CEO Message

Hello good people,

I hope this finds you all well and in good spirits.

Welcome to another Everglow newsletter.

Well, the team has had another busy year, they just keep getting faster. One minute we are setting the goals for the year and the next thing we know we are setting the table for Christmas. Most people will be looking forward to a well-earned rest over Christmas and to spend time with family and friends and ponder what 2021 will bring.

In 2020, we had a hugely successful year both financial and growth wise. Clearly word is spreading about Everglow as we have continued to see more and more folks choosing the Everglow difference.

We have lots of new faces and skills in our care and support teams and will be working on more activities and care services moving into 2021.

We continue to forge closer and stronger relationships with our clients and key suppliers and this will continue to be our focus in 2021.

Please let me encourage you to count the blessings in your life over the last year.

My wish is that the new year brings great happiness and success to you and your loved ones.

Thanks to all staff, board members and volunteers whose tireless efforts keep Everglow running smoothly.

On behalf of all the team at Everglow, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our valued clients, and suppliers for their ongoing support and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Safe, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2021.

Until next month, stay safe.

Wayne

Disaster Management 

What to do to be prepared for a Summer (Wet Season?) in North Queensland

Dealing with the Heat

The consistent heat and humidity in the north can take a toll on our health so it is important to remember to

•   Hydrate – make sure you have enough water every day.                   
•  Keep your home as cool as possible. You can do this through opening a window to catch the   breeze or putting on fans and/or air conditioners as required.

Keeping your home as cool as possible is important when a Personal Care Worker is performing a service.  Your home is their workplace, and you need to provide a safe environment for them to work in. By opening a window or turning on a fan or air conditioner, you can play your part in keeping them safe from heat related hazards, for example dehydration or heat stress.

 Severe Weather Events (Fire / Flood / Cyclone)

Every year we prepare for a cyclone that often does not arrive and as a result we often become complacent.   It is better to be prepared and safe, than sorry after the event.  To ensure you are ready:

•  Secure items and tidy up around your property
•  Prepare an emergency kit
•  Have an evacuation plan ready and if your area floods the location of your closest shelter
•  
• Talk to family members / friends / neighbours who can help you, as they become a part of your support network in an emergency.
•  Talk to your Personal Care Worker if you need information (e.g., planning your emergency kit or evacuation plan).
• Ensure your details and contact information is current.    If something has changed, let your Case Manager know.

When Preparing Your Emergency Kit

• Non-perishable food items (do not forget the can opener) and bottled water
• Essential medication / First Aid Kit / toilet paper / toiletries e.g. toothbrush / soap etc.
• Battery powered radio / mobile phone and charger / torch / battery
• Change of clothes plus hat / sturdy gloves / closed in shoes / sunglasses
• Camp oven or gas burner / basic tools / garbage bags
• Important documents – Legal / banking / insurance / memories (photos)

 Important Phone Numbers

 Police / Fire / Ambulance - 000

Townsville City Council - 13 48 10 – townsville.qld.gov.au

Burdekin Shire Council – 07 4783 9800 – www.Burdekin.qld.gov.au

Hinchinbrook Shire Council – 07 4776 4600

State Emergency Service (SES) - 13 25 00 – ses.qld.gov.au

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group – disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au

Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group – www.facebook.com/BurdekinDCC

Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group – facebook.com/hinchinbrookdisasterinformation

Department of Transport and Main Roads - 13 19 40

Townsville Hospital and Health Service - 07 4433 1111

Translating and Interpreting Service - 13 14 50

Ergon Energy – Emergency - 13 16 70 – ergon.com.au

Ergon Energy – Faults - 13 22 96

Origin Energy – Gas leaks only - 13 35 74

Telstra Faults - 13 22 03

Optus Faults - 13 13 44

Remember your family members or personal contacts

Staying healthy over the holidays

With the Christmas and New Year holidays coming up soon, you may find yourself veering away from your usual daily and weekly rhythms of activity. It’s good to change things up a bit, to socialise with friends and family, and to enjoy the holidays. In doing this, though, don’t forget to take care of yourself!!

Here are some tips to help you stay alert, vibrant, and healthy during the holidays:

1.Eat and drink in moderation

There are so many goodies to eat and drink around the holidays! Who doesn’t love a pavlova for dessert or a celebratory drink to ring in the New Year? It’s wonderful to be able to indulge in these delights, but make sure you do so wisely, especially if you have special dietary requirements or restrictions. Try not to over-eat or over-drink, and enjoy it all within moderation.

2. Rest when you need to

There is nothing wrong with taking a bit of time out to rest, especially if your sleep pattern has been changed by travel or visiting friends and relatives. Have some quiet time in a chair (combined with tip #5 ‘take a few breaths’), or even lie down for a ‘nana nap’ if your body and mind are telling you they are tired.

3. Keep moving!

Try to do at least a little exercise every day. This can include going for a walk, in the morning or evening when it is not too hot. You can also practice some of the chair exercises we do in Gentle Exercise classes. Try to gently move all of your joints each day to keep them mobile. This includes moving your spine forward, backward, side to side, and a soft twist in each direction. Remember, ‘motion is lotion!’

4. Stay hydrated

During these hot summer days, remember to drink plenty of water. Eating water-full fruits like watermelon will also help replenish vital nutrients that we lose through sweating. You could try putting a slice of orange or lemon in your water to change the taste. Mint leaves and cucumber slices are very nice too!!

5. Take a few deep breaths once in a while

Deep breathing is so good for your body and your mind. Every day take a few deep breaths, filling the front, back, and sides of your lungs. Feel how your body moves with your breath. Breathe out through your mouth and let the exhale carry away unnecessary tension your body and mind may be carrying. Breathing in this way helps to oxygenate your whole body and clear tension from your nervous system.

6. Smile. Laugh. Have fun!

Enjoying and appreciating the moments is a wonderful way to keep a positive attitude and stay healthy! Enjoy the time you spend with friends and family. Enjoy looking at the ocean and feeling the breeze touch your skin on a hot day. The holidays can sometimes be a sad time for people, so reach out to those you care about with a phone call or visit (we are so lucky to be able to visit our friends loved ones in Australia!!).

Please note: Gentle Exercise and Colouring Therapy for Townsville Clients has been cancelled. However, we will return back in the New Year on

Gentle Exercise: Monday, January 4 at 9:30am and 11am   and   Friday, January 8 at 9:30am  and 11am at Railway Estate Community Hall   

Colouring: Tuesday, January 5 at 10am-11:30am at Everglow Office ( 3/24-26 Ross River Road Mundingburra QLD 4812)                                         

The Everglow Gentle Exercise Team (Rike and Tracey) wish you all a Safe and Happy Christmas and wishes of peace, happiness, and good health for 2021!

Monthly Function 

Christmas Luncheon In Ingham

We are having Christmas monthly function on Thursday 17th December 2020 at RSL Club, Hawkins Street, Ingham from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm 

The cost is $20.00 per person                                                                                                                  Buffet style lunch with dessert Secret Santa to the value of $10   

Please make sure to ring on 4776 2296 to RSVP by Friday 11th December 2020

Townsville Clients Christmas Luncheon

We are having Christmas monthly function on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 at Brothers Leagues Club 14 Golf Links Drive, Kirwan at 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm  

The cost is $20.00 per person                                                                                                                            Buffet lunch including dessert, tea and coffee

Please make sure to ring on 4725 1822 to RSVP by Monday 14th December 2020

Give us a call for more information about our services and products.