Within the normal knee joint are two C shaped  discs of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci. They have a unique wedged, kidney shape and a blood supply only to their outer third which decreases as you age. Almost 70% of each meniscus is made up of water. These unique properties allow the knee to function as well as it does but they are also the reason why meniscus tears are one of the most common knee joint injuries.

The wedge shape of your meniscus assists with the rotational stability that is created by the anterior cruciate ligament especially during pivoting movements. The large water content allows them to act like a shock absorber. As you walk, jump or run the knee absorbs large forces with the amount of force increasing exponentially as the speed of movement increases. Your mniscus helps to disperse these compressive orces over the whole knee therefore inimizing the damage to the cartilage that ines the bone surfaces.

Meniscal tears are often classified as either raumatic or degenerative. In the younger opulation, meniscus tears are usually due o trauma by twisting on a slightly bent knee.

The traumatic type of meniscal injuries is ost often sports related. Commonly there s pain and a ‘pop’ is heard. The knee joint swells and occasionally the athlete will report a locking or painful clicking sensation. Degenerative tears occur in the older population due to natural age-related degeneration and often the person is unaware of the cause of pain and swelling.

Stay tuned for my next column which will address the management and rehabilitation for the torn meniscus.

For the fitness of you,

Linda Reilly

Dental Health Week is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health promotion event. Its aim is to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health. The key messages are:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

• Clean in between teeth at least once a day with floss or an interdental brush.

• Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit sugar intake.

• Regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and preventive treatment.

These messages will be reinforced with a cheeky tagline, Watch Your Mouth. Sadly not everyone is doing it at the moment as the reality is that many Australians are not heeding these messages: 65% of Australians have not seen a dentist in the last two years, 50% are only brushing their teeth once a day, nearly 40% never floss or clean between their teeth, and 73% of young people (14-18 years) are consuming too much sugar. Start conversations about ‘watching your mouth’ to make oral health a high priority.

Stop your blood sugar from becoming type 2 diabetes before it is too late!

Did you know diabetes:

• Is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults.

• Is the leading cause of kidney failure and dialysis.

• Increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to four times.

• Is a major cause of limb amputations.

• Affects mental health as well as physical health.

• Depression, anxiety and distress occur in more than 30% of all people with diabetes.

This is where your friendly staff at Parkes Pharmacy can help. They are available at any time to discuss Type 2 diabetes prevention and management.

There are no early symptoms of high blood sugar. Many Australians have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and don’t realise this is damaging their bodies. What’s more, 60% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented! The good news is, our pharmacists can conduct a simple check for you to learn your risk and help prevent type 2 diabetes before it’s too late.

One of the best ways to prevent diabetes is to cut back on your sugar intake. For the average person, you should limit your intake to six teaspoons a day. Sugar can be hidden in so-called ‘healthy food’, so learn how to read food labels – every 4g of sugar is equivalent to one teaspoon.

Diabetes Australia estimates that 2 million Australians are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and another 500,000 have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Undiagnosed (and poorly controlled) diabetes can lead to the health complications listed above, so it’s extremely important to get yourself assessed. Come and see us today!

Six months ago Doctor’s Choice Podiatry began servicing the Parkes community. With humble beginnings, seeing just 11 patients on the initial visit, Adam Debenham and Bill Devanney now come to town for five days once every four weeks treating more than 90 patients. Bill and Adam would like to thank the Parkes community for their ongoing support.

They offer thorough foot assessments, both vascular and neurological, as well as general foot and nail care, paediatrics, orthotics, footwear advice, supply of medical grade footwear, diabetic foot care, assistance with foot pain, and all other areas of podiatry care.

Doctor’s Choice Podiatry is now also providing podiatry services at the Forbes Medical Centre in addition to the existing podiatry service provided at Flannery’s Pharmacy and Parkes Pharmacy. EFTPOS/HICAPS facilities are available, Allied Health Medicare Referrals and Department of Veterans Affairs accepted.

Bookings are essential, fees apply. Call 0475 074 104 or pop into Parkes Pharmacy for further details.

Did you know that your local pharmacy can be a wealth of information with health matters surrounding your new born babies and young family?

At Parkes Pharmacy, we have trained staff that can help you with all your questions in relation to your little ones. Prior to the birth of your child and when your newborn arrives you are entitled to receive a free Bounty Bag containing samples, goodies & information. So be sure to visit us so you don’t miss out.

We can weigh your baby, offer information or support in relation to feeding your new baby, including problems associated with breast and formula feeding. New to our shelves are the popular Boobie Bikkies to assist with milk supply. We also stock Pidgeon baby bottles and teats. These peristaltic teats are known to reduce colic/wind in babies using this product.

With winter just around the corner we can offer advice and solutions around managing your baby’s first cold. Coughs, colds and sniffles are part of everyone’s childhood, however it can be worrying when it is your first or young child. We have a range of products to help relieve symptoms of coughing and congestion.

Dry skin can also be an issue in newborns and young children – come and check out our range of baby MooGoo and QV products. We also have a 50% off sale on our amazing natural baby clothing range in store called Baby Booty.

Please call in and see as at Parkes Pharmacy to assist you with your new baby or your young family. Be careful – we are known to grab your babies for cuddles! 🙂