Every 3 months, the 8 clinical societies that span the Healthy North Coast footprint come together to make friends, network, learn new and localised information and have fun in a collaborative, knowledge-sharing space.
May and June’s events include a look at social media, screen addiction and gaming disorder, as well as e-cigarettes, vaping, and alcohol and other drugs.
It’s a great way for you to meet fellow primary health professionals in your community and focus on a topic relevant to your local area. Sign up to your local Clinical Society today.
Click on the below topics to register for your local May or June event today!
The rise of technology has resulted in new and detrimental addictive behaviours, often labelled as internet addiction, screen addiction, device addiction, social media addiction, and video gaming addiction or gaming disorder.
Video game addiction itself has already been officially recognised as a clinical disorder, and emerging research is revealing the effects and impacts of social media and gaming on children and young people.
Join Brad Marshall, ‘The Unplugged Psychologist’, as he discusses the impact of social media and gaming and explores the effect overuse can have on the developing brain.
Brad identifies the warning signs and symptoms that primary healthcare professionals can discuss with parents and use as screening tools in practise. He will provide information that will help parents with early intervention steps and behaviour management strategies to manage overuse.
Brad is an internationally published author, researcher, clinician, and speaker. He is the director of the Screens and Gaming Disorder Clinic in Sydney, where he and his team help children, young people and families impacted by Internet Gaming Disorder and problematic screen use.
Brad’s clinical experience led him to write ‘The Tech Diet For Your Child & Teen’, providing real-life strategies that any parent can implement to create a healthy balance with technology and put their kids’ development first.
A 2-course dinner is included. The clinical societies are for primary healthcare professionals, so grab your colleagues, come and dine, network, and stay informed.
For more information and to register, click on your region below:
17 May – Lismore, Casino & Kyogle
18 May – Ballina Byron (2 seats left, or join the waitlist)
6 June – Coffs Harbour & Bellingen
7 June – Kempsey & Macleay
Experimenting with e-cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs is now a relatively normal part of adolescent risk-taking behaviour, however primary healthcare professionals should be alert to substance use behaviour and the impact that substance use can have on the developing brain and later cognitive development.
These upcoming clinical society events will explore the prevalence of vaping among children and young people. It is an ideal opportunity to understand the prevalence and health effects of vaping in children and young people and why it should be of concern.
There will be practical tips for parents and young patients aimed at stopping vaping and smoking. The impact of substance use on cognitive development will be examined, along with referral pathways and service options for alcohol and other drug addictions.
A 2-course dinner is included.
For more information and to register, click on your region below:
23 May – Tweed Valley (2 seats left, or join the waitlist)
24 May – Nambucca & Macksville
29 May – Port Macquarie & Hastings
30 May – Clarence Valley
