HEALTH NEWS
We welcome you to Gungahlin General Practice and look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship. We like to keep you up to date with all the latest medical information.

 

SKIN CANCER
What to look for?

 

A new spot, freckle or mole that has changed colour, size or shape recently.

A persistent small lump that is red, pale or pearly in colour.

Crusty non-healing sores or 'sunspots'.

An individual with fair complexion living in Australia is more likely that somebody with a dark complexion to have sun damages skin and be afflicted with skin cancer. importantly whatever your skin type you can still develop skin cancer. Please remember to avoid direct sunlight during the middle of the day, use a high SPF sunscreen, wear broad brim hats and protective clothing and do not forget your children's skin.

HEALTH NEWS
We welcome you to Gungahlin General Practice and look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship. We like to keep you up to date with all the latest medical information.

Birth	Open 7 days.	2 Months	Infrarix Hep B Pnumococcal Rota virus.
4 Months	Infrarix Hep B Pnumococcal Rota virus.	6 Months	Infrarix Hep B Pnumococcal.
12 Months	MMR Infrarix Hep B Meningococcal C .	18 Months	Varilix.
4 Years	Infrarix IPV MMR.	15 - 17 Years	DTPa.
65 Years & Over	23-valent pneumoccoccal Influenza (annual). Boostrix.

Influenza (annual) vaccine is available to all ages and free to over 65 year olds. All of the above vaccines are available at the practice.

 

EXAMPLES OF PREVENTATIVE ACTIVITIES ACTED ON AT GUNGAHLIN GENERAL PRACTICE

Infants - developmental screening, SIDS prevention advice, breastfeeding advice, avoiding sun exposure in the first 15 years of life most important.

Preschool/School - developmental assessment, dental screening and advice, educational progress (consider learning disability or ADHD).

Before getting Pregnant - Listeriosis and spina bifida can be prevented. Smoking and alcohol can cause significant problems in pregnancy.

Genetic screening - Breast cancer, ovarian cancer and haemochromotosis to name a few.

Cardiovascular disease - blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, weight, nutrition, physical activity, excessive alcohol intake. Heart attacks and strokes are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia.

Diabetes - a new diabetic is diagnosed every 24 minutes. It is critical that early diagnosis is made to enable good control to be obtained. The long term complications of diabetes are often severe, disabling and eventually can be fatal. A family history increases your risk.

Cancers - Cervical (Pap smear every 2 years), Breast (mammogram every 2 years from 50 years and earlier if a family history exists), Bowel (FOBT from 50 years, sigmoidoscopy &/or colonoscopy if symptoms or family history) and Prostate (rectal examination and PSA blood test).

Osteoporosis - evidence is found on history and Bone Mineral Density Scans

Nutrition – Positive steps to good health start with good nutrition.

1) Aim for two pieces of fruit and three cups of vegetables or salad per day.
2) Keep saturated fat intake to a minimum; choose only low fat dairy foods and lean cuts of meat.
3) Replace processed biscuits, snack bars and chocolates with nuts for Walnuts or fresh fruit for snack foods.
4) Choose low glycaemic index foods (eg wholemeal grains, yogurt).
5) Avoid palm oil.

 

TRAVEL HEALTH NEWS
The most common disease affecting travellers to South-East Asia is diarrhoea. It is most commonly acquired by consuming contaminated food or water. It is important to take precautions to prevent this disease. Before leaving Australia get a Typhoid vaccine and once at your destination drink clean water (bottled or carbonated fizzy drinks) and ensure your food is prepared hygienically. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it. Wash your hands with soap often. Do not forget the non-medical ways to avoid malaria; if a mosquito does not bite you then you won't get malaria.

Recommended vaccinations for South- East Asia include: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Polio, ADT and Malaria prophylaxis.

 

PAINFUL BACK, KNEES, SHINS
This could be a variety causes. Do not forget the simple and easy such as poor feet. Come and see the practice for assessment and possible orthotics as a cure.

 

ASTHMA
Do you know the ASTHMA FIRST AID PLAN? Asthma is a common concern in Australia and particularly the temperate climate of Canberra. In case of severe attack here's what to do:

STEP 1. Sit person up and give the reassurance, don't leave them alone.

STEP 2. Without delay give four separate puffs of a reliever (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl or Ventolin). The medication is best given one puff at a time via a spacer device. Ask the person to take four breaths from the spacer after each puff of the medication. Just use the puffer if no spacer is available.

STEP 3. Wait four minutes.

STEP 4. If there is little or no improvement, call an ambulance immediately- DIAL 000. Continuously repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance. Even if the patient recovers seek medical advice.

(Courtesy of the Asthma Foundation of Australia)