Health News

CLASSIC LIST

shutterstock_1121997548-1200x835.jpg

 Flu

With the flu season upon us, it is important to make informed decisions on how to protect yourself and those around you.

What is Influenza/Flu ?

Influenza/Flu is a viral infection that effects almost all Australians every year.

Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pains
  • Coughing
  • Congestion

It is difficult to predict who will get the flu and how severely they will react. More extreme cases can lead to hospitalisation and could be fatal. Cases of hospitalisations are in the thousands in Australia each year.

If you currently have the flu, make sure to prioritise rest, stay hydrated and warm and keep your diet healthy. Seek help immediately if symptoms include vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.

It’s time to get on top of your health this flu season!

What is the most effective method to prevent the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. It is the recommended method to proactively combat influenza for everyone 6 months and older.

According to health direct, the immunity is strongest 3 to 4 months after getting the vaccine. It is important to be getting the vaccine as soon as able to keep yourself strong through the upcoming flu season.

Who is able to get the flu vaccine for free?

Those who are considered at high risk are eligible for free influenza vaccines. This includes:

  • People under 5 years old or over 65 years old
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • People with a condition that affects their immune system
  • People who are pregnant
  • People who are obese
  • People receiving cancer treatment, a stem cell transplant or organ transplant
  • People with Down Syndrome
  • People with a chronic illness

What are my next steps?

Book in for your vaccine with one of our GP’s here at Familywise Medical Practice.

At Familywise Medical Practice we provide a comprehensive range of services for your medical and healthcare needs. Bulk billing is available. Book in with one of our GP’s

Meet our team and book a visit now


movember-1-pdf-1200x1200.jpg

On average, Australian men are expected to live 4.2 years less than their female counterparts, dying from largely avoidable complications. Movember raises awareness for men’s health issues, supporting men to live happier, healthier lives. 

What is Movember?

Each November men are encouraged to grow out their facial hair to show their support for men’s health, ranging from mental health to male-specific cancers. Aside from growing a Mo, supporting Movember can involve moving 60km within November to remember the 60 men lost to suicide globally each hour, checking up on the men within your life or making a donation to Movember. 

Men’s health 

As part of Movember, is it important to engage with regular check ups with your GP, ensuring early stages of preventable illnesses don’t fly under the radar. Stigma around men’s health contributes to the culture of late diagnosis, making largely preventable illnesses more complicated to treat. 

Prostate cancer 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 45, being relatively undetectable in the early stages. It is important for men over 45 to regularly check in with their GP, even if they feel fine. In Australia, 66 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer a day, with 24,217 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022. 

However, the good news about prostate cancer is when detected early, it is one of the most curable forms of cancer. Early detection is key to a good prognosis. 

Early symptoms of prostate cancer include:

  • Trouble urinating 
  • Pain or burning when urinating 
  • Blood in the urine 
  • Unexpected weight loss 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then we encourage you to seek further help and consider seeing one of our trusted GPs at FamilyWise Medical Practice. 

Testicular cancer 

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in adolescent and young men. Learning how to do a self-check is important in the early detection of testicular cancer, as well as booking in with a GP whenever an unexpected lump, unusual soreness or general change occurs. 

Early symptoms of testicular cancer include: 

  • Pain or discomfort of the scrotum 
  • A lump or swelling in one or both testicles 
  • A dull ache in the belly or groin 
  • feelings of heaviness in the scrotum

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then we encourage you to seek further help and consider seeing one of our trusted GPs at FamilyWise Medical Practice 

Mental health 

On average, one in seven Australian men will experience depression and one in five will experience anxiety within their lifetime. Men’s mental health is a serious issue with Movember aiming to look at mental health through a male lens, focusing on starting discussions to prevent the escalation of mental health issues. In Australia, men make up 75% of deaths attributed suicide, so checking in with yourself, a trusted friend/family member or your GP is crucial when feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or depressed. 

This Movember, don’t only grow out your Mo, check in with one of our GPs to make sure you are performing at your best, and ensuring your health for years to come.

 

Support is available:

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline 13 11 14

Concerned about a close friend or family member?

Healthdirect, How to talk to men in your life about mental health  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/how-to-talk-to-the-men-in-your-life-about-mental-health 

Beyond Blue, Talking with someone you’re worried about https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/support-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-you-re-worried-about 

 

Additional resources/references

 

Meet our team and book a visit now


Xmas.jpg

Safe and Healthy Christmas

Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
  • Stay 1.5 meters from others who don’t live with you.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Test when you are unwell to prevent spread to others.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

Checklist for safe and healthy Christmas and New Year,

  • Do you have enough scripts and medications to get you through the public holidays?
  • Christmas can be stressful or lonely. The Mental Health Line can offer support: 1800 011 511
  • If you have a health concern but your GP is closed, you can call Health Direct for trustworthy health advice: 1800 022 222
  • Avoid hurting yourself or others, drink safely this Christmas. Visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/managing-your-alcohol-intake for information on managing your alcohol intake
  • Using Dr Google? These tips will help you understand if you are reading reliable information:
    • Is it clear who wrote the material? e.g. is the author a government organisations or qualified health professional?
    • Is the site trying to sell a product or is sponsored by a product? Information may be biased
    • Is the information current? When was it last reviewed?
    • Is the site Australian? Information from other countries may not be relevant here

May the magic of the Christmas season fill your home with joy and peace. Sending lots of love to your family, and looking forward to the day we can see you again. Take care of yourselves and stay safe.

 

 

Please refer to the below links for more details:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html

https://hopperslanegp.com.au/12-tips-to-stay-healthy-over-the-holiday-season/

https://healthliteracy.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/tips-for-a-safe-and-healthy-christmas/

 

 

 


bowel-cancer-2-1200x800.jpg

Bowel cancer mostly affects people over the age of 50, but recent evidence suggests it is on the rise among younger Australians.

Our study found bowel cancer incidence is falling in older Australians. This is likely, in part, to reflect the efficacy of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, targeted at those aged 50–74 to screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test at home. Bowel cancer screening acts to reduce cancer incidence, by detecting and removing precancerous lesions, as well as reducing mortality by detecting existing cancers early.

Why bowel screening is important

Bowel cancer often develops without any symptoms. The cancer can grow in the bowel for years before spreading to other parts of the body. Very small amounts of blood can leak from these growths and pass into your faeces (poo). These tiny amounts of blood are not noticeable just by looking. The bowel screening test is called an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT). It can detect these tiny amounts of blood in your poo.

What are symptoms of bowel cancer?

  • Blood in your poo or rectal bleeding
  • A recent, persistent change in bowel habit (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation or the feeling or incomplete emptying)
  • A change in the shape or appearance of your poo (e.g. narrower poos or mucus in poo)
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Pain or a lump in the anus or rectum
  • Unexplained anaemia causing tiredness, weakness or weight loss

Can bowel cancer be prevented?

While there’s no way to prevent bowel cancer completely, several diet and lifestyle choices can lower your bowel cancer risk:

  • Keep physically active for at least 30 minutes each day.
  • Reduce alcohol intake to no more than 2 standard drinks per day, or avoid it altogether.
  • Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese in your daily diet, with at least 2 serves per day.
  • Include wholegrains and fibre, such as brown rice, wholemeal bread, vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts.
  • Limit red meat consumption to 500 grams cooked per week and avoid processed meat altogether.
  • Quit smoking and avoid breathing in tobacco smoke.

When should I see my doctor?

  • See your doctor or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stool, unexplained changes in your bowel habits, tiredness, abdominal pain or any other symptoms that may indicate bowel cancer.
  • Since bowel cancer can develop with few signs early on, you should also speak with your doctor if you know of any pre-existing risk factors, or if you are concerned about getting it later in life.

Please refer to below links for more details:

https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/what%E2%80%99s-behind-the-increase-in-bowel-cancer-among-y

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bowel-cancer

https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program/about-the-national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

Get to know our GP doctors:

At Familywise Medical Practice we provide a comprehensive range of services for your medical and healthcare needs. Bulk billing is available. Get to know our General Practitioners:


FMP-AstraZeneca-1200x900.jpg

AstraZeneca vaccine Phase 2A updated 17th May 2021

Who qualifies :

  • People aged 50 years and over
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16-49 years
  • Other critical and high risk workers

There have been changes to the advice around the COVID-19 vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine is now preferred to the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults aged under 50 years. This recommendation is based on:

  • the higher risk that older people have of getting really sick from COVID-19
  • and the potentially higher risk of people under 50 years developing thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following AstraZeneca vaccine. This is a rare syndrome that involves blood clots.

ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) have clearly said that the AstraZeneca vaccine can still be used in adults under 50 years. This will be the case:

  • where the benefits of being vaccinated are higher than the risks of this rare condition,
  • and where the patient has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits (an informed consent).

Everyone who has already had their first AstraZeneca vaccine dose with no serious side effects can receive their second dose.

Common side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine usually last a couple of days, such as feeling mildly sick, having a sore arm, headache or fever.

Advice for people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromise)

People with immunocompromise includes those who have a medical condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system. People with immunocompromise, including those living with HIV, have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including a higher risk of severe illness and death.

The Australian Government strongly recommends people with immunocompromise receive a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca does not behave like a ‘live vaccine’. The adenovirus carrier has been modified so that it cannot replicate or spread to other cells, and it cannot cause infection. It is safe in people with immunocompromise.

What is this side effect that everyone is talking about associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine?

According to available data, symptoms of this rare syndrome usually came up between 4 to 20 days after the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. It usually appears as a headache that doesn’t go away with pain medication (like paracetamol or ibuprofen), vomiting, confusion and/or seizures.

People should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:

  • severe persistent headache
  • neurological symptoms (blurred vision, difficulty with speech, drowsiness, seizures)
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • swelling in your leg
  • persistent abdominal (belly) pain
  • tiny blood spots under the skin away from the site of injection.

There is evidence of a likely link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and an extremely rare blood clotting syndrome (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia).

Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe?

Yes. The individual benefit-to-risk balance of vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine varies with age. This balance is based on factors including the increased risk of complications from COVID-19 with increasing age and the potential lower risk of this very rare, but serious, adverse event with increasing age. ATAGI has recommended the AstraZeneca vaccine remains safe to be given to people aged 50 years and over.

I have had my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, what do I do now?

If you have had your first vaccine dose without this side effect or other serious adverse effects, you should receive your second dose booked in with us at 12 weeks.

What if I am worried about side effects?

If you have recently had your first vaccine dose and are experiencing any side effects that you are worried about, Please book an appointment to see your regular GP.

I’m booked in for my first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, what do I do?

If you are an adult aged over 50 years, you should only receive a first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine where the benefit of receiving the vaccine clearly outweighs the risk in your individual circumstance. You may wish to discuss your individual benefit-to-risk balance with your doctor.

Information about how to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available on the Department of Health website shortly.

For further information please contact the COVID-19 Helpline on 1800 020 080

https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/astrazeneca-and-pfizer-what-are-the-side-effects-f

https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/learn-about-covid-19-vaccines/about-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine

Get to know our GP doctors:

At Familywise Medical Practice we provide a comprehensive range of services for your medical and healthcare needs. Bulk billing is available. Get to know our General Practitioners:


228155848-huge-1200x922.jpg

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough outbreaks can occur in a community at any time of year but are more likely in autumn and winter during cold and flu season. To prevent any outbreak, it is important to be vaccinated – whooping cough vaccination.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease. Symptoms that include fever and long periods of coughing that sound like a ‘whoop’. Whooping cough can affect people of all ages but it is most serious in babies under the age of 12 months, particularly in the first few months.

Whooping cough symptoms include:

  • blocked or runny nose
  • sneezing
  • raised temperature
  • uncontrolled bouts of coughing that sounds like a ‘whoop’ or are followed by a ‘whooping’ noise
  • vomiting after coughing.

Symptoms usually start about 7 to 10 days after catching whooping cough, with a cold, blocked or runny nose, coughing and a mild fever.

Whooping cough is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and you breathe it in. The bacteria infect the lining of the airways, mainly the windpipe (trachea) and the 2 airways that branch off from it to the lungs (the bronchi). There is a build-up of thick mucus. This mucus causes the intense bouts of coughing as the body tries to cough it up. The bacteria also cause the airways to swell up, making them narrower than usual. As a result, breathing is made difficult, which causes the ‘whoop’ sound as the person gasps for breath after a bout of coughing.

Whooping cough can be prevented with vaccination. Treatment includes antibiotics.

If you have close contact with someone who has whooping cough, your doctor may give you antibiotics to prevent you getting infected.

Whooping cough is a serious disease because it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and sometimes death.

See your doctor as soon as possible if you think you or your child may have whooping cough.

Please refer to below links for more details:

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/whooping-cough-pertussis

https://www.healthline.com/health/pertussis

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/whooping-cough

Get to know our GP doctors:

At Familywise Medical Practice we provide a comprehensive range of services for your medical and healthcare needs. Bulk billing is available. Get to know our General Practitioners:


ovarian.jpg

01/03/2021 Health News

Ovarian Cancer

2021 is the year we celebrate 20 years of improving support and awareness for ovarian cancer and making incremental progress in care and treatment.

February is Australia’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, to raise awareness of signs and symptoms and to highlight the risk factors for ovarian cancer.

In 2016, 1289 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in Australian women. The risk of being diagnosed before age 85 is 1 in 85.

In 2018, there were 968 deaths caused by ovarian cancer in Australia.

The five year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 45.7%.

 What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer occurs in female organs(ovary) when cells in one or both ovaries become abnormal, grow out of control and form a lump called a maglignant tumour.

The ovaries are typically a pair of  essential organs in the female reproductive system located in each side of the uterus. They produce eggs and hormones

Sometimes an ovarian tumour is diagnosed as borderline (also known as a low malignant potential tumour). This is not considered to be cancer.

Ovarian cancer symptoms

Ovarian cancer can go undetected until it has spread within pelvis and stomach. Often this cancer can be difficult to diagnosed as it has no symptoms in early stages. Here are some symptoms you may experience one or more of the following:

  • abdominal bloating
  • difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • frequent or urgent urination
  • back, abdominal or pelvic pain
  • constipation or diarrhoea
  • menstrual irregularities
  • tiredness
  • indigestion
  • pain during intercourse
  • unexplained weight loss or weight gain.

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions but if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your local doctor.

What causes ovarian cancer?

The causes of most cases of ovarian cancer are unknown, but some factors below can increase the risk include:

  • age – risk increases in women over 50 and in women who have stopped having periods (have been through menopause), and the risk increases with age
  • genetic factors  up to 20% of serous ovarian cancers (the most common subtype) are linked to an inherited faulty gene, and a smaller proportion of other types of ovarian cancer are also related to genetic faults
  • family history – family history of diagnosed with ovarian, breast, bowel or uterine cancers & Ashkenazi Jewish descent
  • endometriosis  this condition is caused by tissue from the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus
  • reproductive history  women who have not had children, who have had assisted reproduction, or who have had children over the age of 35 may be slightly more at risk
  • lifestyle factors  some types of ovarian cancer have been linked to smoking or being overweight
  • hormonal factors  such as early puberty or late menopause. Some studies suggest that menopause hormone therapy (MHT), previously called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, but the evidence is not clear.

Some factors reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. These include having children before the age of 35; breastfeeding; using the combined oral contraceptive pill for several years; and having your fallopian tubes tied (tubal ligation) or removed.

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer

If you are experiencing possible symptoms of ovarian cancer your doctor may suggest several tests or scans to look for cysts, tumours or other changes. These may include:

Physical examination

  • In which the doctor will check your abdomen for any lumps and do an internal vaginal examination.

Blood tests

  • To check for a common tumour marker for ovarian cancer, CA125.

Pelvic ultrasound

  • A pelvic ultrasound uses echoes from soundwaves to create a picture of your ovaries and uterus.

CT scan

  • A CT (computerised tomography) scan uses x-rays to take images of the inside of your body to check for cancer and to see if it has spread.

PET scan

  • A PET (positron emission tomography) scan highlights abnormal tissues in the body.

 Why regular health checks are important

It is a good idea to visit a doctor regularly, even if you feel healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

  • check for current or emerging medical problems
  • assess your risk of future medical issues
  • prompt you to maintain a healthy lifestyle
  • update vaccinations.

Health checks are usually incorporated into routine medical care. Your doctor will often perform these checks when you are visiting for another condition, such as a cold or another problem. Your doctor will then tell you how often you need to have a health check.

Get to know our GP doctors:

At Familywise Medical Practice we provide a comprehensive range of services for your medical and healthcare needs. Bulk billing is available. Get to know our General Practitioners:

Would like to see a GP ?

Book easily online on Health Engine https://healthengine.com.au/medical-centre/nsw/castle-hill/familywise-medical-practice/s42733, or give us a call on 8660 2100 or 4039 6130

 


Ox-sm.jpg

14/02/2021 Miscellaneous

Familywise Medical Practice together with doctors, nurses, and receptionists would like to wish you a Happy Lunar New Year. The year of the ox brings career advancement, success in business, prosperity, and wellness for all zodiac signs. This year predicts new career opportunities, so don’t let anxiety or negative thinking affect you.

Happy New Year – Gong Hii Fatt Choi.

Would like to see a GP ?

Book easily online on Health Engine https://healthengine.com.au/medical-centre/nsw/castle-hill/familywise-medical-practice/s42733, or give us a call on 8660 2100 or 4039 6130

 


Healthy-Lunch-Boxes.jpg

It’s been a great summer, but it’s time to get everyone back in the groove of classes, sports practice — and getting up early again. Here are some tips to help your kids make a healthy transition back to school.

1.Get Bedtimes back on track

Getting a good night’s sleep is not only important for a child’s growth and development, it’s also key to their health and wellbeing. How much is enough? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-12 hours of shut-eye for children aged 6-12 years, and 8-10 hours for kids aged 13-18 years. To help them ease back into the habit of going to bed early, try keeping a consistent schedule, creating a relaxing nighttime routine and powering down all electronics at least an hour before bed time. Discover more ways to help your child sleep well here

2.Tricks and tips for nutritious school lunches

Research from the University of Adelaide has tracked, 430 children aged nine to 10 years almost half of the kids energy consumption was high fat intake; (salt, sugar, fat) junk and processed food.  Premade snacks and junk food may look like ideal options during that early morning rush but they are not a healthy option. Not just for your kid but you too.

Ensure lunch boxes, be replaced with nutritious food such as fresh fruits, veggies, salads, sandwiches,yougurt, whole grains, or homemade muffins.

If you have no idea where to start, the Nutrition Australia has a workshop about smart eating recipes to help you enjoy healthy eating.

3.Health Checks & Vaccines

Before the start of another school year, see to it that you and your kid (s) visit your doctor for annual health check-ups. This is to identify any early signs of health issues so that they can be treated before they develop into a major problem. Sometimes the school will require you to provide up to date medical record and a vaccination report.

Some of the check-ups you should consider carrying out include eyesight and hearing exams, dental check-ups, height and weight checks and skin checks.

Have them take the recommended vaccines and flu shots as well. Disease outbreaks and flu seasons are inevitable nowadays and you will have peace of mind knowing they are safe from that vaccine-preventable illness or flu.

4.Embrace Physical Fitness

Walking kids to school instead of dropping them off can be a great way for establishing healthy habits together.

“There are so many benefits of daily exercise for children:  from improved concentration and better self-confidence to stronger muscles and bones. Research also suggests that physical activity helps to reduce the risk of children developing health problems in later life.”

I hope these four back-to-school health tips will help you and your little ones have a healthy and happy school year.

 

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/back-to-school-health-

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep-tips-for-children

https://nutritionaustralia.org/app/uploads/2020/05/

 

Get to know our GP doctors:

At Familywise Medical Practice we provide a comprehensive range of services for your medical and healthcare needs. Bulk billing is available. Get to know our General Practitioners:


Christmas-PPT-2020-e1607455922772.jpg

09/12/2020 Miscellaneous

Familywise Medical Practice together with doctors, nurses, and receptionists during Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. Thank you for trusting on us to take care of you and your family, and allowing us to be a part of your health care. And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely..

Thank you and Best Wishes for Holiday Season and Happy New Year.

Would like to see a GP before year end?

Book easily online on Health Engine https://healthengine.com.au/medical-centre/nsw/castle-hill/familywise-medical-practice/s42733, or give us a call on 8660 2100 or 4039 6130

 


Contact us


Call us

(02) 4039 6130
(02) 8660 2100


Address

482 Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153


Facebook

facebook.com/familywisemedicalpractice


Outside practice hours


Please contact our practice
8660 2100

Opening hours


Monday:         09:00 AM – 06:30 PM
Tuesday:        09:00 AM – 06:30 PM
Wednesday:   09:00 AM – 06:30 PM
Thursday:       09:00 AM – 06:30 PM
Friday:            09:00 AM – 06:30 PM
Saturday:        08:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Sunday:          CLOSED
Public Holidays:  CLOSED

© 2018 - 2024 FamilyWise Medical Practice. All rights reserved.