 4 weeks with the timing of the final dose being no earlier than 16 weeks.
To maintain immunity, adult cats require an annual vaccination booster. You will receive a reminder when your cats’ yearly vaccination is due.
SHOULD I MICROCHIP MY PET?
Each year thousands of lost animals are taken in by shelters and pounds across Australia. Some never make it home because they cannot be identified.
Microchipping offers pet owners the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you. If you want to dramatically improve your pet’s chances of getting home fast and safe, implanting your pet with a microchip is your best option.
DOES MICROCHIPPING HURT THE ANIMAL?
Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. They are typically implanted by a vet just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle.
WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THE MICROCHIP?
The microchips presently used in pets only contain identification numbers. The microchip cannot track your animal if it gets lost. The microchip itself does not contain your pet’s medical information, but some microchip registration databases will allow you to store that information in the database for quick reference. ■
AWLQ was the first organisation in Queensland to open a Community Veterinary Clinic to the public. It still is the only organisation to do this. This unique service makes essential vet care accessible to all pet owners, including people who could not afford treatment for their pets. They are open 7 days a week. To book an appointment, go to awlqld.com.au/vet-clinics
COMMUNITY VET CLINIC LOCATIONS
Brisbane
6/10 Old Chatswood Road Daisy Hill, QLD 4127 07 3808 2892
Gold Coast
21 Shelter Road Coombabah QLD 4216 07 5594 0111
Ipswich
42 Tiger Street West Ipswich QLD 4305 07 3812 7533
A LOT OF YOU HAVE had your eye on an exciting new retirement development at Burleigh Golf Club, called The Verge. And now is your chance to get an eyeful. Their display apartment has opened, so you can get a feel for what it will be like living in the community. Go and have a look, it is worth it just for the views!
The view down onto the fairway from The Verge
This is a high-rise development (no garden maintenance and super-safe!) and the apartments can be adapted as you go along, according to whatever stage of life you are at. But here’s the best part – the community is located alongside the 10th fairway of Burleigh Golf Club. Residents are only a chip-shot away from the Clubhouse. But, let’s not forget about the proximity to Australia’s top beaches, entertainment hubs, shopping, and health clubs.
Go golfing with some friends at the Burleigh Golf Club
The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses at The Verge have floor-to-ceiling glass doors to the balconies. They have sweeping outlooks from every angle. Sales have now opened on the development, so if you have had your eye on these during construction, now is the time to act.
How the Verge is expected to look upon completion
Prices start at $510,000, so swing by the sales office for a sneaky peak at 61 Hillcrest Parade, Miami. Or you can book an appointment to be shown around. Go to thevergeburleigh.com.au or call 1800 955 070.
MARIJUANA use is becoming more prevalent among middle-aged and older adults. These new figures demonstrate a substantial increase in marijuana use over the past decade.
Credit: @cjenkinsiv
Marijuana-Loving Boomers
The new findings, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, build on an earlier addiction study by the same researchers to illustrate this growing trend among Baby Boomers.
Although Mary Jane users are more likely to be young adults, the baby boomer generation is unique, having more experience with recreational use of drugs than previous generations.
It’s Cool, Baby
Says the lead author, Dr Benjamin Han, “The Baby Boomer generation grew up during a period of significant cultural change, including a surge in popularity of marijuana in the 1960s and 1970s. We’re now in a new era of changing attitudes around marijuana.” He added that as stigma around weed declines, Baby Boomers – many of whom have prior experience smoking weed – are increasingly using it.
It seems that the Boomer generation are still trailblazing and blazing up. No wonder Grandad is always looking for his lighter.
