Hills Independent #85 July 2022 | Page 25

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Exercise is medicine

How staying active can prevent chronic pain for over 50s
Chronic musculoskeletal pain ( CMP ) refers to ongoing pain felt in the bones , joints and tissues of the body that persists longer than three months . The pain is debilitating and limits daily activity and quality of life for anyone who suffers .
Chronic pain includes a diverse range of diagnoses , some of which imply a driving tissue pathology or structure ( osteoarthritis , discogenic back pain ) and some of unknown pathology ( spinal pain , fibromyalgia , chronic widespread pain ).
CMP is the major cause of pain and disability in Western society , affecting up to 20 per cent of adults , and is predicted to increase by more than 50 per cent by 2050 . How can exercise help ? Research by The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare reports that exercise reduces pain through a broad range of effects , including decreased inflammation ; increased muscle strength and endurance ; better joint function ; and improved sleep and mood .
Doing regular exercise also keeps the immune system functioning properly and improves psychological status and conditions , for example , increased pain selfefficacy and reduction in fear and anxiety .
How can Club Active help ?
Discover Club Active Castle Hill , an over 50s gym offering health and wellness services in a fun , safe , and nonintimidating environment , supervised by university-qualified exercise physiologists . We offer tailored exercise programs and group fitness classes designed for your specific needs to improve your mobility and reduce chronic pain .
Speak with your GP today about eligibility criteria for Medicare rebates with a Chronic Disease Management plan . We also work with NDIS , DVA , Work Cover , and private health insurance .
It ’ s time to get moving ! Get in touch with our Castle Hill team to see how we can help you change the way you age , call 7808 1003 .
Located in the Hills Super Centre , North Building Level 1 , 16-18 Victoria Ave , Castle Hill . Entry to the right of Sheridan Outlet .

Dental anxiety

with Miranda Huxtable Practice Manager Round Corner Dental
Dental treatment can be really frightening . If we have had an uncomfortable experience in a dental practice the anticipation of more pain is enhanced , and the anxiety can begin hours or even days before the appointment .
Our nervous systems are in fight or flight mode and for some patients it can be seriously debilitating . As a dental team , understanding these feelings and having empathy is just about the most important thing you can provide for a nervous and fearful patient .
We find that for most people , knowledge is power , and can diminish high anxiety . Understanding the treatment process , the instruments and materials we use , and why we use them , can be incredibly effective in reducing anxiety .
This can also give our patients a sense of agency and control over their own treatment . If the noise sets your teeth on edge ( so to speak ), you are more than welcome to bring your air pods or noise-cancelling headphones if you prefer the sound of your favourite True-Crime podcast over the suction !
Sometimes , a little extra help is needed especially for children who are particularly anxious . Dr Rina is qualified to provide nitrous oxide sedation , otherwise known as happy gas . Some of you may have been offered this . It is a very safe form of sedation that works and wears off quickly . For children and adults alike , it can really transform your experience .
If you have had a bad experience at the dentist or you suffer from dental anxiety , come and see us . Interested in sedation ?
Give me a call on ( 02 ) 9651 1806 and let ’ s chat .

Welcome to the friendliest dental practice in the Hills District .

Experience , efficiency and a gentle hand .
Come and meet Dr . Olivia and her team today .
Cosmetic Dentistry
Family & Children ’ s Dentistry
Mouthguards Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Injectables And more !
Open Monday to Friday
Dr . Olivia Ignatiou

Suite 1 , 524 Old Northern Road DURAL ( 02 ) 9651 1806 www . roundcornerdental . com . au

THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 85 // JULY 2022 25