DailyFit - Evolv360

07/03/2026

📢 Why Australia Needs Stoma Bathrooms Included in Building Codes

Many people have never heard of a stoma until they or someone close to them needs one.

A stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body into a bag. People may need a stoma because of bowel cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, injury or other serious medical conditions.

In Australia, it is estimated that over 50,000 people live with a stoma, and every year around 5,000 Australians undergo surgery that results in a stoma. For these Australians, managing their stoma is not optional. It is a daily part of life that requires access to appropriate hygiene facilities.

Yet when they leave home, something as basic as managing their stoma bag can become extremely difficult.

Most accessible toilets in Australia were designed primarily for mobility disabilities. While these facilities are essential, they often do not include the equipment needed for safe and hygienic stoma care.

A stoma bathroom is designed to support this need. The images above show examples of what these facilities look like. They typically include:

• A shelf or bench to place equipment
• A small sink positioned to rinse stoma bags
• A mirror to assist with changing
• Hygienic disposal options
• Accessible space for people with disabilities

Without these facilities, people with a stoma are often forced to manage their care in ways that are undignified or unsafe, including using standard toilet cubicles without proper washing facilities.

This can lead to people avoiding public spaces, limiting travel, or feeling anxious about leaving home.

Despite the number of Australians living with a stoma, stoma facilities are not currently mandated in the Australian building codes that guide accessible bathrooms.

Accessible infrastructure should support all disabilities and medical conditions, including those that are not visible.

It is time for a conversation about including stoma bathrooms within the standards that guide accessible facilities in Australia so people living with a stoma can participate fully in community life with dignity.

Education is the first step. Change is the next.

If you would like to better understand what living with a stoma involves, this short video explains it well:

https://youtu.be/ia6ffTLVO3A?si=JSF1dyBBuU6QeufW

If this is something you support, help raise awareness. Share the message and encourage the inclusion of stoma bathrooms in future accessibility standards.

Because dignity and accessibility should be available to everyone.

18/09/2025

14/06/2025

June is Men’s Mental Health Month.

I have been living with mental health for more then 8 years, it hard, it's tiring, it can be very dark, but;

I’m okay — but not because life has always been easy.
I’m okay because I spoke up.
I got help.
And I check in regularly with the people who’ve got my back.

For us blokes, asking for help can feel tough.
We’re told to be strong.
To be silent.
To just “man up.”

But here’s the truth:
💬 Talking about how you feel doesn't make you weak.
😢 Crying doesn't make you soft.
🤝 Asking for help doesn’t make you any less of a man.

It makes you brave. It makes you real.

As men, we have a responsibility — not just to ourselves, but to each other.
Whether it’s having a chat, listening without judgment, or just sitting quietly together over a beer — we're stronger when we show up for one another.

Let’s break the stigma.
Let’s normalise saying “I’m not okay.”
Let’s support the mate who’s struggling — even if he can’t find the words yet.

If you ever need someone, know this:
I won’t judge you.
I won’t mock your tears.
I won’t shut you down for wanting to talk.

I’m just a message away.
And from my own lived experience, I’ll do everything I can to help you feel okay again.

You’re not alone.
You’re not broken.
And you’re never less of a man for needing help. https://mensline.org.au/mens-mental-health/changing-how-we-talk-about-mens-mental-health/

See how different approaches can make a big difference.

01/01/2025

Finding Strength in a New Normal: Navigating Life after Multiple Health Challenges

Life has a way of throwing us unexpected curveballs, challenging our resilience and pushing the boundaries of our strength. For many, transitioning from what society considers a "normal lifestyle" to living with an invisible diagnosis is an arduous journey, oftentimes unseen by those around us. This is the story of such an odyssey, complicated by the challenges of post-bowel cancer recovery, living with an ileostomy, PTSD, PDD, and eventually, the physical disability of losing a right dominant arm below the elbow.

The Initial Shock and Resilience

The journey begins with an unexpected battle against bowel cancer. Emerging victorious was no small feat; however, the victory came with its own challenges, marked by the presence of an ileostomy. This change was not immediately visible to the outside world, yet it fundamentally altered daily life. Coping with PTSD and PDD added layers of mental and emotional stress that were as challenging as the physical hurdles.

During this time, work became an essential part of life, a beacon of normalcy amid chaos. However, it became increasingly difficult to maintain sustainable employment due to chronic health interruptions. Each step forward seemed to be met with another step back, demanding constant adaptation.

Redefining Strength and Family Roles

At home, the responsibilities of being a partner and a father were sources of immense joy and purpose, yet they brought about feelings of inadequacy. As the pressures of health and work collided, the struggle to play these roles effectively intensified. Anguish over the perception of being a burden to loved ones, combined with the loss of independence, created a daunting emotional landscape.

Despite these feelings, the love and support of family became both a refuge and a motivator. It became essential to communicate openly about struggles, creating space for empathy and understanding within the family unit. This not only strengthened relationships but also served as a crucial lifeline during challenging times.

Adapting to New Challenges

Just as acceptance of one new "normal" began to take shape, the loss of a dominant arm presented another significant life change. This physical disability required relearning day-to-day tasks, reshaping personal identity, and accepting help, which can be difficult when striving to maintain independence.

The journey to finding a new normal involved not only physical rehabilitation but also mental resilience. It required accepting vulnerability and leaning into adaptive technologies and community support. Engaging with others who have undergone similar experiences provided invaluable insights and companionship, alleviating feelings of isolation.

The Continuous Journey of Acceptance

Adjusting and readjusting to these significant life changes is an ongoing process. It involves acknowledging each new challenge, celebrating small victories, and allowing oneself grace during setbacks. Therapeutic support, peer networks, and personal hobbies can play vital roles in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Ultimately, the story is one of resilience. It highlights the importance of redefining what it means to live a fulfilling life, despite the hurdles. Though the road is fraught with difficulties, it is also lined with opportunities for profound personal growth and the development of deep empathy and connection with others.

Finding a new normal after each transition involves understanding and accepting that who you are is not defined by your physical and mental challenges, but rather by your strength, love, and commitment to living life to the fullest, regardless of the circumstances.

19/10/2024

01/10/2024

✋ 🧠 October is AVM and AVF Awareness Month! 🦴 🦵

This month, let's join hands to spread awareness about Arteriovenous Malformations and Arteriovenous Fistulas. These rare but serious vascular conditions can occur in various parts of the body, including the brain, spine, and limbs.

🌟🩺 AVM and AVF can lead to complications such as bleeding, seizures, chronic pain, and even reduced mobility, affecting both neurological and physical functions.

💪🏽🔍 Raising awareness is crucial for early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. Let’s educate ourselves, support research, and share stories to create a supportive community. 💬🤗

🔹 Know the symptoms ➡️ Seek help ➡️ Support research
🔹 Help spread the word ➡️

here's a quick summary of the conditions.

🩸Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM):** An AVM is a complex and abnormal tangle of arteries and veins that bypasses normal capillary networks, primarily affecting the brain and spine. This can lead to problems such as seizures, headaches, and bleeding.

🫀Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF):** An AVF is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, which can reduce blood supply to areas of the body, potentially leading to issues such as swelling, pain, and in severe cases, heart problems.

Both conditions can have significant health impacts, and early detection is important for effective management and treatment.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected! 🤝❤️

07/07/2024

What a champion, 🏆 this is what gym and fitness is all about kicking personal goals at all levels.

Living with Down syndrome, autism and a stoma, CrossFit competitor Jordan Cabrita is proving to the world what adaptive athletes can achieve.

16/06/2024

Understanding High Flow Pressure AVM in the Right Hand: Causes, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatments

Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies characterized by an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system. This can lead to significant health problems depending on their location and size. When these malformations occur in the right hand, they can cause unique challenges and symptoms due to the complex anatomy and usage of the hand.

What is an AVM?

An AVM in the right hand is a tangle of blood vessels where arteries directly connect to veins. This abnormal connection creates a high flow and pressures within the involved vessels. Normally, blood flows from arteries into capillaries and then into veins. Capillaries play a crucial role in slowing down blood flow, facilitating nutrient and oxygen exchange at the cellular level. In an AVM, this process is disrupted, causing various potential complications.

Symptoms of High Flow Pressure AVM in the Right Hand

The symptoms of an AVM in the hand can vary depending on the size and location of the malformation. Common symptoms include:

1. **Pain and Swelling**: Due to increased blood flow, the affected hand may appear swollen and could be painful, particularly when the hand is used or pressure is applied.
2. **Pulsations or Bruit**: A noticeable pulsing sensation or a whooshing sound (bruit) might be felt or heard over the malformation because of the turbulent blood flow.
3. **Skin Changes**: The skin overlying the AVM can become thin, reddish, or bluish due to the pooling of blood.
4. **Weakness and Fatigue**: The hand might feel weak or become easily fatigued due to altered blood supply and potential nerve compression.
5. **Ulcerations or Bleeding**: In severe cases, the skin over the AVM may develop sores or ulcers, and spontaneous bleeding can occur.

Risks of Having a High Flow Pressure AVM in the Hand

AVMs, especially those with high flow and pressure, carry several risks:

1. **Rupture and Bleeding**: A significant risk is the potential for the AVM to rupture, leading to severe bleeding. This is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
2. **Pain and Functional Impairment**: Chronic pain and impaired function of the hand can severely affect daily activities and quality of life.
3. **Heart Strain**: Large AVMs can create a significant burden on the heart, as the heart has to pump more blood to compensate for the abnormal circulation.
4. **Nerve Damage**: The pressure from the AVM can compress nearby nerves, leading to numbness or weakness in the hand and potentially permanent nerve damage.

Possible Treatments for High Flow Pressure AVM in the Hand

Several treatment options are available for managing AVMs, depending on their size, location, and associated symptoms. Key approaches include:

1. **Observation**: Small, asymptomatic AVMs may simply be monitored for changes over time.
2. **Medications**: Pain management and anti-inflammatory drugs can provide relief from symptoms, although they don't treat the malformation itself.
3. **Sclerotherapy**: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a sclerosant solution into the AVM to reduce its size by promoting vessel closure.
4. **Embolization**: In this procedure, a catheter is used to deliver materials to the AVM that block blood flow to the malformation.
5. **Surgery**: In some cases, surgical resection of the AVM may be necessary, particularly if it's large or causing significant symptoms. This can be a complex procedure due to the intricate vascular structures in the hand.
6. **Laser Therapy**: Laser treatments can help manage superficial vascular changes and reduce symptoms.
7. **Combination Treatments**: Sometimes, a combination of the above methods may be used to achieve the best outcome.

Conclusion

High flow pressure AVMs in the right hand are complex vascular anomalies that can lead to a range of symptoms and complications. Proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plans are crucial to managing these conditions effectively. If you suspect you have an AVM or are experiencing symptoms, it's essential to seek medical advice from a specialist who can guide you on the best course of action tailored to your specific situation. Early intervention and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.

20/10/2023