RSS_TITLE

Whooping Cough

Australia continues to be in the grip of a whooping cough epidemic. Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Pertussis and it can be fatal, especially for small babies. In adults it tends to cause a prolonged cough, often referred to as the "100 day cough". Vaccination is effective, but tends to wear off over time, hence the current epidemic.

Whooping cough vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunisations, and we encourage you to consider commencing these early, at 6 weeks of age, to protect earlier for whooping cough. Speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated prior to planning a pregnancy. There is now a free vaccine for all parents of new born babies. Other adults in contact with small babies should also consider being vaccinated.

Smoking - Helping to Stop

Smoking is well known to be bad for our health. Well known adverse effects include increased risks of cancer, heart disease, vascular disease, strokes and emphysema amongst others. And before those “end events” there is the bad breath, loss of taste and smell, increased skin wrinkling, and of course, the cost.

However most smokers understandably find it hard to stop. This is partly due to the addictive nature of nicotine, as well as the habitual nature of smoking itself.

Now more than ever before we have a wide range of tools to assist in stopping smoking. Your Doctor can refer you to a support programme, or talk to you about a prescription medicine that is suitable for some people to assist in smoking cessation. Recently nicotine patches have become available on prescription, significantly reducing the cost of this technique to assist with stopping smoking. One of our Doctors, Dr Kathryn Dunne, also practices hypnotherapy, which some people find very helpful to assist them with stopping smoking. Speak to your Doctor about the option that would best suit you.

Flu Vaccines Now Available

Flu Vaccines are now available.

Please call reception for an appointment, or discuss the vaccine at your next visit. The government has extended the availability of free vaccines to all those over 65, pregnant women, and those with certain chronic health conditions.

Male GP now at Church Street MC

Peter has recently commenced working at CSMC. He looks forward to getting to know patients and their families, and providing continuous and comprehensive care. He enjoys the variety offered by General Practice and has an interest in Paediatrics, men’s health and aged care. He is also available for office based procedures including skin cancer removal and implanon.

To Google or Not to Google

Today we have an enormous access to knowledge with the internet. However this is at a cost. Often we can read that our symptoms maybe due to a serious disease when in reality this is not the case- but it raises doubt in us and can lead to a very restless night until we can get into see our doctor for the reality check.

The following medical websites maybe of help:

www.healthinsite.gov.au

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

www.nevdgp.org.au

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

But as the fine print always says on medications- " please see your doctor if symptoms persist"

Mens Health

Time to stand up and take control!

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Director has recently stated "1/3 of the male population have a chronic health condition..,just 5% of adult males consume enough fruit and vegetables and about 2/3 adult males and 1/4 boys ( aged 5-17) are overweight or obese" ( Australian Doctor 24th July 2011)

As the average life expectancy for an Australian male is now 79 it is ideal to be as healthy and strong for as long as possible. Time to act preventatively and not be one of the above statistics. If you know what to do - do it now. If unsure or need assistance- seek it now.