Desert Women Fitness Classes at Alice Springs Dialysis Clinic
At an Alice Springs dialysis clinic, individuals with chronic kidney disease are being supported in their journey towards the transplant list. One initiative involves kidney transplant recipient Nicki Scholes-Robertson leading fitness classes for patients. The goal is to help participants stay on course for a life-saving transplant.
Amidst the sounds of a Celine Dion remix, a group of women at the clinic engage in a vigorous workout routine. The atmosphere is filled with determination as the Aboriginal women engage in weightlifting, boxing, and yoga exercises. Physiotherapist Nicki Scholes-Robertson is present, providing motivation and camaraderie as the group pushes through their workout.
The Desert Women Fitness Classes are designed to support individuals with chronic kidney disease in maintaining their fitness and overall well-being. As a recipient of a kidney transplant herself, the instructor understands the significance of these sessions in facilitating the journey towards recovery. Her goal is to instill a sense of optimism regarding the possibility of a transplant among the participants. Despite lower transplant rates in the region compared to other areas, there is a collective effort to enhance these statistics. The primary aim is to motivate individuals to remain dedicated to their path to better health.
The Path to Organ Transplantation
Over ten years have passed since Ms. Scholes-Robertson was informed of the pivotal news that altered the course of her existence.
Initially perceived as a mere throat discomfort, it ultimately unraveled as the identification of an enduring kidney ailment referred to as IgA nephropathy.
Nicki Scholes-Robertson received a kidney transplant back in 2014, as reported by ABC Alice Springs’ Xavier Martin. She mentioned that a significant portion of her kidney function had deteriorated. Following nine months of dialysis, a procedure that purifies the blood when the kidneys are not functioning correctly, her younger brother generously volunteered to donate his kidney to her. Scholes-Robertson expressed gratitude for being among the fortunate individuals who have undergone a successful kidney transplant. This experience has ignited a strong desire within her to advocate for improved support for others facing similar challenges. Despite her positive outcome, she acknowledged the challenges faced by many individuals in the arid regions of Central Australia, where the journey towards a kidney transplant can often appear daunting and bleak.
Challenges of Desert Women Fitness Classes
Working since December last year with Purple House, an Indigenous-owned health service in Alice Springs, Ms. Scholes-Robertson is dedicated to improving dialysis access for remote communities.
Central Australia faces one of the highest rates of chronic kidney disease in the country, with 1% of the population undergoing dialysis.
NT Health reports that nearly half of the Aboriginal population over 50 in the Territory suffers from chronic kidney disease or its clinical indicators.
Concerns are rising as the demand for renal services increases in parallel with the rapid growth of diabetes.
Ms. Scholes-Robertson aims to encourage more individuals towards life-saving transplants through her fitness classes.
Getting on the transplant list is no easy feat, especially for individuals dealing with conditions like diabetes or cardiac issues. Ms. Scholes-Robertson emphasized the extensive screening process involved, stating, “It’s a challenging journey that requires significant effort and support to reach that stage.”
Selina Bob is actively promoting the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. A Pitjantjatjara woman hailing from the remote Aboriginal community of Utju (Areyonga), Selina Bob has been engaging in fitness classes led by Ms. Scholes-Robertson alongside her sister and cousin. Expressing her optimism, Selina mentioned her progress towards being listed for a transplant. “I feel a sense of joy,” she shared. “Returning to a fulfilling life in the bush, rather than being confined to a renal ward, would be a positive outcome if we receive a kidney.” This dedication to fitness is exemplified by Selina Bob’s commitment to the Desert Women Fitness Classes.
Desert Women Fitness Classes: A Journey Towards Recovery
At Purple House, a significant number of clients, although young enough to undergo a transplant, must fulfill various criteria before being approved.
These requirements encompass frequent dialysis appointments, strict medication adherence, tobacco avoidance, and maintaining overall well-being.
Sarah Brown, the CEO of Purple House, emphasizes the importance of meticulous care to optimize the longevity of each transplanted kidney.
Following the transplant procedure, patients are obligated to take prescribed medication indefinitely to prevent kidney rejection.
Nicki Scholes-Robertson emphasizes the challenges of getting on the transplant list, especially in remote communities with limited resources like housing and healthcare infrastructure. She stresses the importance of preventing infections, which can be particularly tricky in such areas. Scholes-Robertson highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and education about chronic kidney disease in these remote regions to decrease the demand for transplants. She advocates for more funding towards prevention efforts to address the root causes of the issue.
In the face of growing calls for more significant investments, individuals like Ms. Bob are taking it upon themselves to raise awareness within their communities. Ms. Bob personally engages with families in their native language, emphasizing the importance of healthy habits and proper nutrition for overall well-being. Minister for Health Selena Uibo acknowledges the need for a new kidney care plan in the Northern Territory, focusing on prevention and providing comprehensive and culturally sensitive support closer to home for individuals with kidney disease.
The new plan aims to develop innovative dialysis models tailored to individual needs, incorporating virtual or onsite clinical and allied health services. Desert women fitness classes play a crucial role in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic conditions like kidney disease within these remote communities.
