North Canberra Family Practice

Women’s Health Week | 2-6 September ✨
It's Women's Health Week, a perfect time to focus on your health and well-being. There are many important reasons to schedule a visit with your GP. Here are just a few:

💛 Ovaries and Uterus: Regular check-ups can help detect and manage issues early.
💛 Endometriosis: Get advice and treatment options to manage pain and symptoms.
💛 Polycystic O***y Syndrome: Discuss symptoms and find effective management strategies.
💛 Menopause: Get support and advice to navigate this life stage comfortably.
💛 Health Checks: Routine health checks are crucial for early detection and prevention.
💛 V***a and Va**na: Address any concerns or symptoms with your GP.
💛 Bladder and Pelvic Floor: Manage bladder health and pelvic floor strength.
💛 Periods: Discuss any irregularities or issues you’re experiencing.
💛 S*x and S*xual Health: Get advice and screenings for a healthy s*x life.
💛 Persistent Pelvic Pain: Don’t ignore ongoing pain—seek advice and treatment.
💛 Anxiety: Talk about mental health and find support and treatment options.

Your health matters. Use Women's Health Week as a reminder to book an appointment with your GP. We are here to help ✨

🩷🩷 Ladies, it’s time to put yourself first! As Women’s Health Week approaches, we want to remind you of the importance of taking care of your health, just as you do for your family.

Your well-being is crucial, and regular check-ups are a key part of staying healthy. Whether it’s a routine visit, addressing a health concern, or just getting some peace of mind, now is the perfect time to book an appointment with your GP.

Why book a check-up?

✨ Courageous Conversations: Don’t shy away from discussing sensitive health topics with your GP.
✨ Point of Difference: Understand what makes your health needs unique and address them.
✨ Shame and Stigma: Break the barriers and talk openly about your health concerns.
✨ Trust Your Gut: Listen to your body and seek advice if something doesn’t feel right.
✨ Stay on top of your health: Regular visits help catch potential issues early.
✨ Get personalised advice and support: Your GP can provide tailored guidance to support your overall well-being.

Make your health a priority and schedule a check-up today.

Diabetes Week | 14-20 July 💙

Worried about diabetes? It’s hard to know if you are at risk of diabetes, with limited outward symptoms. During Diabetes Week, we’re shining a light on the importance of getting regular check-ups with your GP, who can organise the tests required to see if you are at risk.

Being pre-diabetic can be a wake-up call, but the good news is that with the right advice and support, you can make positive changes to stay healthy and avoid becoming diabetic. This week is a good week to make the time to talk to your GP.

Men's Health Week | 10-16 June 💙

Hey guys, it's Men's Health Week 2024. A time dedicated to focusing on making small changes to boost our health and well-being.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:
▪️ About half of us aren't getting enough physical activity.
▪️ Almost all of us (97%) aren't eating enough veggies.
▪️ Most of us (71%) need to eat more fruit.
▪️ 13% of men aged 18 and over smoke daily.
▪️ 26% of us drink more alcohol than we should, according to the guidelines.

We encourage all men to be proactive about their health. If you’re not feeling well, notice any unusual symptoms, or just need to talk, don't hesitate to reach out. It's perfectly okay to ask for help. Book an appointment with your GP today. We're here for you!

🧦🧦 Have you got your crazy socks 4 Docs ready? Get your crazy socks ready for Friday, 7 June, and join us in supporting Crazysocks4docs Day!

Founded by Geoff Toogood, this incredible charity is dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues among doctors and health professionals. Let's show our support and spread awareness for mental health in the medical community.

Want to learn more about Crazysocks4docs? Check out their website 👉 www.crazysocks4docs.com.au

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 🍎 Let's beat bowel cancer together!

Did you know that bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week? The good news is, when caught early, it's one of the most treatable cancers.

Look out for these symptoms:
🔎 Blood in your stool or re**al bleeding
🔎 A recent, ongoing change in bowel habits (like diarrhoea, constipation, or feeling like you can't fully empty your bowels)
🔎 Changes in the shape or appearance of your stool (like narrower stools or mucus in stool)
🔎 Abdominal pain or swelling
🔎 Pain or a lump in the a**s or re**um
🔎 Unexplained anaemia causing tiredness, weakness, or weight loss

If you notice any of these symptoms, don't wait. Make an appointment with your GP today. Early detection can make all the difference.

👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ World Family Doctor Day | 19 May.
Today, we honour family doctors worldwide for their essential role in promoting health and well-being. Family doctors provide unwavering support and guidance to countless patients, playing a significant role in fostering healthier communities.

A big thank you for your contribution towards creating a healthy planet and healthy people 🙌

International Nurses Day | 💕 Today, we celebrate our Nurses, the cornerstone of our healthcare system. They light the way towards a brighter future, tirelessly dedicating themselves to the well-being of others.

On this International Nurses Day, we express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and tireless efforts. We are grateful for all that you do 🙌

💐 Celebrating National Receptionists Day
Today, we recognise and appreciate the incredible individuals who keep our practice running smoothly. Thank you for your professionalism and dedication and making every patient and visitor feel welcomed.

We are grateful for your contribution to the day to day running of our clinic 🙌 Have a wonderful day!

Heart Week | ❤️🩺 Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, with 1.4 million Australians having a high chance of experiencing a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.

Who needs a Heart Health Check?
🩺 All people aged 45–79 years
🩺 People with diabetes from 35 years
🩺 First Nations people from 30 years

Book a 20-minute Heart Health Check with your GP will help you understand your risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.

🌏 World Immunisation Week | 24-30th April. A global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination in protecting people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Immunisation saves millions of lives every year and is one of the most cost-effective health interventions available. By getting vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to building healthier communities and achieving global health goals.

Are you up to date with your vaccinations? Talk to your GP today.

💙 World Health Day | April 7th. A day dedicated every year to highlighting important health issues and advocating for healthier living globally. Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Health Day serves as an opportunity to focus on a specific health topic of global concern.

This year, the theme for World Health Day is 'My Health, My Right' ✨ Chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.

Join us as we celebrate World Health Day and raise awareness about the factors that contribute to a healthier world. Together, we can make a difference in promoting health equity and ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all 💙

Melanoma March ☀️ Did you know? Early detection is the key to effective melanoma management. When detected early, 90% of melanomas can be successfully treated with surgery.
Don't wait until it's too late. Prioritise regular skin checks and book in with your doctor today.

☀️ March is Melanoma Awareness Month
Melanoma is preventable and highly treatable when caught early. Yet, it remains one of the most common cancers in Australia.

☀️ Every 30 minutes an Australian is told they have melanoma.
☀️ 16,000 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma this year.
☀️ Melanoma kills 1 Australian every 6 hours.
☀️ It is estimated 1,300 Australians will die from melanoma this year.
☀️ Melanoma is the most common cancer affecting 20-39 year old Australians.
Book in with your doctor for a skin check today.

Did you know there are Health Plans for chronic medical conditions? Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plans are available for individuals dealing with conditions that persist for at least six months, such as asthma, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or stroke.

We offer care plans to all eligible patients who suffer from a chronic illness with little or no cost for Medicare card holders. If you require assistance in managing your condition, consult your GP to determine if a plan is suitable for you.

What is a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan?

The Australian Government introduced the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan to provide extra financial support through Medicare for individuals dealing with chronic or terminal medical conditions.

You might be eligible for a CDM Plan referral if your chronic or terminal medical condition requires care from a team of healthcare providers, including your GP and at least two others.

A chronic medical condition is one that has been around for six months or more, like asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, or stroke. There's no specific list of eligible conditions. The CDM Plan is designed for patients who need a structured approach, especially those requiring ongoing care from a team of healthcare experts.

Your GP can help determine if you are eligible for a plan.

Are you staying hydrated?
Your body needs water to survive and work properly.

Water is essential for:
💧 Digesting food and absorbing nutrients
💧 Moving our bodies well
💧 Getting rid of waste products
💧 Keeping our body at the right temperature
💧 Drinking water also keeps your teeth and mouth healthy

You can tell if you are well hydrated by the colour of your urine. If it's pale yellow or straw-coloured, you are probably well hydrated. If it's darker yellow, you need to drink more water ... see chart below 👇

If you are showing any signs of dehydration, drink some water straight away and seek medical advice if you still don't feel better.

Wishing you a wonderful festive season ✨
From our entire team, we send our heartfelt wishes for a safe and cheerful festive season for you, your loved ones and friends!

To find our holiday trading hours, kindly refer to our website.

December is a time to celebrate 🥳🥳
Many of us will be celebrating at work functions, end of year celebrations and catch ups with friends, which usually involves alcohol.

It's important for your health to drink moderately. In addition to monitoring how much you drink, it is important that you get yourself and loved ones home safely. This party season if you're choosing to drink, leave the keys at home.

The festive season has begun 🎄
And also a perfect time to understand some effects alcohol can have on your body. Not many people realise that excessive alcohol can affect your health and impact the people around you.

If you have some concerns, now is the time to check in with your GP.

National Skin Cancer Action Week ☀️ 20-26 November
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with approximately 2 in 3 diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime. Sadly, around 2000 Australians will die from this disease this year alone.

Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented using the five forms of sun protection when the UV level is 3 or higher:

👕 Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
🧴 Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen.
👒 Slap on a hat - protect your face, head, neck and ears.
🌳 Seek shade.
🕶 Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.

Have you had a skin cancer check? Talk to your GP about it today.

November is Movember 🧔
Movember is about taking on the three biggest health issues facing men: mental health and su***de prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Su***de. In Australia 3 out of 4 su***des are by men.
Prostate cancer. The most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Australia.
Testicular Cancer. The most common cancer in young men.

Let's support the men in our lives and encourage them to talk about their health and see a GP for a health check. Early prevention saves lives.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗 Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women and finding it early provides the best chance of surviving the disease.

You don’t need to be an expert or use a special technique to check your breasts. Here are some changes to look for:

💗 a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast
💗 a change in the size or shape of your breast
💗 a change to the ni**le, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
💗 a ni**le discharge that occurs without squeezing
💗 a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
💗 an unusual pain that doesn't go away.

Most changes aren’t due to breast cancer but it’s important to see your GP if you notice any of these changes.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month 💗 Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. This month is an opportunity to focus on the devastating impact it has on so many Australians every day.

💗 Over 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed with the disease this year alone.
💗 Over 3,200 Australians will lose their lives to breast cancer this year.
💗 That's 9 people that will lose their lives to breast cancer every day.

The five-year survival rate has increased from 76% to 92% and early detection is key. Take the time this month to find out what you need to know about breast awareness, share this important information with your family, friends and colleagues and see your GP if you have any concerns.

It's not always obvious that someone is struggling. Make staying connected and asking R U OK? part of your everyday 💛 We can all make a difference in the lives of those who might be struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs.

Some conversations can be too big for friends and family. If you’re worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to connect with a GP.

R U OK?Day | Thursday 14 September 💛
Australia's day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is a good day to ask, 'are you OK?' and support those struggling with life.

Sometimes it's not that easy to ask the question, and that's ok.

R U OK? has developed a 4 step conversation to give you the skills and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone you're worried about.

Are they really OK? Ask them today.

How well do you understand side effects from medicines? At least 10% of people are affected by medicines; some side effects are common like nausea and dizziness and some can be more serious than others.

If you are experiencing side effects from your medicine there are things your GP can do to combat them, such as reduce the dose of your medicine, or switch to another treatment.

Always discuss any medicine side effects with your GP.

Medicines can occasionally lead to unintended effects, known as side effects or adverse reactions. While all medications have the potential to cause side effects, not everyone will necessarily experience them.

However, some side effects are common and can be avoided or reduced by following specific instructions for that medicine, including:
💊 Starting with a low dose and increasing that dose gradually over time
💊 Taking the medicine with meals (e.g. anti-inflammatory medicines)
💊 Taking the medicine on an empty stomach (e.g. some antibiotics)
💊 Taking the medicine at a particular time of the day
💊 Staying out of the sun (e.g. the antibiotic Doxycycline)

If you have any concerns about your medicines, talk to your GP.

1 in 20 Australians currently live with diabetes with type 2 diabetes increasing at the fastest rate 😢
In type 2 diabetes, many people have no symptoms at all, while other signs can go unnoticed. By the time symptoms are noticed, complications of diabetes may already be present. Here are some of the common symptoms to look out for:
▫️ Being more thirsty than usual
▫️ Passing more urine
▫️ Feeling tired and lethargic
▫️ Always feeling hungry
▫️ Having cuts that heal slowly
▫️ Itching, skin infections
▫️ Urinary tract or fungal infections
▫️ Blurred vision
▫️ Unexplained weight loss (type 1 or type 2 diabetes)
▫️ Gradually putting on weight (type 2 diabetes)
▫️ Mood swings
▫️ Headaches
▫️ Feeling dizzy
▫️ Leg cramps
Early diagnosis and optimal self-management and treatment have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Talk to your GP today.

National Diabetes Week 2023 | 9 - 15 July 💙
This week is Australia's biggest conversation about the impact of diabetes.

With more than 300 Australians developing diabetes every day - that’s one person every five minutes, diabetes has become the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia.

Diabetes is a serious and chronic condition which can affect the entire body. While there is currently no cure, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.

If you have any concerns, call your GP this week and book an appointment for a Diabetes Risk Assessment.