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Quarterly newsletter of the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning Autumn 2009 .................................................................................................................................................................................... The ACNFP's 23rd Natural Family Planning Conference the natural news Quarterly newsletter of the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning 23rd NFP Conference............................ 1 Midlife Health for Women ...................... 2 President's Column ............................... 3 ACNFP Executive Report ..................... 3 History of the Maronite NFP ................. 4 State Reports ........................................ 5 NFPP Board Report .............................. 6 Training Dates for ACNFP courses ........ 7 In Support of Sperm .............................. 8 inside acnfp services Autumn 2009 L ast year the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning (ACNFP) held their twenty third conference in Sydney. The major highlight of the conference was the launch of the new ACNFP website which will allow couples to learn NFP online. Sharon Young, Manager of Natural Fertility Services (Sydney), gave participants a sneak preview of the website. “This technology will enable couples to use NFP in a whole new way and give them greater access to the services we provide,” she said. Derek Boylen, Director of Natural Fertility Services (Perth) told delegates that “this will enable us to take the big leap into technology of the new millennium. It means we can connect with couples directly in their homes and more importantly will enable us to reach many living in rural and remote areas.” Other keynote speakers at the conference included, Dr Geoff Reid on infertility and Dr Janelle McDonald on peri menopause and menopause. Other areas of focus during the conference included same sex attraction as well as the use of research and statistics. These themes will be elaborated in coming editions of Natural News for those who were unable to attend. The Annual General Meeting saw a number of changes to the executive and the Teacher Training Committee. Evelyn Brien took over from Brian Maher as President of the ACNFP and Sharon Young took on the role of Chair of the Teacher Training Committee. For the other appointments see the President’s Report. Life time membership was awarded to Ann and Tom O’Donnell, Jane and Barry Setter, Faye Cash and Sue Butler. Noelle Melrose was given the ACNFP Award. The Barbara Gross award was given to Dr John Casey and Dr Terry Bennett. Feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive. In a workshop on using research in presentations Terence Boylen suggested the use of wordles (http://www.wordle.net/) as a way of synthesising and condensing the main themes in written material by producing word clouds. For those interested in some of the themes in the feedback from the Conference see the word cloud below. The bigger the word the more frequently it was used in the collated feedback from the conference. "Feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive."
Transcript
Page 1: Autumn 2009 2009.pdf · 2014-08-12 · Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner. In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision

Quarterly newsletter of the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning

Autumn 2009 .................................................................................................................................................................................... �

The ACNFP's 23rd Natural Family

Planning Conference

the natural newsQuarterly newsletter of the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning

23rd NFP Conference ............................ 1

Midlife Health for Women ...................... 2

President's Column ............................... 3

ACNFP Executive Report ..................... 3

History of the Maronite NFP ................. 4

State Reports ........................................ 5

NFPP Board Report .............................. 6

Training Dates for ACNFP courses ........ 7

In Support of Sperm .............................. 8

inside

acnfp services

Autumn 2009

Last year the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning (ACNFP)

held their twenty third conference in Sydney. The major highlight of the conference was the launch of the new ACNFP website which will allow couples to learn NFP online.

Sharon Young, Manager of Natural Fertility Services (Sydney), gave participants a sneak preview of the website. “This technology will enable couples to use NFP in a whole new way and give them greater access to the services we provide,” she said.

Derek Boylen, Director of Natural Fertility Services (Perth) told delegates that “this will enable us to take the big leap into technology of the new millennium. It means we can connect with couples directly in their homes and more importantly will enable us to reach many living in rural and remote areas.”

Other keynote speakers at the conference included, Dr Geoff Reid on infertility and Dr Janelle McDonald on peri menopause and menopause. Other areas of focus during the conference included same sex attraction as well as the use of research and statistics. These themes will be elaborated in coming editions of Natural News for those who were unable to attend.

The Annual General Meeting saw a number of changes to the executive

and the Teacher Training Committee. Evelyn Brien took over from Brian Maher as President of the ACNFP and Sharon Young took on the role of Chair of the Teacher Training Committee. For the other appointments see the President’s Report.

Life time membership was awarded to Ann and Tom O’Donnell, Jane and Barry Setter, Faye Cash and Sue Butler. Noelle Melrose was given the ACNFP Award. The Barbara Gross award was given to Dr John Casey and Dr Terry Bennett.

Feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive. In a workshop on using research in presentations Terence Boylen suggested the use of wordles (http://www.wordle.net/) as a way of synthesising and condensing the main themes in written material by producing word clouds. For those interested in some of the themes in the feedback from the Conference see the word cloud below. The bigger the word the more frequently it was used in the collated feedback from the conference.

"Feedback from the conference was

overwhelmingly positive."

Page 2: Autumn 2009 2009.pdf · 2014-08-12 · Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner. In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision

the natural news

� .................................................................................................................................................................................... Autumn 2009

In the last year I have had three clients experiencing symptoms

of menopause and wanting some information on this phase of their lives. At 31 I can tell them all I know of but I can’t truly understand what they are going through. It is important to keep abreast of all there is to know. So at our recent ACNFP conference keynote speaker Dr Janelle McDonald had a lot of knowledge and wisdom to impart on the topic which I gratefully took with me to help my clients.

Dr McDonald spoke about Women’s Health during their midlife, topics including menopause, hormonal changes, lifestyle changes, and the whys and wherefores of hormonal therapy.

Janelle defined menopause as the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian egg production. The average duration of peri menopause lasts for 5 years. This is the time in which women may experience some of the widely acknowledged

symptoms of menopause. It begins with the first hormonal changes and ends after 12 months of missed menstruations can be confirmed.

Hot flushes, crawling skin, mood swings, vaginal dryness, headaches, and an increased incidence of depression are but some of the symptoms that a woman may experience. Most of these symptoms can in some way be linked to the hormonal changes occurring at this time.

By Anne Raymond ~ Teacher Trainer (NFS Perth)

... continued on p5

Midlife Health for Women

Page 3: Autumn 2009 2009.pdf · 2014-08-12 · Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner. In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision

Quarterly newsletter of the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning

Autumn 2009 .................................................................................................................................................................................... �

Dear Fellow Members

This is my first report since being elected President at the Annual General Meeting. I look forward to working with you all in this position and hope that you will feel free to contact me at any time if the need arises. My mobile number is 0419167693.

My thanks go to the out-going members of the Executive and Teacher Training Committee. President Brian Maher, Immediate Past President and long time member of the Teacher Training Committee, Mrs Noelle Melrose, Chair of Promotions, Mrs Denise McGinn. We will miss not only their experience and expertise but also the fellowship built up over a number of years. They will continue in their work providing NFP to their local areas.

The newly elected Executive is made up as follows:-

President MrsEvelynBrien SydneyCentre VicePresident MrsLeilaJessimer MaroniteCentre Treasurer MrsChristineMartin Parramatta&SydneyCentres ChairofPromotions MrDerekBoylen PerthCentre ChairofTeacherTraining MrsSharonYoung Sydney,Parramatta&Wollongong ImmediatePastPresident MrBrianMaher ParramattaCentre

The position of Secretary remained vacant at the AGM but has since been filled by Mrs Trish Logan from Cairns. Thanks to all those who stood for Executive positions but were not successful on this occasion.

The Teacher Training Committee is made up as follows:-

MrsSharonYoung-NSW MrsDeniseMcGinn-SouthAustralia&Victoria MrsPatriciaRainbow-Tasmania MrsAnneRaymond-WesternAustralia MrsJenniferMason-Queensland

It was great to reconnect with so many at the ACNFP biennial Conference held at Baulkham Hills. The conference was a great success and thanks go to Sharon Young and her planning committee for all time and effort put into ensuring a quality program. The conference gives us all an opportunity to meet with people of like mind and to come away revitalised both spiritually and educationally. Feedback was that the venue was very suitable and that the topics covered were beneficial.

Take Care and God bless, Evelyn Brien President

Among the many issues your Executive has been discussing are:-

o Finalising the website as a teaching toolo Organising a new Promotions Committee and planning the Newslettero Encouraging NFS Educators to enrol in the Broken Bay Institute Courseo Furthering the relationship between Napro Technology and ACNFPo Updating the ACNFP Policies & Standards.

President's Column

Executive Report Executive Report

President's Column

Page 4: Autumn 2009 2009.pdf · 2014-08-12 · Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner. In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision

the natural news

� .................................................................................................................................................................................... Autumn 2009

In 1985 Fr Michael Kayrouz approached Mrs Odette Younane

a mother of seven to undertake a training course in Natural Family Planning. His plan was to start a natural family planning centre for the Maronite community in keeping with the official teaching of the Church. Mrs Younane agreed.

In that same year Fr Kayrouz approached the State Govt for funding for this centre. The State Govt agreed to fund the centre with Mrs Margaret Frater and Sydney Services being responsible for the training and supervision of trainees and teachers. There was no financial interaction between Sydney Services and the Maronite Family Planning Service.

In 1987 the Centre was officially opened by Bishop Abdo Khalife who retired soon afterwards.

Bishop Hitti formally appointed Mrs Odette Younane as Diocesan Co-ordinator for Maronite NFP Services in Australia. At this time Mrs Leonie Turner a trained teacher with the Sydney Diocese attended the centre one day a week to supervise Odette Younane and a new trainee Mrs Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner.

In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision of the Co-ordinator from Harris Park. Mrs Georgette Abdallah was office manager and later Miss Yvette Nehme was given special consideration to join the centre.

Fr Michael Kayrouz and the support

of the late Bishop Abdo Khalife made it possible for the centre to operate and it was promoted through the pre marriage courses within the Church.

Bishop Hitti was also very supportive and it was at this time that Fr Geoffrey Abdallah came on board Monsignor Shora Maree was the supervisor.

In the early nineties pre marriage sessions were held at St Maroun’s Redfern with Mrs Evelyn Brien then the FLE Co-ordinator for Sydney Services and Mrs Odette Younane.

When the marriage preparation program was set up at a Diocesan level, the classes were held at the Bishop’s residence in Strathfield 1998 – 2001.

Mrs Rose George joined the NFP team at this time as School Educator

and spoke to Year 10 students about puberty, peer pressure and re-production. Mrs Carla Geracitano also joined the centre at this time.

In 2002 Mrs Odette Younane retired and Mrs Leila Jessimer was appointed as the Manager of the service until she had undergone NFP training and was accredited. Mrs Jessimer was then

chosen as the new Co-ordinator and continues in this role.

In 2008 Mrs Jessimer was elected onto the ACNFP board as Vice-president a position for two years.

The Maronite Natural Family Planning Services runs pre – marriage classes at Our Lady of Lebanon at Harris Park, St Charbel’s at Punchbowl and St Joseph’s at Croydon, classes were also held at St Maroun’s at Redfern for a short time. The Maronite Natural Family Planning Services continues to grow and spread. The Maronite educators now attend all of our Maronite Schools with talks on puberty, health, hygiene and reproduction.

The centre also runs mothers and daughters talks, mothers groups (with the focus being on keeping in good health) and special talks on peri-menopause, breast feeding, fitness, health and any topic the womens groups want to know about.

I would like to thank all the teachers and trainers from Natural Fertility Services and the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning without whose help none of this would have been possible.

By Leila Jessimer

History of the Maronite Natural Family Planning

... continued from p2

Page 5: Autumn 2009 2009.pdf · 2014-08-12 · Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner. In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision

Quarterly newsletter of the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning

Autumn 2009 .................................................................................................................................................................................... �

State Reports

In the last 12 months the Perth team has continued to build up our FLE work. The demand for our presenters has grown and with this has come the need for more FLE accredited staff. So it was a blessing to add to our team a new group of enthusiastic trainees. Everyone really stepped up to meet the demands of the busy year.

We were also graced with the chance to try some advertising on a local christian radio station. We were grateful for all of the clients that we received from this venture.

Thanks to everyone for their continued hard work and efforts.

SA

WA

SA

WA

TASTAS

South Australia is looking forward to a positive and interesting 2009.

We are thrilled to have a new trainee - Jenni O’Connor, who will bring enthusiasm, new ideas and more youth to our centre!

Whilst Chelsea is returning to full time uni study this year, she is continuing to develop her wonderful FLE skills as well as continuing a regular client load.

Chris and Denise continue with regular clinical sessions.

Another exciting and interesting change for us will be the appointment of a new manager for our unit here at Centacare. We are looking forward to working with them, confident they will provide new ideas, skills and attributes to our small team.

Things are very quiet in Tassie at the moment - we have had a hand over of the office to Nicole Rowbottom, who has completed her training, with Pat Rainbow still continuing as supervisor and back-up teacher for the State. Pat is enjoying semi-retirement and a new grandson to play with. Client numbers are trickling in and hopefully these will increase once we settle down. Nicole has conducted school talks and pre-marriage programmes, as well as the FLE programme conducted by Centacare Tasmania, which is her main responsibility.

Initially there may be high levels of oestrogen. Noting a decreasing frequency in her cycles may lead a woman to make an appointment with us – possibly worried about a “change of life” pregnancy.

Pregnancies at this time have a greater risk of miscarriage due to changes within the egg causing them to become more fragile and not have enough energy to help them to divide. Eventually progesterone levels decline. These changes in progesterone and oestrogen levels will affect a woman’s chart with changes in mucus, temperature and length of cycles. We may also notice breakthrough bleeds during cycles.

Many women make lifestyle and dietary changes during this time to help control the symptoms and keep themselves more comfortable. These changes not only help a woman to manage the symptoms but also the flow on affects of things such as osteoporosis and heart disease. It would be good advice for our clients to visit their GP.

While some women like to try alternative therapies there is a large percentage of women who opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT holds with it a substantial list of risks and benefits. Dr McDonald maintains that the lowest effective dose should be used and that all women using or considering using HRT should ensure that they are fully informed of their individual benefits and risks. Note that if women use HRT they can no longer use NFP.

Armed with my new found knowledge I feel that I can be more sensitive to the needs of my clients trying to manage their midlife health. I know when to direct them to their GP, I have a clearer understanding of how their charts will be affected and how I can help them to interpret these charts. I extend thanks to Janelle for all she taught us.

... continued from p2

Page 6: Autumn 2009 2009.pdf · 2014-08-12 · Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner. In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision

the natural news

� .................................................................................................................................................................................... Autumn 2009

the natural news

REVIEW BY BOARD

In view of the fact that the Board was set up by the Bishops Conference some time ago, with a Mandate and Charter to further NFP in Australia, the Board is currently reviewing all aspects of its operations.

NEW BRAND NAME FOR NFP IN AUSTRALIA

As mentioned at the October 2008 ACNFP Conference, the new “umbrella” name for NFP in Australia is to be “Natural Fertility Australia....in touch and in control, naturally.”

The intention is that this Brand Name, properly promoted and advertised (a promotion strategy yet to be formulated) will attract those interested/new clients to the website – and that links will direct these people to the two NFP organisations coming under the Board (ACNFP and Billings).It is stressed that the new Brand Name in no way affects the operations of those individual organisations, but is designed to enhance them by attracting more clients.

It is also envisaged that the Secretariat in Canberra (so ably managed by

Cheryl Curnow) will change its name from Natural Family Planning Program to Natural Fertility Australia.

ACCREDITATION

This important topic was addressed at the Board Meeting on 2 March 2009.

As the Funding Agreement between the Australian Government and the Bishops Conference provides for copies of the Certificates of Accreditation to be made available to the Department on request, as well as the need for professionalism in teaching and presenting to be evident, the Board decided that such copies be forwarded to Cheryl Curnow.

Accreditation applies to all personnel who either teach NFP to clients and/or present FLE Sessions in Schools, to engaged couples or health professionals etc.

The content of the actual Courses leading to accreditation (and re-accreditation) is for the individual Organisations to determine.

DISABILITIES MANUAL

This Manual- designed as a teaching aid for people teaching sexuality to mild-disabled people – has been approved by the Government Department (necessary because the funding for its publication came from Government) and is available from Cheryl Curnow.

When used in a Catholic context (e.g. presentations in Catholic Schools or Catholic Agencies) there is to be an accompanying Pastoral Statement by Bishop Gerard Hanna (Chairman of the Board).

It is hoped that the Manual will be promoted by the NFP Centres

NFPP Board Report March 2009throughout Australia. It is a very well put together publication and fills a real need in the education of a significant segment of our population.

ANDROLOGY AUSTRALIA

This Company, an educative body involved with male infertility, has indicated that it is prepared to make available to NFP Centres, on request, material that may assist couples having problems in achieving a pregnancy.

Brian Maher Board Representative for ACNFP

Kevin Francis Hamilton Hume

Dr Kevin Hume

passed away on

3 January 2009 aged 91.

Dr Hume was an important

pioneer in the field of

Natural Family Planning.

Vale Dr Hume.

M

hg

Resquiat in Pace

Page 7: Autumn 2009 2009.pdf · 2014-08-12 · Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner. In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision

Quarterly newsletter of the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning

Autumn 2009 .................................................................................................................................................................................... �

TEACHER TRAINING DATES FOR 2009

Please note the dates ofACNFP Training courses for 2009

** Local and interstate accredited teachers are invited and encouraged to attend any part of the training course for ongoing inservice if they are available to do so.

Please contact Natural Fertility Services Tel: (02) 9390 5156 for more details.

Further information can be obtained by contacting:

Natural Fertility Services,

Tel. (02) 9390 5156 or

The Broken Bay Institute, Tel. (02) 9847 0030

The Broken Bay Institute Course

PART 2..............Variations on normal cycles....26 June – 28th June

PART 3..............Counselling Skills......................................1 August

ACNFP accredited Teachers are reminded of

the Certificate and Graduate Certificate of

Theological Studies being offered by the Broken

Bay Institute and to give serious consideration

in undertaking this course of study.

Members are also asked to pass on information

about the course to anyone they know, who

may be interested in studying in this area.

Resquiat in Pace

Page 8: Autumn 2009 2009.pdf · 2014-08-12 · Dianne Gittany. Mrs Annette Doyle later replaced Mrs Leonie Turner. In 1995 a subcentre was opened at St Charbel’s Punchbowl under the supervision

the natural news

� .................................................................................................................................................................................... Autumn 2009

please note

subscriptionI wish to subscribe to the ACNFP Newsletter Please tick:within Australia $20 ❑

Overseas $25 ❑

NAME ..........................................................................................................

ADDRESS ....................................................................................................

.................................................................................. PC ..........................

Please find enclosed my cheque for $ ....................... Please return to:

ACNFP, PO Box 1129, BAULKHAM HILLS NSW 1755

ACNFP acknowledges the financial support given by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing to the Australian Catholic Bishops, through the Natural Family Planning Services Boards of Management, Canberra, for the production of this newsletter.Design & Production © 2008 Catholic Communications, Sydney

In Support of Sperm

At the 2008 Australian Council of Natural Family Planning, Dr

Geoff Reid, in his presentation on sub-fertility commented that it is more often the male partner than the female partner that is experiencing the sub-fertility. When working with couples it is tempting to focus on the female partner; helping them identify that crucial fertile period. However, assisting the male to ensure he has plenty of healthy swimmers is essential to providing a complete service.

Some key advice to pass on to clients includes:

Keep them coolThe reason men’s reproductive organs are on the outside of the body is because sperm production occurs best at temperatures a couple of degrees lower than body temperature. Wearing clothes that are loose fitting, avoiding excessively hot environments such as saunas and avoiding activities that may generate

excessive body heat can all help in healthy sperm production.

Avoid Drugs and AlcoholNumerous studies have shown that drugs, including smoking and alcohol can dramatically reduce a man’s sperm count. Smokers have been shown to be up to half as fertile as non smokers and produce more malformed sperm. Men on long term medication should consult their doctor about how this may affect sperm.

Avoid ToxinsA University of Texas study found that farmhands on organic farms had double the sperm count of farmhands who worked with pesticides. Another study by the University of Southern California found that poor air quality lowers sperm count. Leaving for work earlier to avoid the peak hour rush and avoiding chemicals and pesticides may gain a few extra sperms.

Go healthyThe best way for men to increase their sperm count is through a healthy lifestyle. Focusing on both healthy eating and exercise is the key. Fresh food is great for producing healthy sperm. Penn State University found that men drinking fresh orange juice twice a day recorded a drop in defective sperm from 20 per cent to 11 per cent. Avoid vigorous training programs while trying to achieve pregnancy but regular moderate exercise helps to maintain good healthy sperm production. RelaxSperm are sensitive and a stressful, high pressure lifestyle can lead to lower sperm production. Make a concerted effort to take time for relaxation and fun; it’s good for you and it’s good for sperm.

Occasionally misleading or inaccurate information can be published. In the event that you note something that may be erroneous in a media release or publication please make a copy and send to Evelyn Brien, who will consult with the Medical and Research Advisors of Natural Family Planning so that it may be addressed and accurate information provided.

To contact Evelyn Brian,

please call 02-9390 5156 or email [email protected]

ACNFP Executive President: Mrs Evelyn BrienImmediate Past President: Mr Brian MaherVice President: Mrs Leila JessimerSecretary: Mrs Trish LoganTreasurer: Mrs Christine MartinChairperson, Teacher Training Committee: Mrs Sharon YoungChairperson, Promotions Committee: Mr Derek BoylenEditorial Committee: Dr John Gallagher, Mrs Sharon Young, Mrs Evelyn Brien Administration Officer: Mrs Amy Galaret


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