This is a video that was developed in conjunction with the Dubbo and Coonamble Aboriginal Health Services. The focus of the video was to encourage awareness within the community of the support and treatment options available for the debilitating impacts of musculoskeletal conditions in Aboriginal communities across Western NSW.
A significant number of our fellow Australians in the Getting you Life Back video may continue to accept their symptoms as unavoidable ‘aches and pains’ of life, which can lead to needless suffering and physical impairment – unaware that some ailments are indeed treatable.
This video features local Aboriginal people, in their own words, encouraging anyone regardless of age, to seek the help of local healthcare providers, and to then follow their treatment plan with the prescribed medications.
Help us improve musculoskeletal health in Aboriginal communities.
Seek Medical Advice Early
This video is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Indigenous Australians Health Program’ (IAHP) which aims to close the health and life expectancy gap. The video was created with the support of the Communities of the Tiwi Islands and the Tiwi Islands Health Clinics Julanimawu clinic at Wurrumiyanga, Jipuwampilala clinic at Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi Clinic.
Ngawurrayamangamiya Ngawurrayamangajirri: Care for Each Other
The video focuses on raising awareness in the community by regularly seeking medical advice from the local health clinics early, and the importance of taking medication as prescribed by clinic staff. It incorporates messages of valuing the use of traditional medicine, culture and lifestyle in a Tiwi way to support a holistic approach to wellbeing.
The video features local Tiwi people and takes as its main theme the importance of looking after yourself as well as others, so that the Tiwi Islanders can improve overall health and wellbeing, and remain strong.
Important Notice:
A recent passing in the Tiwi Islands affects the promotion and use of this video. Tiwi People, please note that the video contain images of ‘OldLady’: (A) Puruntatamerri of Milikapiti. Sincerest respects are paid to grieving friends and family.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Lupus
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Lupus are really big diseases that can affect any part of the body. Eating vegetables and fruit help your body with nutrition, and gentle stretching and walking everyday is really important. Most importantly take your medication every single day, even if you feel better. It’s important to continue taking them as your doctor said, without any breaks or stopping entirely.
Rheumatoid arthritis hurts. It hurts sitting with friends, it hurts walking, and it can hurt even when resting. Help your community by taking your tablets, not just once or twice, but everyday or as the doctor told you to take them. It’s important to take the tablets everyday even when you feel better, if you want to stay feeling better. If you don’t, you will start to hurt again.
