Sunrise Quarterly Newsletter - Summer 08

A positive and productive year...so far...

Can you believe 2008 is coming swiftly to a close? Planning and programming for 2009 is well under way and it looks like 2009 is going to be a busy year, full of many positive things happening in the world of health.

Therapy Products

Click here to order

Christmas is just around the corner no matter how much you try to put it off. Why not use this Christmas to provide your kids with 'toys' that are educational, purposeful and fun at the same time. All of our products are used by our therapists and are sourced by other health and education professionals.

We have new products coming in regularly so check out our web site for new products.  We have been shopping recently following feedback received by parents and teachers.  Our range has expanded to include a variety of fidget toys, sensory tools, stress balls, fine motor games, visual perception games, oral motor tools, Therapy putty, timers, and more....

Helping Children with Autism Initiative

Recently released is new Medicare Items for children under 12 years for diagnosis and treatment for an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sunrise Health Consultancy is able to provide assessment and intervention services for the items numbers for Occupational Therapy.  For information on this scheme click on the link to be sent to the FaHSCIA information sheet.

Further information regarding Medicare Items is available from the DoHA website.

Pram Jam

Pram Jam is an outdoor exercise and social program for new parents run by Angela Lockwood.  The response to this innovative program has been so positive.  We have seen parents gain so many benefits from participating in the group, with some recently undergoing fitness age testing and finding out they are much younger than they had thought!  Impressive for new parents, or anyone for that matter. 

A recent confidential survey of the participants found a 10/10 satisfaction rating from all participants on factors including location, cost benefit, timing, benefit, support, social interaction and ability to achieve their goals. 

If you want to try out a session for yourself (and your baby), and find out what all of the buzz and energy is about call Sunrise Health Consultancy on 02 6582 5277. 

Benefits of the program include; improvements in muscle tone, regain abdominal strength, improve flexibility, increase your cardio fitness, interact with other parents, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and we definitely have plenty of fun.

To view our flyer click here.

Spot on Kids Program

SPOT on Kids is a Speech, Language and Motor Skill program run by Occupational Therapist Angela Lockwood and Speech Pathologist Beth Todd.

The term 4 program has recently commenced.  The group has changed in program design, to work on classroom based skills such as listening and talking in a group, written work, attention and concentration skills.  From feedback gained the programs are of significant value to children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and other children who have difficulty following the routines and expectations within a classroom.

Take a look at our Programs page and Calendar for full details of our Junior, Senior and Secondary programs.

Where: Sunrise Health Consultancy , 48 Kennedy Drive, Port Macquarie.

To register or enquire about either program, please call (02) 6582 5277.  Registrations for 2009 being taken now!

Medicare Refunds

Unfortunately the new Easy pay system being offered by Medicare in health service provider practices has not yet been released through HICAPS. Patients will be informed once this is released. The eligibility criteria is yet to be determined.

Opening Hours and Christmas Opening Hours

Angela has recently returned to delivering clinic services from her maternity 'leave'. Therefore families in the area are now able to access our services with increased opening hours.  

Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, 8.30am-5.00pm

The office will be attended during these times for the remainder of 2008.   In 2009 the office will be unattended during practice hours, however if you wish to speak with our Practice Manager or therapists please leave a message and your call will be returned within 24 hours or email us at admin@sunriseot.com.au. Consultancy services and product orders are also provided outside of these times.

The therapists will be on Christmas holidays from Friday 19th December, 2008 and will return on Wednesday 14th January 2009 with much renewed vigor and energy.

Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten

Here is a sample of OT related skills suitable for most children starting Kindergarten.  Starting school may be just a little easier if they have these skills.  Encourage your child to attempt the things mentioned below, but don’t worry if your child can’t do all of them.  Talk to the Kindergarten teacher or school, and together you can support and assist your child’s learning.

• Uses the toilet independently
• Can say own name and address
• Adapts to unfamiliar settings and new experiences
• Can finish a task, and tidies up afterwards
• Plays cooperatively with other children – share  and takes turns
• Can sit still to listen to a story for a few minutes
• Is curious about the world
• Can share an adult’s attention with several other children
• Participates in imaginative play
• Uses scissors to cut along a straight line
• Enjoys a variety of indoor and outdoor play
• Can put on and take off jumpers, shoes, socks independently
• Makes and designs things using a variety of materials
• Is able to write name.
• Is able to use writing tools to make basic shapes on paper.

 What Can I Do To Help Prepare my Child for School?

• Visit your school with your child
• Be positive about school and learning
• Talk with your child about school
• Share many different experiences
• Read to your child
• Provide a variety of play materials – water, mud, sand, paper, pens, paint, balls

For further information contact your local school.

Winner Customer Care Service Excellence Awards in Health and Personal Services 2007 and 2008.