Ridgy-Didge Award - A Medical Device!

WOW! What a surprise! Late last week I was absolutely delighted to be presented by Consumer Health Products Australia with an Award for Excellence in recognition of services to the consumer healthcare industry.

The award came in the form of a didgeridoo or more technically a Yidaki. This is a wind instrument synonymous with and invented at least 1000 years ago, by the indigenous aboriginal people of West Arnhem Land in the very North of Australia.

My award measures 1.4 metres in length and is fashioned from a Eucalyptus tree which is hollowed out by termites and then hand painted with traditional designs including a turtle - my favourite pet!

I was initially unsure of the significance of this particular award but, apart from being a beautiful instrument, there are actually several uses as an OTC medical device. A search by the scientific bit of my brain turned up several studies, [referenced below]. These show the utility of the “didge” in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and also for asthma management.

To be skilful with the instrument, the technique of circular breathing needs to be conquered. Fortunately, I have a musician Son with this skill. My wife may well also benefit from reducing my snoring!

I thank the team at CHPA and all the members of their Technical Committee I have worked with over 45 years.

Refs:

Puhan MA, Suarez A, Lo Cascio C, et?al. (2005). "Didgeridoo playing as alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: randomised controlled trial". BMJ. 332 (7536): 266–70. doi:10.1136/bmj.38705.470590.55. PMC?1360393. PMID?16377643.

Eley, Robert; Gorman, Don (2010). "Didgeridoo Playing and Singing to Support Asthma Management in Aboriginal Australians" (PDF). The Journal of Rural Health. 26 (1): 100–104. doi:10.1111/j.1748-0361.2009.00256.x. ISSN?0890-765X. PMID?20105276. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 December 2010.