Page 18 - Abacoa Community News - April '21

Page 18, Abacoa
Kangaroo Island: A Place Like No Other

By Don Kiselewski, MCC, du Couedic de Kergoualer.
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens Shipwrecks at this location
Travel Leaders included the Mars (1875),
As soon as you step off Emily Smith (1877) and
the ferry from the mainland Loch Sloy (1899), which
of Australia, you know prompted the construction
that you’re in a special of a kerosene-powered light
place. Kangaroo Island is in the picturesque lighthouse
located in the South Indian structure in 1909. Built before
Ocean, some 12 miles roads, the lighthouse was
southwest of Cape Jervis serviced by sea until 1940.
on the Fleurieu Peninsula Before WWII,
of South Australia. Around 9,000 years ago, the island approximately 75 percent
was cut and separated from the peninsula. What remained of the island was in virgin
is an island that is 100 miles long (east to west) and condition and had never
approximately 30 miles wide. It boasts a population of been cleared of its original
almost 5,000 (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics). vegetation for farming. In
Today, the island is so tight-knit that when the state 1948, 174 excited and optimistic men were selected for There is a plethora of other animals on the island as
of Southern Australia sends more state patrol officers to the task of homesteading the unspoiled scrub. Families well. Seal Beach, as well as the coastline around the
the island on the ferry, the word that the “law is coming” operated from a work base in the center of the island, island, is literally covered by sea lions returning from
spreads over the entire island before the ferry docks at which became the village of Pandama in order to tackle their swim to feed in the ocean. The koala was thought to
Penneshaw. Needless to say, very few locals are caught the monumental task, living in primitive barrack-like be extinct at one time on the island because of fires and
by the state troopers. conditions. By 1964, these hearty individuals had loss of habitat. Nine pair and a few young were introduced
Kingscote is the largest town on the island, where achieved their goal of converting the raw land into back on the island from French Island in Victoria in the
about one-third of the island residents live. The others are workable farms and pastures for their sheep. Today, large 1930s. As a result of the controlled environment and lack
spread in small hamlets throughout the island. Parndana, herds of kangaroos run freely over these pasture lands of predators, their number is estimated at over 2,000.
a small town in the center of the island, was started as at will. Often herds of 500 kangaroos are seen in one These “cuddly” animals can easily be spotted in the
the hub of the settlement program that began at the end paddock at the same time, grazing on the beautiful green manna, swamp or blue gum tree on the island.
of WWII. Servicemen returning from the war were given grass. In 2001, the kangaroo population was estimated at
a chance to obtain land by homesteading. This became 27,000 … that’s about seven kangaroos per square mile. Kangaroo Island on page 19
the heart of today’s agricultural economy on the island.
As with most of Australia, the original inhabitants
of Kangaroo Island were Aborigines. However, their Is Telehealth Here To Stay?
occupation of the island is somewhat of a mystery. When
Europeans first discovered the island, it was clear of any
Aborigines. Based upon evidence and later studies, it is The question confronting most patients these days: own home. Physicians can use the Link+ for remote
believed that the island was abandoned by the Aboriginal are telehealth visits the future of medicine? Interviews patient monitoring as well as telehealth visits. All patients,
people 11,000 years before. with a number of patients show their main concern about but especially those who live alone or with underlying
Perhaps the best reason for the absence of Aboriginals telehealth visits is they feel they’re not getting a proper conditions, should have a Link+ unit to monitor their vital
is the belief that the island is inhabited by the dead. The examination, it’s simply a conversation between the signs. It also has an emergency response button and can be
Ngarrindjeri and Kuma Aboriginal mainland tell stories in physician and patient. The physician asks the patient how worn outside the home. The Link+ is now being offered to
their “dream time” of spirits on the island. In their beliefs he or she is feeling and has no idea what their vital signs any individual for a small monthly fee.
today, the island is known as the “Land of the Dead.” are (oxygen level, blood pressure, glucose reading, heart Telehealth is here to stay because physicians enjoy the
Because of the rugged coast on Kangaroo Island and most rate, etc.). benefits it offers so it should be done the right way using
of South Australia, lighthouses to aid in navigation became American Telemedicine has the ability to provide the Link+.
a necessity. “Shipwreck coast” is the name given to this part physicians with all of the patient’s data in real time. The If you are a physician, healthcare provider, or individual
of the world. An average of one wreck per mile of shoreline Link+ by LiveCare is the key to providing this information. who would like a free demonstration, please call (561)
of South Australia and Victoria emphasized the magnitude The patient does not have to know how to operate a 278-2222. American Telemedicine’s management and staff
of the navigation problems involved. Cape du Couedic, the computer, cell phone, or tablet. Vital signs are taken and would like to wish everyone a healthy and prosperous new
rugged southwestern part of the island, was named in honor the data immediately sent to your physician. The Link+ year. Stay safe and wear your mask. Louis Biasi is the CEO
of distinguished French sea captain Charles Louis, Chevalier is HIPAA and FDA approved so Medicare and Medicare of American Telemedicine.
Advantage patients can be billed for telehealth visits. Reprinted from South Florida Hospital News.
The Link+ is like having a wellness center in your
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Cape du Couedic Lighthouse