Inlifetherapy in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Medical and health

Inlifetherapy

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 421 474 328

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25.01.2022 The MacMillan Dictionary lists 10 different words to describe breathing or difficulty breathing (https://www.macmillandictionary.com//to-breathe-or-to-have) . The simple function of taking air in through your nose or mouth and then letting it go again is often not an easy thing to describe or relate for a patient. People often have difficulty identifying if they have the breathlessness described and seen by their GP or case nurse. Their wording and explanations may not align with my use of the word breathlessness and may be more meaningful to them if explained with the words gaspy, or puffy... For more take a look at the blog on my website https://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/index.html.

25.01.2022 As part of Inlifetherapy's COVID-19 Response Plan telehealth phone and video services are now available: - From the 28th March Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans can include telehealth video and phone services by Occupational Therapists. - From the 1st April DVA has approved telehealth video and phone service by Occupational Therapists for referred patients.... - Instructions for video telehealth can be emailed to you prior to your online appointment. If needed, it might be handy to preempt any difficulties by having a tech savvy family member or friend sit with you when you download the app or attend your first appointment. - Therapy aids will be emailed or mailed for appointments as required. Home visitation is continuing as recommended and in line with Department of Health and WHO guidelines, strategies for treatment provision will include the following: use of outdoor areas for treatment, social distancing , use of hand washing, cough etiquette, hand sanitiser and use of minimal contact treatment methods / assessment tools have been put in place for home visits. Phone calls will precipitate all home visits to check health status and that an area for treatment that allows social distancing is available. Every referral will be assessed on an individual basis as to what is the best form of contact to be observed. Please phone for further details as needed on 0421474328.

25.01.2022 OT Week Breakfast Coorparoo Had a great time networking with OT's from different areas of experience - intellectual disability, mental health, dementia care, university lecturers and researchers. Great to have Matthew from Griffith University speak on Occupation and those aha moments when we grasp the significance of it in our practice and our patient's journey, the importance of our therapy in assisting people to engage in meaningful occupation no matter their age, health or... ability. OT Week - watch this video to see what OT's do. https://occupationaltherapyaustralia.cmail20.com/t/r-l-jdt/

24.01.2022 It's Legacy Week this week, since 1942 Australians have been supporting our diggers and their families with counselling, housing, medical and social support by purchasing badges from volunteers at local community centres. Don't forget the importance of the work of Legacy and make sure you stop and help this week.

24.01.2022 It's Seniors Week in QLD from the 17-25th August. Show your support for seniors in our community by actively engaging them in conversations and activities. Did you know that the Brisbane City Council Library has a loans delivery service for those that are unable to get themselves to a library independently. Grab a form for your family member or neighbour and they'll need a GP to fill in the medical section and you can return it to the library and staff will get in touch to find out their preferences - just another way to keep them involved in community.

24.01.2022 Remembering family who have served, past and present with love.

23.01.2022 OT Week Breakfast Coorparoo Had a great time networking with OTs from different areas of experience - intellectual disability, mental health, dementia care, university lecturers and researchers. Great to have Matthew from Griffith University speak on Occupation and those aha moments when we grasp the significance of it in our practice and our patients journey, the importance of our therapy in assisting people to engage in meaningful occupation no matter their age, health or... ability. OT Week - watch this video to see what OTs do. https://occupationaltherapyaustralia.cmail20.com/t/r-l-jdt/

23.01.2022 A recent Lung Foundation Seminar at Chermside had two lovely ladies give their knowledgable tips on coping with chronic breathlessness. Thank you to Lyn McDade and Joanne Smith! Have a try of these top 10: 1.Understand your limits by listening to your body 2.Go gently on difficult days but keep going. For more of these go to http://www.inlifetherapy.com.au//lu/from-the-horses-mouth/.

22.01.2022 There is much in the literature about resonance breathing to help you relax faster when stressed using the natural respiratory pause at the end of the extended exhalation. Shooting and marksman sports use this natural pause to steady themselves. Adding a visual cue to this patterning such as used in the breath in a box technique can give a focus mentally and a rhythm to follow that can help slow the rate and help the person relax more easily.

22.01.2022 Singing Improves Breathing Symptoms in COPD I have just read an interesting article on a study conducted in Kent, UK, on a group of participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that had completed a 10 month community singing program learning breath control, relaxation and breathing exercises whilst singing weekly as a group https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29160737 . A timely reminder of the benefits of singing as many choirs around the world are presently involved in practicing and performing parts of Handels Messiah for Easter celebrations. For more on breath and fatigue management go to my blog at https://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/blog/.

21.01.2022 Did you know that humming is good for your health? Especially if its combined with nasal only breathing. (Refer Weitzberg and Lundberg "Humming Greatly Increases Nasal Nitric Oxide"). Naturally produced nitric oxide in the sinuses is the one of the keys in the regulation of inflammation and immune defence. Blocked noses also benefit. Try this exercise on for size: For 2-3 minutes inhale 4 counts, exhale 6 counts with a hum and hold nose for 4 then repeat. If its a bit hard then lower the numbers and build slowly. Of course regular use helps greatly. If anyone has difficulty with shortness of breath, assessment and individual plans are recommended. For further information go to my website at www.inlifetherapy.com.au.

21.01.2022 Its Dementia Awareness month in September. Remember that we can all affect our risk level by changing our behaviours to healthy, interactive, social ones.

19.01.2022 Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness month in September. Get your facts and support those with IPF at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/life-with-pf or https://lungfoundation.com.au//living-with-a/ipf/overview/ or give support on facebook through https://www.facebook.com/pfwarrior/ #PFMonth

19.01.2022 Please visit my new youtube Inlifetherapy channel for the first of my videos on managing breathlessness during COVID. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXTiLAPFhP1_artL1ElRSNA

19.01.2022 Early on Anzac Day with neighbours, a trumpeter playing the ode and last post, Australian anthem and Waltzing Matilda. Chatting over Anzac cookies on doorsteps. A special 2020 Anzac Day to remember.

19.01.2022 One thing I've found is that there are a lot of ideas floating around about how to use inhalers but they are not necessarily the right ideas. Things get foggy as time passes since you've been shown how to use your inhaler or it may be that you were shown a technique years ago that has since been updated and changed after more recent research findings. When techniques are used effectively more medication reaches your lungs. If you're not sure, get in touch with your Doctor, Co...mmunity Nurse, or Pulmonary Allied Health professional and ask them for a demonstration. The Lung Foundation has a patient resource page with videos and fact sheets on techniques specific to your device at: https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/ Asthma Australia also has a page on its website on how to use various devices at: https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au//manage-your-asthma/how Don't leave it to work itself out but be pro active and self manage your way to effective use of your medications with good inhaler technique. See more

18.01.2022 Everyone has new year resolutions, whether it be in the realms of fitness, budgets,or new behaviours. People I work with all tend to have one constant aim and that is to not lose what they have. The way to navigate towards what we want is to set a goal. How to set a goal?... It must be personal and meaningful - own it - My goal is... It must be specific - detail it It must be measurable to recognise achievement It must be achievable - dont set an Everest, choose a hill you can climb It must be realistic - dont look at Ferrari when Holden is a better fit for you It must be timely - dont overload yourself Start with one goal and go from there. Dont forget when you reach that goal to reward yourself for a job well done!

18.01.2022 On this day World COPD Day 2019, https://goldcopd.org/world-copd-day/ bringing awareness of COPD, its important to remember some key self management strategies that you need in the community to prevent unnecessary admissions and stay at home independently: 1.COPD plans must be filled in by your allied health professional or GP to better understand how and when your medications are to be used and left where family/housemates are aware of your needs when you are too breathles...s to talk yourself. 2.Correct inhaler device and spacer use means the medication is effectively going into your lungs and not lining your mouth and causing side effects such as thrush. Asthma relievers if used more than 2 in 7 days is not under control, please seek help from your GP or your breath management health professional. 3.Breathing techniques that take the work out of breathing and reduce recovery times post activity keep you moving through the day for longer. 4.Exercise is an important way of preventing deconditioning. Less exercise/ activity can lead to more breathlessness. 5.Meaningful activity engagement whether it be household chores, hobbies or social engagement are important motivators that keep us moving. 6.Use oxygen as prescribed - exertional oxygen during activity, nocturnal oxygen while sleeping or continuous long term oxygen for at least 18hrs. 7.Bush fire smoke reduction - close doors and windows, air conditioning on recycle, rest and hydrate, avoid strenuous exercise, P2 respirator masks, emergency evacuation plan to reduce exposure. To find more information on breath and fatigue mangement go to my blog at https://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/blog/ See more

17.01.2022 It is Occupational Therapy Week!! The age old question of what is an OT has had much written about but to keep it simple after 24 years of being an occupational therapist the easiest way is to ask you: Do you do activity? Is illness or disability preventing you from doing this activity on a regular basis? If you answered yes to both these questions then an OT can help you. There are many different types of OTs as there are many people doing different activities affected wi...th many different types of illnesses and disabilities. To find one that fits you go to the OT Australia website www.otaus.com.au/find-an-occupational-therapist. If breathlessness and fatigue is your issue then go to my website www.inlifetherapy.com.au to find out more of what I do. Read my blog at http://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/blog/. As I tell my senior patients , dont just say thats life or thats old age when there is someone out there that can help you make some positive changes for better quality of life.

17.01.2022 I have just uploaded a new video on how thoughts can be used to assist in the management of your breathlessness.

17.01.2022 Navigating the My Aged Care System Lots time on the phone with no solution or moving forward. Its frustrating not only for the client but the therapist too. Important though to keep going back to My Aged Care with your ID number and keep asking questions until someone ends up giving you a solution to your problem. Their case management system works well enough if they can give you one. Then they are advocating for you which is the way system should be working.

16.01.2022 Fabulous course, very user friendly and gives you useful knowledge for personal and work environs. Wicking Dementia actually makes learning fun!

15.01.2022 Came across PTSD Dogs at the Eumundi markets of all places, and met some lovely people who give so much to help others. It is a non for profit group that offers its service free to those who need them. They save dogs and rescue them and in turn teach them how to "save" those first responder emergency and military personnel who need assistance in their daily lives. Check out their website at https://ptsddogs.com.au/.

15.01.2022 Its Legacy Week this week, since 1942 Australians have been supporting our diggers and their families with counselling, housing, medical and social support by purchasing badges from volunteers at local community centres. Dont forget the importance of the work of Legacy and make sure you stop and help this week.

13.01.2022 Whether you care for someone, know someone or just want to be informed about Dementia this is a great way to do it - information with an online community of learners opening up to you what is happening to help those with Dementia including the latest research, diet, building design and much more. Not to mention the tips you can use to keep your own mind supple and active. Do it at your own pace, when and where you find it convenient.

13.01.2022 Occupational Therapy Week 2019 is here! How can we help you improve your quality of life? Occupational therapists help you deal with health issues that impact on your activities: by looking at ways we can do the activities differently, by teaching you skills that will help you do the activity, ... by using adaptive equipment or by changing the environment you are doing the activity in. For example I see patients with breathlessness. Someone who has trouble sweeping the floor may need to use a long handled broom and dustpan to eliminate bending which worsens their symptoms. They can also learn breathing techniques that take the effort out of breathing and reduce the time it takes to catch their breath during and following the task. When a person understands the nature of their condition and ways to alleviate symptoms they feel less anxious and their confidence to self manage improves. Go to https://www.otaus.com.au/find-an-ot to get back on top of your activities today. #THISISOT

13.01.2022 Christmas can be a time of of scheduled events, family and friend catch ups, gift and food shopping, racing round to see those lights. For me its a time of thankfulness, blessing and promises fulfilled and I like to make sure I have moments to stop, rest and enjoy the togetherness of family and friends. I heard recently that we can be so caught up in being busy that we think that this alone is enough for justification of our time. Instead we need to stop and look to see if, a...nd what, we have actually achieved, and if we cannot see something for our efforts then we need to re-calibrate and be more purposeful in our actions and not just busy. So this Christmas try to slow down and simply breathe..., noticing the breath in ....and out..., feel your muscles release and relax.... and give your time where it can be purposeful and make a positive difference. For more go to my blog at http://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/blog/ or my website at https://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/index.html. See more

12.01.2022 OT WEEK 2020! Had a great day yesterday online with OT's from round Australia discussing resilience and then a lively discussion online with the OT Association's aged care journal club on research into elder abuse, followed by my fabulous private practice group of colleagues sharing updates and collaborating and supporting each other. I look forward every year to the community we have catching up and sharing and learning, what a great profession of therapists! Visits this week have been full of variety: breath control practice, equipment prescription for wheelchair belt, non slip mats, incontinence sheets, bottle top opener and transfer assistance with bed rail and slide sheet, walking reconditioning, education wheeled walker, and a review of a electric recliner chair trial - always interesting, a week in the life of an OT.

11.01.2022 Looking forward to attending this course. Very interested in Dr Courtneys multidimensional view of dysfunctional breathing as it relates to the cycle of perpetual breathlessness in chronic conditions.

11.01.2022 Asthma Week this year is about busting myths and getting the facts out there as 2/3 Australians are affected by asthma! Go to my inlifeblog for more information.

10.01.2022 Good to find some humour to help us cope. I loved this u tube link on the COVID-19 training course :)

10.01.2022 Scouts Motto: Be Prepared... Cradle Mountain, world heritage area of majestic beauty but also a place of extreme weather and unpredictability. I was climbing to the Mt Marion Lookout and found that half way up in the cold and floating rain I had trouble catching my breath. Exercise induced asthma has little warning I find. As every good explorer should do I had a snack in my pocket and my bottle of water and was rugged up in beanie and coat against the cold.... However just shy of the top things got a little uncomfortable. That need to fill the lungs but not getting as much as Id like coupled with the knowledge that I was literally in the middle of nowhere and my nearest reliever was , you guessed it, in the car park an hour and a half away. There was no way I was going to turn around and miss getting to the top so I used what I had to get relief... For more go to my blog at http://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/blog/ or my website at https://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/index.html.

09.01.2022 A recent research article that I read has found that breathing through the nose significantly increased memory recognition. Breathing in the nose is an important part of managing breathlessness and the bonus is that we can enhance our memories at the same time. For more go to my inlife blog at https://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/blog/

09.01.2022 As women we are often trying to balance family, work, after school activities, sports, and other miscellaneous things that all seem to have a high priority at once, and Murphys Law, usually do. One thing we need to carefully and considerately NOT put down the list is a heart health check. Know the facts. Know the risks. Know yourself.... Go to wwww.heartfoundation.org.au for more information. See more

09.01.2022 Recently I met with a patient who was frustrated over her difficulty in removing a pair of trousers with ankle elastic. Breathlessness and inability to bend for sustained time was the source of anxiety. There sitting on the shelf unnoticed and looking rather understated was the dressing stick awaiting its moment of glory. For more of The Humble Dressing Stick and other tips on breathlessness and fatigue go to my blog - http://www.inlifetherapy.com.au/blog/

08.01.2022 For everyone young at heart. Lets make Easter fun at home this weekend:)

08.01.2022 Its Seniors Week in QLD from the 17-25th August. Show your support for seniors in our community by actively engaging them in conversations and activities. Did you know that the Brisbane City Council Library has a loans delivery service for those that are unable to get themselves to a library independently. Grab a form for your family member or neighbour and theyll need a GP to fill in the medical section and you can return it to the library and staff will get in touch to find out their preferences - just another way to keep them involved in community.

07.01.2022 Working from home in the school holidays with fringe benefits: my daughter unexpectedly and wonderfully asked if Id like lunch and then brought in a freshly made salad sandwich:)

07.01.2022 The government needs to stop sidelining this issue.

06.01.2022 One thing Ive found is that there are a lot of ideas floating around about how to use inhalers but they are not necessarily the right ideas. Things get foggy as time passes since youve been shown how to use your inhaler or it may be that you were shown a technique years ago that has since been updated and changed after more recent research findings. When techniques are used effectively more medication reaches your lungs. If youre not sure, get in touch with your Doctor, Co...mmunity Nurse, or Pulmonary Allied Health professional and ask them for a demonstration. The Lung Foundation has a patient resource page with videos and fact sheets on techniques specific to your device at: https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/ Asthma Australia also has a page on its website on how to use various devices at: https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au//manage-your-asthma/how Dont leave it to work itself out but be pro active and self manage your way to effective use of your medications with good inhaler technique. See more

05.01.2022 As part of Inlifetherapys COVID-19 Response Plan telehealth phone and video services are now available: - From the 28th March Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans can include telehealth video and phone services by Occupational Therapists. - From the 1st April DVA has approved telehealth video and phone service by Occupational Therapists for referred patients.... - Instructions for video telehealth can be emailed to you prior to your online appointment. If needed, it might be handy to preempt any difficulties by having a tech savvy family member or friend sit with you when you download the app or attend your first appointment. - Therapy aids will be emailed or mailed for appointments as required. Home visitation is continuing as recommended and in line with Department of Health and WHO guidelines, strategies for treatment provision will include the following: use of outdoor areas for treatment, social distancing , use of hand washing, cough etiquette, hand sanitiser and use of minimal contact treatment methods / assessment tools have been put in place for home visits. Phone calls will precipitate all home visits to check health status and that an area for treatment that allows social distancing is available. Every referral will be assessed on an individual basis as to what is the best form of contact to be observed. Please phone for further details as needed on 0421474328.

04.01.2022 Its Heart Week this week with a focus on knowing your risk factors and getting a heart health check with your GP. Understanding breath management is an integral part of managing fatigue and breathlessness symptoms in heart failure. So be informed by checking out the Heart Foundation website, checking in with your GP, and talking with family and friends to keep heart health conversations happening. #showsometicker

02.01.2022 I recently completed an Integrative Breathing Therapy course and mentoring with Dr Rosalba Courtney. Valuable insights into dysfunctional breathing and ways to assess and help my patients manage better, particularly the ones that need to focus on whole body breathing or have difficulty with rate of respiration during and post activity. Patients are now benefiting from this with new prompt cards to assist them in home practice.