Hills District Independent August 2020 #62 August 2020 | Page 23

HEALTH & WELLBEING Norwest Private urges all community members not to ignore their health Norwest Private Hospital is encouraging Sydney Northwest residents not to neglect their own health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suzanne Hall, General Manager, said, “Australians have done an outstanding job in maintaining social distancing and dramatically reducing the spread of COVID-19, but warned that it is still vital that people seek medical advice and treatment should a health concern arise.” Dr Laura Brown, FACEM, is Norwest Emergency Co-Medical Director and comments. “In recent months, we have observed a drop-off in the number of people presenting at our Emergency Department (ED) for treatment, a trend also noted among GPs and allied health professionals.” F45 family is fighting fit by Maryann Callaghan Suzanne Hall, General Manager, Norwest Private Hospital. Not even a COVID lockdown could curb the enthusiasm and dedication of F45 The Ponds’ certified group fitness trainers, Susie and Emmanuel. “Stay positive, stay sane and stay strong,” says business owner Susie Grant, who together with partner Emmanuel Pinto, run the F45 studio in The Ponds shopping centre. “COVID closed our studio down for 11 weeks, so we pivoted to online training sessions for our members. We held two live Zoom classes per day to keep fit and connected to the community,” Susie said. This group connection makes her clientele more like a supportive family. Members are bonded by healthy enthusiasm and drive inspired by their trainers’ energy and dedication. It makes this business story literally a survival of the fittest, both physically and mentally. “The gym community we have built up is strong and members have ended up making supportive relationships and friendships. We are a family-orientated community and welcome anyone of any fitness level, from professional athletes, to mums and dads, beginners and older people,” Susie said. “We did have to isolate ourselves for a while, but that didn’t stop us. “Based on feedback from those patients who do present, we think that the trend is driven by two factors - either not wanting to be a burden on the health system in these unprecedented times, or having concerns about coming to hospital during the current environment.” Dr Brown said that, while understandable, neither were reasons to ignore or postpone seeking medical attention for what may be a critical undiagnosed health issue. “We want to reassure the Sydney Northwest community that it’s safe to seek medical help. All too often we see individuals present at our ED with a complaint that, had it been ignored, might have led to serious longer-term repercussions.” said Dr Brown. Ms Hall advised that Norwest Private had taken several steps to protect patients, staff, doctors and visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are conducting patient screening and temperature checks on everyone who presents There was a mental change in attitude during lockdown and by us keeping a connection with our gym family was a real support to many. Of course, we all couldn’t wait to get back in the studio!” F45 The Ponds offers a functional full body workout in 45 minutes, improving energy levels, metabolism, strength and endurance in a circuit and HIIT style format, using a combination of weights, resistance and cardio. Opened in 2015, the studio prides itself on its “fit and strong” health focus and being known as the “burpee experts”. “Anyone in the family can do F45, it gets you results. It’s fun and high intensity. We welcome all backgrounds.” Susie, also trained in Muay Thai (Thai boxing), said being in a group atmosphere pushes you to do your best, because it’s motivating for mind and body. “Group training is like an escape and therapy for people and the social interaction helps your mental state which is the strongest gain you get from exercise. It is life-changing,” Susie told me. F45 The Ponds also provides nutritional advice and support. It offers classes as early as 5:00am and evening classes to 7:0045pm. Readers of The Independent will be pleased to know Susie is coming onboard as our fitness guru, giving her tips and advice on how to be the strongest, healthiest you. F45 The Ponds is at T16, The Ponds Shopping Centre, corner Riverbank and The Ponds Boulevarde. Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected] or catch them on Instagram and Facebook. Professional training equipment on the circuit. Photo: Kathryn Johnston. at our ED. We have also implemented strict social distancing protocols throughout the hospital in line with health authority advice.” “We urge anyone who may be putting off seeking medical advice or treatment to please contact your appropriate health professional, and if it’s an immediate concern, the Norwest Emergency Department is open, safe, and here for your care.” Ms Hall further added that the, “Norwest ED access fee for those over 65 years old will be waived until September for patients admitted to Norwest Private Hospital and covered by private health insurance. This will enable our vulnerable patients to have access to high quality specialist geriatric medical, surgical and other medical specialist care at our hospital.” “The ED is the frontline of our hospital and the team has been unified, resilient and professional in the challenging environment of COVID-19. As a team they have prepared, trained and have further developed processes to ensure the safety of patients, colleagues and all who Jane Thornley, ED Nurse Unit Manager, Norwest Private Hospital. enter the ED.” Norwest ED nursing team is led by Nurse Unit Manager, Jane Thornley. “I am very proud and honoured to lead such a hardworking team that focuses on high quality care, supporting our patients, their families and each other in the new world we now find ourselves in,” said Ms Thornley. The Norwest ED Team have access to specialist consultations in over 20 specialties and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for a wide range of medical and surgical emergencies. Norwest Private ED can be contacted directly on 8882 8555. 7 DAY FREE TRIAL TEAM TRAINING. LIFE CHANGING. Look, move and perform better in all aspects of your life. CALL 0433 258 885 The Ponds Shopping Centre Corner The Ponds Blvd & Riverbank Dr THE PONDS THE HILLS INDEPENDENT www.hdinews.com.au ISSUE 62 // AUGUST 2020 23