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Author Archives: Nicole Cook

Announcements, Community, Equipment, Falls Prevention, In Home Care, NDIS, Physiotherapy, Wellbeing

Walking (Gait) Aid Prescriptions with our Physiotherapists

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Gait aid image NDIS and RAC
02
May

Gait aid all

 

At Empower, we make delivering the best care and outcomes our highest priority and that is why we ensure that every cent spent from our client’s packages is having the greatest impact on improving their quality of life.

This is especially true when it comes to decisions about equipment. Our physiotherapists know that walking aid prescription is about so much more than walking. The correct walking aid allows independence, security and dignity. Unfortunately, the incorrect aid, or an aid poorly fitted, can have the opposite effect.

What is a walking (gait) aid?

Walking aids are also referred to as gait aids. A gait aid is one of several devices a client may be issued in order to improve their walking pattern, balance or safety while mobilising independently. Gait aids fall into multiple categories and include the following:
• Walking sticks or canes
• Crutches
• Walkers
• Standing Aids: to assist with manual handling often used with in rehabilitation.
• Single Point Stick – SPS
• 4-Point Stick – 4PS
• Pick Up Frame – PUF
• 2-Wheel Frame – 2WF/TWF
• 3-Wheel Frame – 3WF
• 4-Wheel Frame – 4WF
• Gutter Frame – GF
• Crutches
• Rollator
• Platform Frame – PF
• Forearm Support Walker
• Posterior Support Frame

How do physiotherapists view gait aids?

A physiotherapist’s goal is to attain the greatest level of function with the smallest amount of equipment. Physios see gait aids as a valuable tool in ensuring safety and independence while working to improve and maintain mobility through strengthening and rehabilitation. The long-term result is more mobility with less reliance on equipment.

 

Why do we use our physiotherapists for gait aid prescription?

The prescription of gait aids by physiotherapists represents best practice and falls squarely within the scope of practice of physiotherapists who train specifically in the areas of biomechanics, gait analysis, gait rehabilitation and balance.  Our physios work towards greater independence and mobility, armed with the experience and latest evidence-based techniques to help people rediscover the joy of movement without fear.

 

How can assessments by physiotherapists help to optimise home care packages?

• By reducing or delaying the reliance on expensive mobility equipment, physios free up funds for rehabilitation or other needs that may otherwise have fallen outside the budget.
• Involving physios in gait aid prescription and rehabilitation is proven to reduce falls in the elderly. This reduces the long-term consequences and expenses of injuries.
• Physiotherapists have a deep understanding of the woo by morrock predicted outcomes of various medical and physical conditions and can advise which gait aids may only be needed temporarily and could be hired rather than bought.
• Expertly fitted aids allow for greater independence and function, empowering people to live safely at home for longer.

A case study:

Peta was discharged from hospital after spending 3 weeks recovering from surgery. Once home, she found that she was very unsteady and fearful of falling after spending so much time in bed. Her case manager contacted Empower Healthcare for an assessment for a gait aid and a physiotherapist visited her at home and conducted a complete physical and functional assessment. The physio determined that the main cause her balance difficulties was deconditioning due to a long period of convalescence and prescribed an exercise program. They also recommended that a 4-wheeled walker be hired, rather than purchased as Peta was most likely to improve to her previous level of function. After 3 months, the walker was returned as Peta no longer needed it. She also did not need any modifications to her home as she was able to move around freely and confidently once more.
The right walking (gait) aid can be life changing and saving so give Empower a call to book a walking aid assessment with one of our physiotherapists.

Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, Massage Therapy, NDIS

Massage Therapist Kristy brings a therapeutic touch 

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Kristy Massage Web 1500 x 800 px
11
Apr

Kristy Massage Therapist

Working with the ex-service community for over a decade has given Kristy has a passion for aged care and lots of respect for the aging community.

Kristy has noticed

a huge need for greater pain management in the form of non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical approaches.

Manual therapy in the form of massage provides many benefits for clients physical and mental health including decreased depression and agitation, resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.

The COVID pandemic has highlighted the need for therapeutic touch as a way to connect and manage pain. Working in residential and community-based care during lockdowns has allowed Kristy the opportunity to connect with the most vulnerable and isolated members of our society who at times are in desperate need for human interaction.

 

Kristy has experience with high care, dementia, individual and group exercise therapy programs promoting strength and balance. Pain management therapy is also a specialist area for Kristy having implemented and managed a wellness centre promoting wellbeing and quality of life of countless residents.  It is one of her proudest achievements to date.

 

Unfortunately, due to Covid, the organisation made the heartbreaking decision to close the clinic and like many others during the pandemic, this gave Kristy the opportunity to embark on a new career path. Kristy studied remedial massage therapy whilst working part time as a community based Allied Health Assistant and has now joined the team here at Empower Healthcare.

 

Personally, Kristy enjoys painting pet portraits and lives with her husband, dog Jester and cat Artemis.

 

Kristy joins a team of highly trained massage therapist who use a therapeutic approach to massage. They offer a broad range of individualised massage treatments chosen to accommodate the mobility status, preferences and needs of the people they see at home.

 

Our clinicians bring their own equipment with them and can massage the client on a massage table, on their bed, or in high supported sitting with a range of relaxing oils and creams, or the personal products preferred by the client.

 

Kristy is looking forward to working with the Mornington and surrounds community helping her clients to live their best lives.

CLICK to Read more about What Your Clients Can Expect From A Home Massage

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Changing lives is what we do.  Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.

Founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology – https://aussie-online-casinos.com/best-paying-online-pokies/.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

 

 

 …

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Dietetics, In Home Care, NDIS

Dietitian Meg eats, sleeps, and dreams healthy eating

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Meg web
15
Mar

Meg dietetian

Dietitian Meg eats, sleeps, and dreams healthy eating

Meg qualified as a Dietitian in Queensland and moved to Melbourne to pursue her passion for food. She spends her spare time visiting markets, trying new cuisines and exploring the incredible food offering. Meg eats, sleeps, and dreams healthy eating and having suffered her own gut health problems for ten years she has a special interest in gut health.

 

Gut health issues require specialised recipes to suit the gut health requirements but more specifically focusing on how to change a diet whilst maintaining a healthy variety of nutrients. Meg enjoys helping people alter their favourite recipes and meals to suit their own gut health requirements whilst still enjoying their favourite foods.

 

Working as a Community Dietitian offers variety because each client is different.  They have their own unique goals, challenges and lifestyles, and the solutions are not a one-size fits all approach. Meg and all Empower dietitians take the time to sit and listen to clients about their needs and wants when it comes to nutritional support, offering a unique person-centred approach.

 

Meg says
Working in the community provides a rare opportunity to see someone’s living conditions whilst taking their diet history. This helps tailor any recommendations to ensure they are suited to their current living environment.

 

Empower Dietitians improve the independence and quality of life of our clients by providing reliable and trusted food and nutritional support to live their lives the way they want.

 

Let Us Help You with Your Dietetics Needs

As a registered NDIS provider with experience in the assessment & treatment of a variety of conditions and strong partnerships with leading equipment and home modification providers, we can facilitate all your allied health needs provisioned under the NDIS.

We assist NDIS participants from 15 onwards.

Our convenient, NDIS services range from provide clients with high quality occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, and dietetics, and in the comfort of their own environment including timely and effective communication to support the administration of your clients’ funds.

We want your participants to experience the best allied health services, and stay independent, happy, healthy in their own home.

Our NDIS Dietitians Help With Wellbeing

Our team of experienced NDIS dietitians provide diet advice to improve health and manage specific conditions with weight loss or gain, difficulty in eating food and managing food allergies.

Here’s how our NDIS dietitians help with wellbeing:

  • Improve overall health and mental happiness
  • Education around good food choices
  • Introduce tasty and nutritious meal ideas for fussy eaters
  • Reduce mealtime stress and create positive experiences
  • Improve gut health, manage appetite and weight problems

Our NDIS dietitian offers everything a mainstream dietitian does, plus a whole lot more, such as:

  • Supporting diets for people who experience difficulties with chewing and swallowing
  • Fussy eating or resistant/picky eating
  • Excessive weight gain which impacts physical or social function
  • Stressful mealtimes and other mealtime challenges such as food refusal, not coming to the table, eating with distractions or avoidance to eat socially
  • Bowel issues (e.g. constipation, diarrhoea, coeliac disease, limited fluid/fibre intake)

Download Empower Dietetics Flyer

Dietetic Thumbnail

Download Empower’s NDIS Flyer

How To Arrange Dietetic Services With Empower

Our friendly support team to get started on (03) 9583 1364…

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Announcements, Community, NDIS, Wheelchair

NDIS Capacity Building Funding activities with Empower

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Capacity Building Funding blog 1500 × 800px
02
Mar

Capacity Building Funding

As you know we are a registered NDIS provider with experience in assessment and treatment to help a person with a disability gain independence, increase mobility and improve their wellbeing

Did you know Capacity Building funding can come from your participants NDIS package and are in addition to core support funding.

NDIS states:
“Capacity building supports are those that help you to maintain your independence and skill building.”
As one of the more specialised support items in an NDIS plan, Capacity Building will allow your participants to access flexible, understanding, and personalised care to ensure they can achieve their goals.

 

There are a wide range of different activities and goals your participants can achieve using their capacity building funds, here are a few that Empower can help with;

 

Dietetics:
o cooking lessons with support workers
o grocery tours
o label reading

 

Occupational Therapy
o self-care tasks such as showering, dressing & grooming independently
o house cleaning and organising your home, so you can find what you need, when you need it
o taking public transport with confidence
o supporting you to self-advocate at home, work and within the community

 

Physiotherapy
o build up mobility to return to work
o improved endurance to walk to local store
o develop balance and strength
o enhance current skill set to enable easier completion of daily tasks such as transferring out of bed or getting into car

 

Speak to your Empower contact today to find out more. Funding can only be used to purchase approved individual supports that fall within that Capacity Building category.
Capacity Building categories can be found here:

 

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Changing lives is what we do.  Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.

Founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

 

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

 …

Continue reading →
In Home Care, NDIS, Wheelchair

Welcome NDIS Relationship Manager, Carol Longey

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Carol Longey NDIS EDM small 1500 × 800px
02
Mar

NDIS Carol Longey

We welcome Carol to the NDIS Relationship Manager role where her extensive experience across the NDIS sector will bring great insight working with Victoria’s case managers and participants helping them to maximise independence, confidence, comfort, and safety.

Carols disability and aged care experience ranges from working as a support worker for RDNS Homecare providing personal care and domestic support in the home, to delivering training in Disability/Aged Care as the Education Manager for E-focus Training.

 

In the past two years she has worked as a Local Area Coordinator for the NDIS, employed by Latrobe Community Health Services. This role involved working directly with NDIS participants and their carers in the development and implementation of NDIS plans.
Working in the disability sector has taught her gratitude for the abilities you have and respect for others who have different abilities.
She enjoys connecting with people and assisting them to access meaningful support networks to help them to achieve their life goals and looks forward to making connections and lives better with Empower Healthcare.

 

In her free time she enjoys regular morning walks around Lilydale Lake, yoga classes and paddle boarding. She likes cooking, knitting, sewing and quilting. Living in the Yarra Valley she also enjoys time with friends and family at local wineries and markets.

 

Welcome to the team Carol.

Let Us Help You with Your NDIS Needs

As a registered NDIS provider with experience in the assessment & treatment of a variety of conditions and strong partnerships with leading equipment and home modification providers, we can facilitate all your allied health needs provisioned under the NDIS.

We assist NDIS participants from 15 onwards.

Our convenient, NDIS services range from provide clients with high quality occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, and dietetics, and in the comfort of their own environment including timely and effective communication to support the administration of your clients’ funds.

We want your participants to experience the best allied health services, and stay independent, happy, healthy in their own home.

We Understand Your NDIS Needs and Deliver

Rapid Response 

  • We acknowledge all NDIS referrals immediately

Prompt Treatment

  • Initial appointments completed within a short time frame of receiving referral.

Continuity of Care

  • The same clinician will be assigned to all appointments for a consumer.

Timely Reporting

  • We update Case Managers on the same day or within 48 hours of initial appointment.

Cost Effective Services

  • There are no hidden fees.
  • Our pricing includes travel, treatment and documentation time.

Professional and Friendly Team

  • We take the time to get to know every consumer, allowing us to create meaningful care plans to support their life goals.
  • We are experts in co-ordinating services provided through the NDIS and scheduling private consultations.

Learn more on our NDIS Services

Empower NDIS flyer

Download Empower’s NDIS Flyer

How To Arrange NDIS Services With Empower

Our friendly support team to get started on (03) 9583 1364…

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Announcements, Community, In Home Care, NDIS, Recruitment

Our Values reflect our shared purpose to change lives

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Values Banner web 1500 × 800px
14
Feb

Our Values Icon Banner

Our Values ensure client care is built around trusted relationships

Our Values were developed by a cross functional team across the company to reflect our shared purpose to change the lives of those in our community, one intervention at a time.
They keep us striving for excellence in all we do. They guide us through difficult situations and help us be our natural best selves whilst helping our community, our clients and participants live their best lives.

Shared Purpose

  • We work together to make a difference in our community
  • We empower each other to do great things
  • We all have our part to play

Act with Integrity

  • We do the right thing in all circumstances
  • We treat everyone with respect
  • We foster an environment of trust, honesty and transparency

Strive for Excellence

  • We never stop learning
  • We deliver meaningful outcomes
  • We take pride in the quality of our work

Practice Positivity

  • We have a thank you culture
  • We recognise and celebrate success
  • We appreciate and support each other

Watch our team bring these values to life

Our passionate team provides the highest standard of service. We genuinely care about the people we work with. We listen to the needs of our clients and exceed their expectations guided by our new Corporate Values

Download Our Values A3 Poster

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes…

Continue reading →
Announcements, Foot Care, Podiatry, Residential Aged Care

Diabetic Neurovascular Foot Assessments for your clients

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Foot treatment
27
Jan

Poor circulation is most often the result from commonly seen health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues.

Our Podiatrists can provide your clients with a Diabetic /Neurovascular Foot Assessment to determine their current risk status, as well as monitoring for health problems occurring in the future. This Assessment is painless and involves the testing of the sensation, blood supply, skin integrity, reflexes, muscle control and structure of the feet.

Clients with diabetes should have their feet examined every 6 – 12 months. If their circulation is declining and left untreated, this can result in damage to the nerve endings, blood vessels and structure of their feet.

Clients that are non-diabetic should also invest in an annual Diabetic /Neurovascular Foot Assessment. This test is essential for the early recognition of neurovascular deterioration or compromise. Delays in recognising neurovascular compromise can lead to permanent deficits, reduction in independence/mobility and even loss of limb.

Empower Healthcare Podiatrists now offer Diabetic /Neurovascular Foot Assessments. Talk over your podiatry needs today on 13000 HELPU (1300 043 578) or start now with our quick and easy online referral form.

 

How To Get Clients Started With Our Podiatry Services

Simply click below to complete our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

 

 …

Continue reading →
Announcements, Community, In Home Care, NDIS, Occupational Therapy

Our QLD team is growing with Occupational Therapist Amy

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Amy Chen OT Web 1500 x 800 px
13
Jan

Dedicated to Occupational Therapy in Aged Care

Amy’s diverse experience brings a wealth of knowledge to Empower. Having worked in areas of aged care, community, mental health and disabilities across Queensland, her OT clinical experience is broad.

What drives Amy in her professions is

OT is very diverse! I can work in different areas and meet a lot of people. I can also be creative in ways which I help my clients and collaborate with them

Out of work she enjoys good tea, music, travelling and reading. Amy spends time with her family and enjoys cooking fresh beef or chicken jerky for her cat.

Amy’s appointment marks our commitment to growing and developing our services across Australia as we continue to deliver high quality healthcare solutions.

Occupational Therapy Services

Our Home Care Occupational Therapy (OT) team are experts in helping people live safely and independently. They employ a range of strategies to improve functional independence, increase confidence in daily activities and engage in the community.

Our services include;

Functional assessments
– Home modifications
– Neurological rehab – stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury
– Cognitive assessments
– Falls prevention
– Equipment and assistive technology prescription
– Home assessments
– Pressure care recommendations
– Mental health OT

Visit our OT Services page for further information

About Empower Healthcare

We Change Lives

Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.

The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.

Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.

A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

Simply click on the image below for our referral form.

Referral on-boarding now completed online in minutes

 

 …

Continue reading →
Graduate Program, Professional Development, Recruitment

Grad Advice – Why become a Community Clinician?

Posted on by Nicole Cook
2021 Graduate Program Banner 3 blog
30
Nov

2021 Graduate Program

Community Clinicians get the best of both worlds.

After years of study you are reaching an exciting time in your health professional career – it’s time to graduate and start working.

The difficult decision you now face is where to start your career? Hospital – Rehabilitation Centre – Private Practice OR a career that offers the best of both worlds as a Community Clinician.

Community Benefits:

• Keep your weekends for you! Follow a 9-5 structure with regular clients with whom you can build rewarding relationships and achieve short and long term goals
• Autonomous work environment visiting a variety of clients with different conditions and needs.
• Escape the four walls of an office, enjoy your lunch breaks in a park or by the beach!
• Work with other clinicians and client’s family in a friendly and collaborative environment to deliver the best quality care.

Many of our Empower Healthcare clinicians began their careers in private practice and hospitals, and are now thriving after moving into the community setting. This is thanks to reduced caseload stress, flexible hours and building lasting and productive relationships with their clients.

After 8 years full time working in private practice I needed to make a change to restore my work/life balance. Working for Empower in the community setting enables me to maintain a variety within my clinical caseload and challenge my skills while reclaiming my evenings and weekends for myself – James, Physiotherapist

Why choose Empower?

1. Induction and Orientation Program – a structured orientation plan including shadowing our senior clinicians to give you the support you need to get started
2. Mentoring and Peer learning – partner up with and learn valuable skills from a senior clinician
3. Monthly online team meetings including professional development presentations and case discussions
4. Regular check-ins with your area team leader to ensure you are getting the support you need and work through any concerns you may have
5. A dedicated support team to assist with your schedule, allowing you to focus on being a health professional

6. No pressure to over service or discharge clients before they are ready, make your own clinical decisions

I love that Empower is always adapting, growing and progressing, signs of a good company, where everyone wants to work  – Olivia, Physiotherapist

At Empower Healthcare we believe that our strength lies in our people. Please call our People and Culture team to discuss any questions and they can even put you in touch with some of our current Graduates or Clinicians and hopefully welcome you to the Empower family.

OTHER HELPFUL BLOGS LINKS

Empower Healthcare’s Career Advancement Progression 

Resume Tips to Highlight your Grad Experience

Need more info?

Call Lilian our People and Culture Manager for a copy of our Graduate Program flyer on 03 9068 3739
…
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