www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/livingwell

Edition 57: May 2020 Wellbeing Newsletter

You can get your friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours living in the City of Salisbury to sign up for an electronic copy of the newsletter at www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/CHWNews.

This edition is full of health and wellbeing tips, events and information.

Hi everyone, we trust that this newsletter finds you well! We have created a special newsletter full of wellbeing tips especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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New Small dog Park

A small dog park has been completed at Happy Home Reserve. The park is situated right next to the dog park on the corner of Waterloo Corner Rd & Davis St, Salisbury North. This is right next to the Little Para River Trail.

‘I can’t wait to take my dog Coco there once dog parks re-open again’ (Jim -Ed)

‘Pathway to embrace today’

Walkers and Cyclists are enjoying the opening of the northern section (Bolivar to Waterloo Corner) of the Tapa Martinthi Yala shared use path (along the Northern Connector). Tapa Martinthi Yala means 'Pathway to embrace today' in Kaurna. The southern section of the new pathway, Globe Derby to the South Road, Port River expressway junction is scheduled for completion in early May.

www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/livingwell

Current services for older adults The Community Health & Wellbeing team that works with older adults in the City of Salisbury are at this time concentrating on the delivery of essential services only. Our Para Hills and Pine Lakes centres are closed. Jack Young Centre – Salisbury

Although part of the centre is closed, fresh and frozen take away home style cooked meals are available to purchase from Jack’s Café – located at the Jack Young Centre (JYC). It’s a great way for older people in the community to avoid the shops and access some delicious and healthy food. We have frozen soups, desserts and a wide variety of mains available from our freezer Monday to Friday between 10am - 2pm. Alternatively call before 11.30am to order a selection of fresh meals (including daily specials) to collect by 2pm. For all orders or enquires phone 8406 8525 or email jyc@salisbury.sa.gov.au Menu is available from www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/jyc

Home Assist – Salisbury

All City of Salisbury residents over 65 years who is without adequate support, frail or with health/mobility issues and requires some assistance during this COVID-19 pandemic, can contact Home Assist on 8406 8225.

• Shopping from a list and/or assistance to access shopping online

• Urgent home modifications • Essential medical transport • Emergency maintenance

Bagster Road Community Centre - ‘Fast & Fresh’ meal Kits

These have been developed by the Bagster Road Community Centre to provide ready-to-cook meal kits to feed a family of up to four people - all for $8.50 each. The kits are easy to prepare for everyone; even the kids can get involved. Each kit has been approved by a dietician - the meal is correctly portioned and comes with the recipe and simple to follow instructions.

www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/livingwell

Each menu changes seasonally, with 5 new recipes for each season. The Autumn menu is: Chicken & Veg stir fry; Coconut Vegetable Curry; Vegetable Frittata; Pasta Bolognese; Creamy Chicken & Veg Casserole Phone orders - 8250 4167 Library update

Click and collect service (for those that have transport). People can put books on hold online at home and then come by the library to collect them all whilst maintaining social distancing). Library to your door service (for those that do not have transport and/or who are isolated). People can also put their books on hold online and we will deliver the books to them and collect them afterwards free of charge). If people do not have online access, they can simply call their library and the friendly library staff will put their selections on hold for them.

For those that aren’t library members already, the libraries can sign them up temporarily over the phone and they will be able to borrow a slightly reduced number of items each time (but still plenty even for the most avid readers) and then once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, they can come in and produce some ID, and they will be able to borrow up to 100 items !

General Information

Flu Vaccination Reminder

The Department of Health have said that it is more important than ever to have your flu vaccination. They are free if you are over 65. These can be arranged via your GP or pharmacy.

Pharmacy Deliveries

Many pharmacies are offering delivery – either for free or for a small fee. Not only can they deliver medicines and scripts but also other pharmacy items. Give your local pharmacy a call to find out if they offer this service.

Telephone Appointments with GPs

Did you know that all GPs can now provide appointments with the telephone? It is called Telehealth and is a Medicare subsidised service. Call your local GP clinic to arrange this. They will be able to advise the process. They can also send your script directly to the pharmacy for you to collect or for delivery to your door.

Redcross Telecross

This service is a phone call each day to check if you are ok. It’s for people who live alone and are at risk of an accident or illness that might go unnoticed. Call Red Cross on 1300 885 698 to register.

COVID-19

For the most up to date and accurate information we recommend that you visit:

• For national updates, the Department of Health website www.health.gov.au

• For local updates, the SA Health website www.sahealth.sa.gov.au

• For council updates and information, go to Website www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/covid-19 or Facebook www.facebook.com/cityofsalisbury or Email city@salisbury.sa.gov.au or Phone: 8406 8222

www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/livingwell

This jar needs a name!

We all look forward to when we are able to venture outside more freely to shops, cafes & restaurants…and it will happen.

Here is one idea we came across to savour past experiences and to look forward to something positive. What you do is put little notes in a jar about all the things you would like to do when you are able to.

It might be…going to your favourite restaurant and naming it; buying a new dress; having a picnic with your extended family or friends.

The idea is that when we are able to venture outside more freely, that we use this as a ‘lucky dip’…what wonderful thing am I going to do today or plan to do the next opportunity?

Any suggestions about what to call this jar? ‘Bucket list jar’ ‘My next favourite thing’ The best suggestion will win a prize! So, what will you put in your jar?

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Wellbeing tips

There is currently a LOT of information being produced suggesting on how you can look after yourself in these challenging times. Here are a couple of useful tips for your physical and mental health and maintaining social connection.

Connection

We know we can’t go to the Jack Young Centre or catch up at the Hub, but we can still talk to each other and maintain our social connections. We can call, text, group chat, FaceTime, enrol in a Pen Pal program – use whatever works and get creative. This is especially important if we’re not feeling OK or we’re worried about someone else Mental health tips

Here are some simple steps Beyond Blue says you can take to look after your mental health, even in times of physical distancing or if you are self-isolating:

• Staying connected with family and friends. If you can't do it face-to-face, maintain contact through email, social media, video conferencing (eg: Skype, WhatsApp) or phone calls.

• Keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy foods.

• Try to maintain physical activity - even just going for a walk can help.

• Stick to the facts. Being misinformed can fuel feelings of anxiety, so it's important to seek information from credible sources, such as government and health department web sites.

• Limit your exposure to social media and news if you find it upsetting.

www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/livingwell

We like these suggested habits for good mental hygiene from the World Economic Forum. Focus every day on what you can do and take action – no matter how small. Go outside and appreciate nature (as allowed by your local guidelines) at a slower pace to get a daily dose of physical exercise, relaxation and vitamin D. A bit of fresh air and some sun on your face might help to boost your energy. Hang out in the yard, kick the ball around, read a book with a glass of red, or pull up those weeds you’ve neglected for weeks. There are plenty of ways to get some much needed vitamin D.

Call that relative or friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Practice in these next few weeks to be in the moment, more mindful and supportive of those around you. We can all learn to be more flexible and have acceptance of what we can do with the present, rather than what we cannot do. There’s no time like the present to review our use of technology in general and mental health in particular. Access opportunities for meaningful social connection, mindfulness, self-care, distance learning, telemedicine and beyond. Apps won’t magically grant wellness, sleep or put an end to poor mental health, but they are tools that we can learn to use with wisdom. Cultivating these habits can have significant and most timely effects such as changes in our immune systems. Empower those around you. We can all take ownership of, and be supportive, and responsive, to our communities – our families, neighbourhoods, work and societies.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Key things that we know help include: Set up a daily routine. Plan activities that are fun (such as reading, watching movies, hobbies) and that give you a sense of achievement (such as cleaning, completing tasks, learning a new skill). From RUOK co-founder Graeme Cowan’s early morning ritual – ask yourself “Am I O.K.?” What is the one thing that I can do today to boost my mood? (going for a walk, reaching out to a loved one, doing something I enjoy.) No matter what happened yesterday, write 3 things you are grateful for. ‘What good am I going to do today?’ (Benjamin Franklin) We feel better about ourselves when we feel useful. If we suspect others are struggling – reach out. Check their body language/tone of voice for signs of distress. Listen – help them feel understood, encourage them to take one step (go for a walk, contact a helpline, reach out to someone they trust and respect.) Help lines : Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 Lifeline - 13 11 14

Stay active - create an exercise routine that can be completed at home, to maintain physical fitness and reduce stress.

Keep moving in as many ways as possible

You don’t need to stop your regular workout routine. Just revise it. You’ll soon be amazed by the number of exercises you can do simply with a dining room chair, bag of rice or milk containers filled with sand or water. Active Ageing Australia – has resources including the ‘Moving for Life Your Way’ + ‘Active for Living’ Bundle - $50 ____________________________________

www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/livingwell

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

We hope you enjoyed the content of this newsletter. We have endeavoured to provide you with a few useful tips for your physical and mental health and maintaining social connection. Feedback To provide feedback on this newsletter or to suggest what you'd like us to feature in future newsletters, please phone Jim Binder or Arlene Jasper on 8406 8251.

Upcoming Events

The regular COTA Conversation with Salisbury Seniors will be having their May session on radio. You’re invited to tune in to 5PBAFM 89.7 on Friday 15 May at 11am to 12noon and listen to our guest speakers. Topic: Defy Ageism – Live Life ‘Challenging Ageist Attitudes’ Our guest speakers will cover the topics: • insights from COTA SA about Ageism • navigator project (supporting people to

navigate through My Aged Care) • update from the Adult Safe Guarding Unit • tips on staying safe online • Salisbury Seniors Connect project -

what's working well for older people, how are they staying well and staying connected and staying safe?

You can ask a question for our guest speakers prior to the event by calling 8406 8368 or emailing cdadmin@salisbury.sa.gov.au

Final Tips

…from the Editors

Put your favourite songs on. What’s on your list? Ours would include…. ‘Bright side of the Road’ – Van Morrison ‘You Raise Me Up’ - Josh Groban ‘Happy’ – Pharrell Williams

…and from the Seniors Card team

Home is where the heart is. Why not do some makeover projects! You may add value to your home and have fun doing it. - Penny

Stay upbeat and active. Gardening can help us turn this situation into a positive. Sow seeds or plant seedlings and watch them bloom. - Josh

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MAY WELLBEING QUOTE

'There are two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle'.

Albert Einstein