A word to the wise
So, we've hit February and most of you have already broken those New Year resolutions.
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I never break mine. Never ever.
How can I be so resolute I hear you ask. Easy.
Just pick five things to do that you like.
My List for 2017.
5. Listen to Bach Concerto for Two Violins.
4. Do not let any politician vex you.
3. Listen to Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A
2nd movement: Adagio (The most beautiful music ever written).
2. Listen to Astral Weeks by Van Morrison (Greatest Album Ever).
1. Tell Kim I love her.
Piece of cake really.
George Harley
Mount Isa
Raising awareness on epilepsy
Throughout March, communities around the world are dedicated to raising awareness of epilepsy, culminating in Purple Day on March 26 (International Epilepsy Awareness Day). During this time, people wear purple and hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition that will affect more than 800,000 Australians in their lifetime, and 50 million people worldwide.
Sadly, due to social stigma and misconceptions, many people with epilepsy do not disclose their condition and live in fear of being ‘found out’. This Purple Day, Epilepsy Action Australia would like to encourage communities to shine a light on epilepsy by lighting up purple a local landmark and raising funds for community education services to better the lives of those affected.
Interventions by Epilepsy Action Australia can help increase understanding in our communities, such as epilepsy awareness sessions, seizure first-aid training, and the Online Academy, which offers several courses about epilepsy for parents, carers, schools and healthcare professionals.
I would encourage your community to support Purple Day during March by simply making a donation or getting involved (www.epilepsy.org.au). Please help shine a light on epilepsy this Purple Day and put your region on the map.
On behalf of all Australians living with epilepsy, thank you in advance to your readers for supporting Epilepsy Action Australia. Your support helps to reduce isolation and ensure people living with the condition are able to live the best life possible.
Carol Ireland
CEO, Epilepsy Action Australia
Labor not delivering on health
In 2012, the LNP committed almost $30 million over four years for an enhanced Maternal and Child Health Service.
Between 2012 and 2015, we dramatically boosted resources, reopening a string of new maternity services in regions where Labor had cut them.
Weipa and Ingham maternity services were also on track for reopening in 2015.
It was the LNP that expanded midwifery services in Emerald Hospital and other rural areas, increased hours for the flying obstetrician and gynaecologist from 400 to 1000 a year and signed a major contract with Central Queensland and other universities to recruit midwives in partnership with midwifery group practices.
As well, under the former LNP Government, midwives’ salaries were increased by more than 9 per cent.
Labor’s Cameron Dick is making it up with his claims about midwifery under the former LNP Government.
State Parliament passed an LNP motion in June 2015 to roll out more midwifery services in rural areas - something that had been in our forward plan.
The reality is the current problems are a result of Minister Dick’s appalling planning and his ignoring the will of the Parliament for 18 months.
John-Paul Langbroek
Shadow Health Minister