Warning of high bacteria levels at Pages Beach

The City of Greater Geraldton is urging residents to exercise caution when engaging water activities at Pages Beach North after high levels of the Enterococci bacteria were detected after routine sampling.

Swimming and other water-based activities like fishing and boating can lead to infections such as gastroenteritis. The risk is higher if water is accidentally ingested.

Enterococci are commonly found in the stomach of warm blooded animals and humans. High levels of these bacteria can help indicate a decrease in water quality. Although Enterococci are not harmful themselves, they can indicate the possible presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain/cramps, fever, tiredness, body aches and generally feeling unwell.

If you fall ill after visiting Pages Beach North seek medical advice from your doctor.

Another announcement will be released once further tests have taken place in the coming days to indicate whether bacteria levels have reduced.

---

Update 12/2/15

Pages Beach North back in action

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the community that further samples have been taken at Pages Beach North to assess the water quality.

Results have now been received and show there is no current health hazard present and the health warning has now been lifted.

For further information please phone 9956 6600.

Is it time for a new Geraldton Hospital?

Geraldton Cancer Centre to be built in 2016

• A Federal Government Health and Hospital Fund project
• State Government awards $5.3 million contract to local Geraldton builder
• Project set for completion late 2016

The Midwest Cancer Centre is one step closer with the preferred contractor for the project, Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Pty Ltd, clearing the site ready for construction.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the $4.1 million centre would allow cancer patients from Geraldton and around the Midwest to be treated closer to home and in contemporary, state-of-the-art facilities.

“The Cancer Centre will provide additional treatment facilities, including a six-chair and one-bed chemotherapy unit for Midwest residents diagnosed with cancer,” said Ms Price.

“The new centre will mean that more cancer patients from the region will be able to be treated nearer to family and social networks, depending on clinical advice.”

Ms Price said the prevalence of cancer continued to rise, with more than 208,500 people now on the Western Australian Cancer Registry.

“More than 11,700 West Australians were diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and that number looks to increase to more than 14,000 by 2017,” she said.

“Sadly, cancer is a condition which touches almost every Australian family at some point, so there is a clear need to establish services in regional areas that can cope with local needs.

“Understanding the increasing demand for cancer services is crucial to future planning.

“Investing in appropriate health clinic infrastructure and services in remote locations is important to the ongoing viability of regional Western Australia.”

Ms Price said the project was fully funded under the Federal Government’s Health and Hospital program and this component of the build, at $1.2 million, brings the total project cost to $5.3 million.

To maximise efficiencies within project management and to reduce preliminary costs, the $4.1 million cancer centre will be built at the same time as the $1.2 million consulting room accommodation and office for the renal unit.

The successful tenderer, Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Pty Ltd, was one of six companies to tender for the project. Site works have commenced and the project is expected to be completed in late 2016.

Innovation to boost well-being and quality of life

Businesses and communities in Durack stand to benefit from a more innovative Australia.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Australian Government’s new Innovation and Science Agenda included a range of initiatives that would improve the well-being and quality of life in Australia’s regional and rural areas.

"The agenda is a broad-ranging strategy that will change the way all Australians work together to shape the future,” Ms Price said.

“Strong, vibrant, regional communities and innovative, sustainable rural industries are in Australia’s national interest.

“Agriculture and our regional economies are, and will remain, a foundation of our national economy as we position ourselves to embrace new opportunities.”

Ms Price welcomed the Agenda’s range of new initiatives that build on existing measures such as the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, Industry Growth Centres Initiative and the rural R&D system.

“This announcement presents a range of opportunities across the community,” Ms Price said.

“There’s assistance for local business to innovate and grow, support for entrepreneurs to back their ideas and get access to the capital they need, and closer connections between industry and research, particularly in agriculture.

“There are also new initiatives for our young people to get the digital literacy and science, technology and maths skills they need for the jobs of the future.

“Durack’s best resource is its people and we all need to work together to transform our future and unleash our best ideas.”

Recall on Carlton Dry beer

Carlton and United Breweries has recalled Carlton Dry beer from Coles, Woolworths, liquor stores, Metcash/IGA (BWS, Dan Murphy’s, First Choice, Liquor Land etc.), other independents & on premise liquor outlets (bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels) nationally.

The recall is due to the possible presence of glass in product. Consumers should not consume this product as glass may cause injury.

Relevant date marks are 19JUL16 3A & 20JUL16 3B. The product can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

POLL: Climate Change

ATC Midwest awarded Gold Badge from Mental Health First Aid Australia

Mental Health First Aid Australia recognises ATC Midwest with their Gold Badge under the MHFA Skilled Workplaces Initiative.

ATC Midwest has been awarded the Gold badge because they maintain a ratio of at least 20% of FTE staff with a current Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

“We invest heavily into the development of our team. Mental Health is an issue in Australian workplaces, especially amongst youth” said Dave Clare, General Manager of ATC Midwest. “Our Recruitment Officer and our Industry Consultants are mentors to all our apprentices and trainees. Having this specialised training is critical to us engaging, inspiring and developing tomorrows leading workforce today.”

The Government of WA Mental Health Commission states:Around 75 per cent of all severe mental illness starts before the age of 24. By age 21, just over half of young people will have experienced a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Suicide accounts for 17.8 per cent of deaths in the 15-19 year age group and nearly a quarter of all deaths in the 20-24 year age group. Good mental health is fundamental to quality of life and physical health. It contributes to the ability to find satisfying social roles in life and allows people to form positive relationships with others. For young people who are still developing socially, emotionally and physically, the development of a mental health problem or disorder can disrupt and seriously impede their social development, education, family relationships and vocational path. Improving services and support for children and young people is a matter of priority for the Mental

http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mental_illness_and_health/youth_mentalhealth.aspx 

“This is why it is critical for employers seeking to put on an apprentice or trainee consider using services like the ones provided by ATC Midwest. It’s not just about handling paperwork and payroll for small businesses. Our people are highly trained to handle these issues that youth are facing today and provide lifestyle support to them.” Mr Clare said.

This mother affected by suicide is travelling around Australia raising awareness

"Jaie's Journey" is searching for an location to hold their Geraldton event. If you can help please click here to contact Susan Gliddon McColl

Jaie Moran tragically took his own life on the 1st of April 2014.
Jaie's mother, Sandra Moran is visiting towns around Australia to help raise awareness of mental health issues and illnesses, provide some relevant information and to discuss the impact of mental illness and suicide on communities and survivors of suicide. 

Sandra is in the process of having Jaie's Journey registered as a 'Not for Profit' organisation so that not only will this ride bring validation and support to people who need it but, along with her family, will endeavour to continue helping people at risk including bereaved families in their times of need.  She knows it will not be an easy task and the challenges will be ongoing, but it is a ask that she will bear and with her, her many supporters.

With assistance from other coordinators they will do their best to keep everybody updated.  

More information, see Sandra's Blog HERE

Jaie's Journey. Our New Normal after Death by Suicide

Health warning for Greenough River

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise residents to stay out of the water at Greenough River and other local rivers due to potential contamination.  

The water is unsafe for swimming, especially if you put your head under the water.

There has been a number of fish that have died, suspected of having a common fish virus so as a precaution, do not eat any fish from local rivers. 

Any dead fish found should not be touched or handled as they could pose a biological hazard and may be covered in bacteria.

Testing will be conducted in the Greenough River to determine the health risks, and until results can be obtained residents are asked to refrain from water activities until further notice.

Other health risks of swimming in these natural waters can include infection by protozoa such as amoeba which can lead to various illnesses.

Permanent health warning signs exist at sites along the Chapman and Greenough River warning of this risk.

Health Services Boards part of WA health system reforms

The WA State Government has announced significant reforms to the governance of the WA health system calling for the establishment of Health Service boards as separate statutory entities.

From 1 July 2016 Health Services Boards will be legally responsible for the oversight of hospital and health service delivery in local communities and will replace the outdated Hospital and Health Services Act 1927.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said that the creation of Health Service Boards will give local people an opportunity to use their knowledge and experience to the management of health services in the City region.

“One of the key benefits of introducing Health Service Boards will be the wealth of local experience and expertise Chairs and Board Members will bring to the management of health services in our community,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“Its local people with knowledge of local issues, concerns and conditions that will ensure health services in our City region meet the needs of our community.”

The State Government has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) seeking individuals with diverse skills and experience to serve as Chairs and Board Members on interim health service boards in an advisory capacity to 30 June 2016. During this time board members will participate in a formal induction program and work closely with Chief Executives and other key stakeholders in a range of planning and implementation activities.

The transition from interim to statutory boards of governance in mid-2016 is subject to Government endorsements as well as progress with the passage of new legislation to replace the Act. 

The EOI and further information can be found at www.health.wa.gov.au

Health Hub Launches Charity

Left to right, Client Services Team members Michelle O’Brien and Lorraine Bombara, Chiropractor Lisa Naera and Naturopath Charlotte Inwood from Straight Up Health are excited to have launched the charity Health Helping Home to support the efforts of Midwest Charity Begins at Home.

As a health care professional Straight Up Health director and chiropractor Lisa Naera had becomeupset by the frequency and random nature of serious illnesses such as cancer befalling the Mid West community.

Determined to do something to help, and keen to give back to the community that supports her business, Ms Naera and the team at Straight Up Health have launched the charity ‘Health Helping Home’ to provide funding to Midwest Charity Begins at Home (MWCBH), which provides financial support to people struck by serious illness.

To raise money the Straight Up Health team will block out four days a year and commit those days to seeing only new patients or clients.

The new clients will pay the normal consultation fee on the day, but Straight Up Health will donate 100 per cent of that fee to MWCBH. Clients are considered new even if they have visited Straight Up Health before, but seen a different practitioner within the practice. The first ‘new client day’ is Saturday July 25.

“These are going to be huge events, and if you and our community will support us, we think we can raise $15,000 every year to help families in the Mid West to get through a horrible time,” Ms Naera said.

Ms Naera said she wanted to support MWCBH as a way of giving back to the Mid West community, and because of the way serious illness can strike without warning.

“It just comes all at once,” she said.

“One minute they are ticking along just fine, and the next, they are diagnosed with something horrible. It could be you or me, or someone in our family. It’s scary.

“And then, the reality of the situation hits. Who is going to pay the bills when the ones that earn the money can’t work? How do they pay for the trips down and back from Perth, or the place they have to stay when they are down there? What happens to the kids? School fees, mortgages, car payments and all the other costs of living. What if there is no insurance? What happens then?”

The volunteer-run MWCBH has raised and donated more than $1.2 million dollars and helped ease the financial burden of serious illness for 110 Mid West familiessince it started eight years ago.

Ms Naera urged new clients to book early for the first ‘new client day’ clinic on July 25 to help raise money for MWCBH.

“Please come and support us,” she said.

“We all know how quickly things can change in life. If it was you, you’d be so thankful for the help in bad times.”

Straight Up Health is Geraldton’snatural health and wellness hub. It offers chiropractors, a naturopath, nurse practitioner, midwife and doula, exercise therapist and a personal life coach and parenting specialist.

It also provides workshops on homoeopathic remedies, making your own non-toxic skin, tooth and hair products, healthy eating, diabetes control, parenting, as well as Qi–gung and yoga classes.

For more information and to book your new client consult contact Straight Up Health on 9964 4205, email appointments@straightuphealth.com.au

Financial help offer for seriously ill

The late Colin Burgess received Mid West Charity Begins at Home funding to ease the financial strain on his family during his final days and beyond.

Mid West Charity Begins at Home (MWCBH) is encouraging Mid West residents living with serious or terminal illness to apply for financial relief.

The volunteer-run charity has captured the hearts of the region with its efforts to raise money to ease the financial burden of contracting a serious illness.

It has so far helped more than 110 Mid West families in need.

MWCBH president Chris Dobson urged anyone suffering financial strain from paying for medical costs incurred by serious illness to apply for financial relief.

“Having a serious or terminal illness is hard enough but also battling to pay the bills and keep the family financial afloat just adds to the burden,” Mrs Dobson said.

“It’s especially hard for people living in the Mid West as they often have to travel to Perth and live in the city while they undergo treatment – something that is not only huge emotional burden on families but a financial one too.

“Our aim is to ease the pain of such illness by lessening the financial strain at a time these people need it most.”

Geraldton woman Geraldine Burgess received such support while her now late husband Colin, better known as Scruff, battled for his life in 2012.

Mrs Burgess said the support not only helped financially but also in making her realise that people cared.

“The money was provided at what was a really terrible time,” Mrs Burgess said.

“I was unaware of who or what Mid West Charity Begins At Home was when they contacted me, letting me know that someone had nominated us for assistance. I was overwhelmed by the incredible support they offered.

“I felt very safe knowing that I had some money there.

“And it’s not just the monetary assistance, but also knowing that the community cared.”

While Mr Burgess was too ill to realise the money had been awarded to him and his family, Mrs Burgess said he would have been relieved to know his family had financial support.

“The Mid West Charity Begins at Home committee are such beautiful people – they understand that money can make a difference at that time and they also really cared,” she said.

MWCBH raises most of its money by selling tickets to its annual gala dinner, at which it conducts an auction of goods and services donated by the Mid West business community.

Anyone interested in applying for financial help can find out more and lodge an application online by visiting the website www.charitybeginsathome.org.au

House cleaning tips for allergy sufferers

Suffering from dust allergies can be a struggle for some and the smallest things can often trigger symptoms to develop. People with dust allergies are likely to experience anything from an itchy throat, watering eyes, and a stuffy nose to a pounding headache, sneezing and even tightness in the chest.

This makes household cleaning quite a difficult task and can do more harm than good if not maintained regularly, as it will lead to a build up of allergens. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander, fumes from cleaning products, mould and even pollen from indoor plants.

Karyn, from Norfolk Cleaning Services, has provided us with a few handy cleaning tips that can help relieve and reduce allergy symptoms. She also emphasises that regular household cleaning is strongly encouraged to keep on top of the build up of dust and other allergens.

Vacuum regularly:

Dust is one of the most common allergens in homes. Thankfully, it is manageable through regular vacuuming of carpets and window tracks. Dust builds up quickly and if vacuuming only occurs once or twice a month, you will most likely trigger allergy symptoms by bringing up excess dust into the air when cleaning. A simple vacuum once or twice a week is the best thing you can do to keep on top of it.

Use a HEPA filter:

HEPA vacuum filters are designed to remove dust that is both on the ground and in the air, through its powerful suction. Many older modelled vacuum cleaners do not have HEPA filters, which is why some older vacuum cleaners collect dust and blow some of it back out into the air. So investing in a HEPA filtration model vacuum cleaner is a wise choice and they’re sold in most white goods stores. 

Switch cleaning chemicals:

While most cleaning chemicals are effective, certain brands that are scented can easily trigger allergies for those who are sensitive to the fumes. If this is the case for you, Karyn recommends switching to a diluted white vinegar solution and/or fragrant free cleaners which are available in most shopping centres.

Check for and remove mould:

If you notice a few specks of mould, the best thing to do is wait until the surface is completely dry before treating it. Turning on a fan for a few hours will do the trick. Once thoroughly dry, mix vinegar and baking soda with warm water and spray the solution onto the affected area. It is recommended to wait a few hours and then remove the mould with a normal scrubbing brush. Remember, mould can grow anywhere in the house, so using non-toxic chemicals is the safest solution for your family and pets.

Leave it to the professionals:

The best way to avoid irritations and allergies from cleaning is to either get someone else who doesn’t suffer from allergies to do it for you, or leave it to the professionals. Norfolk Cleaning have been operating in Geraldton for over 20 years and specialise in all areas of cleaning and are here to do the hard work for you.  For more tips on how to allergy-proof your home, give their friendly team a call today.

• Norfolk Cleaning Services are open Monday – Friday from 7:00am – 5:00pm
• Phone 0409 374 572

The Vanquish Fat Removal Machine is now in Geraldton

Have you tried countless diets, home exercise routines and gyms but just can't get rid of the last 5 kilos? You're not alone. Many people are just born like this and no matter what they do, their body's don't allow them to lose weight because of their genes and the way their body is made. This therefore makes losing weight almost impossible, but not anymore. 

Body - A Universal Approach are one of the three proud owners in Western Australia who own the Vanquish Machine; a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that burns unwanted fat and is 100% safe and pain free. No longer will you have to travel long distances and wait months to receive treatment that is now available locally in Geraldton. 

They're also proud to introduce Geraldton's first locally based nurse, providing wrinkle relaxers and fillers with Aimee Hagan who is their RN. Phone (08) 9965 4737 to secure an appointment, as they're filling up fast!

Benefits of 5 Natural Therapies You May Not Know About

Natural Therapy is a form of alternative medicine that is non-invasive and delivers a holistic approach without the use of medication or surgery. Natural Therapy, also known at Naturopathy, is based on the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself through various natural methods; including reiki, acupuncture, reflexology and much more.

Ocean Ridge Beauty & Wellness Centre specialises in a range of Natural Therapies and has shared with us what each one is and some of the benefits they provide.

1. Reiki: Reiki is a traditional Japanese form of hands on healing, allowing the life force energy that flows inside us to charge the affected parts of the mind and body with positive energy to promote relaxation and natural healing. Some of the benefits of reiki include the release of stress and tension, increased energy levels, clearing of the mind, relief of pain and aids in better sleep.

Reiki is performed with the premise that our life force and energy that flows inside our body can be used to provide relief for some medical conditions. Although the premise is hypothetical, many patients come out saying that they feel an increase in energy and relief has been provided to the area of discomfort.

2. Acupuncture: Good health requires good circulation. Acupuncture relieves pain, illness and restores normal function by bringing the body back into balance and restoring circulation of blood, energy and body fluids. An acupuncturist chooses specific points on the body to restore this circulation and proceeds by inserting fine, sterile needles into the targeted area to restore balance and encourage self-healing. Acupuncture is known to treat a range of conditions including:

• Neurological conditions - including headaches, migraines, insomnia, dizziness and nervous tension.
• Skin conditions - including eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, scar tissue, hair loss and acne.
• Sporting injuries - including sprained joints, torn muscles and ligaments, bruises and cartilage problems. 
• Psychological conditions - including depression, phobias, anxiety and emotional trauma.

3. Indian Champissage: This is a seated massage that focuses on the shoulders, neck, scalp, face and ears. This massage is a relaxing experience that stimulates blood circulation to loosen muscles in the neck, shoulders and scalp which can provide pain relief, release of anxiety and tension, relief from insomnia and promotes clearer thinking.

Indian Champissage is a relaxing therapy that is safe, non-invasive and is known to provide relief after one session.

4. Ear Candling: This therapy involves lighting one end of a hollow natural ear candle and placing the other end in the ear canal.  This non-invasive relaxing therapy acts as a vacuum and draws out excessive earwax which can provide many benefits including regulating ear pressure, relief from headaches, swimmers ear, tinnitus and even relief from certain allergies. If done correctly, ear candling can be a safe and relaxing experience.

5. Reflexology: Reflexology is a form of pressure massage that is applied to the feet and directs the body’s healing energies towards promoting healthy organ function through hidden meridians and pressure joints. Certain parts of the body correspond to different areas in the body’s system when pressure is applied. If this is done correctly, it may have a beneficial effect on one’s general health. Reflexology aids in reducing stress, insomnia, headaches and improving the immune system through the body’s natural ability to heal and re-balance itself.

 If you are interested in knowing more about Natural Therapies and what they have to offer, speak to the team at Ocean Ridge Beauty & Wellness Centre, who are located at 241c Lester Avenue, Geraldton.

They’re open Monday from 9:00am to 4:30pm, Tuesday – Wednesday, Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Thursday from 9:00am – 8:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Phone (08) 9965 5999.

Trying to save someone's life is a massive hassle

I don't understand why our government makes trying to help people harder than being selfish. 

From time to time the thought about what happens to my organs if I am killed passes through my mind. For the last 33 years I haven't done anything with those thoughts other than decide in my brain that of course I don't need my heart or anything else if I'm dead, anyone else is welcome to have them. 

I then proceed with whatever task I am doing until the next time three years later when the thought passes through my mind or I watch a sad Will Smith movie where he suicides and donates his body. 

But recently I decided to do something. I figured it can't be that hard. My licence was being renewed so I guess all I needed to do was tick the box that said donate and that would be it. 

But I couldn't find anywhere to tick. "That's weird," I thought. I was sure you got a "donor" stamp on your licence or something. 

A bit of googling revealed to me that I had to register with some mob called the Australian Organ Donor Register. No ticking drivers licence boxes since 2004. "Alright, I guess I'll navigate through this government website then."

I discovered that I had to choose whether I wanted to donate specific parts of my body or all of it. I stared at the screen wondering what scenario existed where someone was willing to donate their heart valves but not their heart. What bureaucrat or religion caused this menu to need to exist?

I filled in my details, ticked all the boxes, and clicked "Register". The online form was complete. If I died this week I wouldn't be stressed about my organs going to waste. That was a relief. 

I let my wife know I had nobly registered my intent. She was trying to cook dinner, bathe the younger children, get the grocery shopping done and discuss homework with the older kid... it didn't seem appropriate requesting she go and do the same thing right this moment. 

I went along my merry way for the following couple of weeks safe in the knowledge that I was a slightly better person than I had been the month before. Until I got a letter in the mail asking me to confirm my online request and sign a form and mail it back to them. 

Seriously?! My bank has less security measures than this. Here I am trying to HELP people and they want me to jump through more hoops. I filled in the form again, signed it, enveloped it, and went for a walk to the servo where I posted the letter. 

"Good God," I thought. "Are there hackers logging in to government websites after stealing people's medicare numbers falsely registering people to donate their organs? Are these people then murdering those donators so they can have the organs for themselves?" If there are people up to such nefarious schemes, a letter in the post with a signature is a sure fire way of thwarting their dastardly plans... not. 

With the letter posted, I started to question how many people would really go to this much hassle to register.

I'm not saying the hassle is not worth it. Let's be clear. I'd do a lot more than fill in a letter if it meant extending someone's life. 

I just know how hard it is to get people to vote, click on a link, or respond to a text message. I simply doubt many people would actually do this. 

I blame the daily bombardment of advertising for the collective disengagement our brains have all undergone. It's not that we don't care, we just HAVE to disengage to survive the onslaught of signage and media demanding our attention and action. 

But at least one person, myself, had filled in the letter and mailed it back. I thought that maybe if I am murdered this week my family will be comforted by the fact that my heart could extend the life of a child, or my eyeballs could go to someone who wants to be able to watch House of Cards (what a great show). 

And then a few more weeks went by and I received ANOTHER letter with a printed signature I could not read and no name typed to tell me what the illegible signature said from the Australian Government / Department of Human Services / Medicare / Preventative Health Programs / Australian Organ Donor Register (I think they have a branding problem as well).

In the letter I was given specific instructions to discuss my decision with my family. And there was a card the size of a credit card with my name and some weird number on it. 

I stared at the card... 

Was I supposed to carry this card with me at all times?

If they drag my body from a car wreck, will they be searching my wallet for my donor card? 

I hate carrying a wallet. I usually leave it at home. I have too many cards already that I don't carry around with me. 

And why are they telling me I have to tell my family? 

The letter contained the following sentence:

In Australia, family consent is always sought before a donation can proceed even if you are registered on the Donor Register. 

I stared at the sentence in disbelief. (Lots of staring has happened in this journey.)

Why on earth did I bother to fill in all these forms? 

What if my family change their minds?

What if they're so overcome with grief because they love me so much that they can't bear the thought of parting with any piece of my body and my wish to have my skin tissue given away is denied?

What if my family all die at the same time as me?

Do I need to contact my cousins and let them know my wishes?  

I'm sure I could spend more time on the internet and find the answers to these questions. Or I could ring the toll free number on this plastic card and someone who's tax payer funded job it is to manage this complicated list will let me know how it all works. 

But I've wasted enough time endorsing this ridiculous system by using it. 

---

The system needs to change 

There should be no "opt in" system in Australia. I personally have never spoken someone who has told me they would not want their organs to go to someone else if they died. 

If there are people out there who for whatever reason need to be buried with their kidneys while some child in Perth stays on dialysis, then let THEM go to the hassle of filling out the forms to opt out. 

Here's a something to consider:

Spain has an "opt out" system rather than an opt in system like Australia.
In Spain there are 35.1 million donations per million people each year. 
In Australia there are 13.8 donations for every million people, an absolutely woeful statistic, especially considering there are over 1600 people awaiting donations at this moment. 

And here's some interesting research published at Medical News Today:

Researchers from the University of Nottingham, University of Stirling and Northumbria University in the UK analyzed the organ donation systems of 48 countries for a period of 13 years - 23 using an opt-in system and 25 using an opt-out system.

The study authors measured overall donor numbers, numbers of transplant per organ and the total number of kidneys and livers transplanted from both deceased and living donors.

They found that countries using opt-out systems of organ donation had higher total numbers of kidneys donated - the organ that the majority of people on organ transplant lists are waiting for. Opt-out systems also had the greater overall number of organ transplants.

Click here to read more. 

---

 

If you're an Australian who has a genuine reason for not wanting your organs to go to someone else upon your death, then I feel you should have the freedom to choose that. There are questions over the differences between "death", "brain death" and "cardiac death" and myths surrounding how you'll be treated once you are dead sadly still exist. 

But rather than allow people to continue to die who would have otherwise lived had they received an organ in time, perhaps we could shift the burden of action to those who want to opt out, rather than those who want to opt in. 

Contamination at Ellendale Pool and Greenough River Mouth

The City of Greater Geraldton has issued a warning for residents to stay out of the river water at Ellendale Pool and the mouth of Greenough River, due to the possible contamination of the water from recent rains.

Water samples have been taken from Ellendale Pool and the Greenough River Mouth which has indicated potential large amounts of faecal contamination, including Enterococci and Amoeba.

After heavy rainfall (>10mm) rain collects pollutants from our streets, gardens and farms which flushes into our ocean and rivers via the storm water systems. This can increase bacterial levels in the water and make the water unsafe for swimming, especially if you put your head under or swallow the water.

Other health risks of swimming in these natural waters can include infection by protozoa such as amoeba. This type of infection can lead to illnesses such as amoebic meningitis, a life-threatening disease.

These organisms generally occur in warm water, permanent health warning signs exist at sites along the Chapman and Greenough River’s warning of this risk.

WA Health reports first case of hepatitis A from recalled berries

WA has reported its first case of Hepatitis A, linked to the recently recalled Nanna’s and Creative Gourmet brands of frozen mixed berries.

Communicable Disease Control Director, Dr Paul Armstrong said this latest case adds to at least 12 other confirmed cases across Australia.

He urged Western Australians to not consume the following implicated berry products:

• Nanna’s Mixed Berries, frozen in 1 kilogram plastic bags, with best before dates up to and including 22/11/2016
• Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries in 300 gram (best before 10/12/2017) or 500 gram (best before 6/10/2017) packs
• Nanna’s Raspberries (frozen) in1 kilogram plastic bags, with best before dates up to and including 15/09/2016.

Consumers should return any packs of these products, which were widely available from supermarkets in WA, to the place of purchase for a full refund, or discard them.

“There is no need for people who have eaten these products and remain well to see their doctor for testing or vaccination, as the risk to any individual should be very low.”

“Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can be passed from person-to-person, or come from food or water contaminated with the virus,” Dr Armstrong said.

“Symptoms of hepatitis A can start 2 to 7 weeks after exposure to an infectious person or after eating contaminated food.

“Early symptoms are fever, nausea, loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort. After several days jaundice can develop, with yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin, dark urine and pale stools, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea.”

Dr Armstrong said it was important for anyone who does experience the above symptoms to see their doctor for testing, especially if they have eaten the above berry products in the past two months.

“People who are unwell should also take steps to avoid spreading the infection by careful hand washing and not handling food or providing personal care to others until they have received advice from their doctor,” Dr Armstrong said.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A and people sometimes require hospitalisation for supportive care. Hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination.

Most cases of hepatitis A in WA occur in people who return from travel in developing countries, where transmission is associated with inadequate sanitation and poor standards of personal and food hygiene.

For more information about hepatitis A visit: healthywa.wa.gov.au/Healthy-WA/Articles/F_I/Hepatitis-A.

For current information on the food recalls visit: foodstandards.gov.au/industry/foodrecalls/recalls/Pages/default.aspx

That awkward moment when you find out your pregnant wife has been eating Chinese hepatitis A berries

"Honey, I have to tell you something." 

"Oh yeah, what is it?" I say nonchalantly, as we enjoy the warm summer Geraldton evening at our local park. The dog is playing happily, chewing on a stick he's found, and the park is empty save a couple of tourists who obviously didn't want to fork out for a caravan park and have decided to park up for the night. 

"I saw something on Facebook the other day. I don't want you to freak out."

That's a great way to make your husband freak out by the way. 

"Oh great." A million scenarios run through my head. 

"Don't worry, it's not about your business," she says, insinuating that's the thing in the world I care most about. "Have you heard about those berries that have hepatitis?" 

"Yes." I was kind of proud that I had. But the truth is it was a fluke that I heard. I never* watch TV, read the paper, scroll through my Facebook feed, or turn on the radio. If news doesn't appear in my Twitter stream or on The Daily Show with John Stewart I don't hear it. About the only stuff I have time to keep up with is Geraldton news. (*rarely)

But I had turned on ABC News radio the other day in the car. I used to be addicted to it before EG launched and consumed my every waking moment. I caught a story about the poison Chinese berries and what I can only describe as perhaps the worst on air interview I have ever heard. A journalist was trying to bait a farmer from the South West into saying anything remotely sensational. All the farmer would say was that "it wasn't his field of expertise" and that he and other local growers probably couldn't meet the market demand via Woolies and Coles for frozen berries, and he was happy just serving his local region. I was glad we didn't have any of those horrid berries in our house. At least, I hadn't been served any desert with any berries recently. 

So back to my wife. "Well, we have some in our freezer. And I've been eating them."

"When did you find out?!" 

"Yesterday. I didn't tell you straight away because I didn't want you to freak out." 

"I don't freak out!"

I was freaking out.

---

From Patties Foods:

Patties foods has conducted a voluntary consumer recall for Nanna's Mixed Berries 1kg, All Batches up to and including Best Before Date 22/11/16, and as a precautionary measure, has extended this recall to include:

• Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries 300g, up to and including Best Before Date 10/12/17
• Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries 500g up to and including Best Before Date 06/10/17
• Nanna's frozen Raspberries 1kg up to and including Best Before Date 15/09/16.

Patties Foods advises consumers not to eat the products detailed above, and return packs to the place of purchase for a full cash refund.

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice from their GP or Government Health Authorities in their state.

The consumer recall is only for the products listed above. No Nanna's fruit pies, crumbles, waffles or donuts, or other frozen fruit items are affected by the recall. No other products within the Creative Gourmet range are affected by the recall.

---

Class action law suite

Law firm Slater and Gordon are encouraging anyone who ate the berries and developed the virus to come forward, as a class action law suite looms. 

The supermarkets and distributors are advising people to dispose of the berries, but according to Channel 9 (link) compensation lawyer Mark O'Connor says consumers should ignore that advice as the product could become key evidence should they contract the virus. He advised people to label the packets "POISON" so they're not consumed. 

---

Hepatitis A

From health.vic.gov.au

Hepatitis A is a viral disease that affects the liver. Anyone who has not been immunised either by vaccination or previous infection, can be infected with hepatitis A. People can get the infection if they have direct contact with food, drinks or objects contaminated by the faeces (poo) of an infected person. The virus can survive for several hours outside the body but persists on the hands and in food for even longer and is resistant to heating and freezing. Heating and/or freezing food does not remove the risk of Hepatitis A infection.

For more information on Hep A click here: Link
 

---

Free mammograms for women in Geraldton

Local women aged 40 or over can access the free screening mammography service in Geraldton from February 12 to March 1.

BreastScreen WA’s mobile service will be located at the Geraldton Regional Hospital carpark off Milford Street from next week.

According to research, having a screening mammogram (breast x-ray) every two years significantly increases the chance of a woman surviving breast cancer and reduces the amount of treatment required.

More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and research shows that screening is most effective for this age group.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter, urged women to take advantage of the free service.

“We are privileged to have this extremely important service visit Geraldton,” he said.

“Statistics show that screening mammograms may detect up to 90 per cent of breast cancers so we would encourage local woman to use the visiting service.”

Early detection is your best protection. Ring 13 20 50 to make an appointment.

For more information about the free screening visit www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au