Valley Plaza Medical Centre

Today is World Blood Donor Day. Anyone aged 18 – 75 years old and weighs over 50kg, can donate blood given they pass the eligibility test. Take the test today at http://ow.ly/iLU0105wK18 and be the lifeblood of Australia

This week, 10 June to 16 June 2024, is International Men's Health Week. The focus is on Men's Health Check. Wondering why men’s health is important?

Every day in Australia, around seven men die by su***de. Men are three times more likely to take their own lives compared to women. Accidents, cancer and heart disease all account for the majority of male deaths.

These statistics highlight the importance of improving men’s health. Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men. Visit http://ow.ly/wMEZ104EteN to book an appointment for the men in your life.

This week is World Heart Rhythm Week bringing awareness to arrhythmias. Arrhythmia is a fault in the heart's electrical system, which affects your heart's pumping rhythm. The abnormal electrical activity makes the heart muscle beat too fast, slow or in an irregular way.

Wondering if your heart rhythm normal? Speak to your GP today! Book an appointment with your GP at http://ow.ly/qTUm105vN7V

MyMedicare is a new voluntary registration program that will help us formalise the relationship between you and your doctor.

By registering with MyMedicare you may be eligible for additional health services and funding.

MyMedicare is open to Australians with a Medicare card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card.

Visit http://ow.ly/1LFx105p8vB for more information or to register.

When is the best time to get the flu vaccine?

The timing of vaccination should aim to achieve the highest level of protection during the peak of the influenza season, usually from June to September in most parts of Australia. The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3 to 4 months after vaccination. Vaccination from mid-April onwards is likely to result in peak immunity during the influenza season. However, it’s never too late to vaccinate as influenza can spread all year round. Vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza virus are circulating and a valid vaccine is available.

Book your flu vaccine. http://ow.ly/8Kpf105mm9B

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,350 people a year) - but it's one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early. This week, 299 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer (15,531 people a year). If found early, Bowel Cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer.

Speak to your GP about prevention and early detection. Book your appointment http://ow.ly/wMEZ104EteN today!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are at higher risk of getting really sick and going to hospital from the flu. For protection of your community, everyone aged 6 months and over can get the influenza vaccine for free every year.

Book your flu vaccine now! Visit http://ow.ly/8Kpf105mm9B to book your appointment.

We have joined the MyMedicare community, and we want you to join us too!
MyMedicare is a new voluntary patient registration model. It aims to formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner (GP) and primary care teams.
We have introduced MyMedicare as part of an ongoing commitment to strengthening Medicare for all Australians.
Visit http://ow.ly/1LFx105p8vB for more information.

Particular patients are at higher risk of complications from the flu and are encouraged to get vaccinated for the best protection. Patients including:

- Children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
- People aged 6 months and over with underlying medical conditions

Book your flu vaccine now! Visit http://ow.ly/8Kpf105mm9B to book your appointment.

Your overall health matters, and that includes your kidneys! Here are some simple steps you can take:

✅ Get your blood pressure checked regularly and keep it within recommended levels.
✅ Monitor your blood glucose levels if you have diabetes, and aim for target ranges.
✅ Embrace an active, healthy lifestyle and maintain a balanced weight.

But awareness alone isn't enough – it's time for action! This week, we're encouraging everyone to take kidney disease seriously by understanding their risk. Take the online kidney risk test at http://ow.ly/JPVN105sSZt during Kidney Action Week during Kidney Action Week and book an appointment with your GP today!

Did you know that seeing the same GP regularly can lead to better health outcomes?

Evidence shows that seeing the same GP and healthcare team regularly leads to better health outcomes for patients. When a general practice and their patients register in MyMedicare, the Australian Government will provide additional funding to assist the general practice provide targeted care based on patient needs.

Visit https://www.ipn.com.au/mymedicare/ to find out more or register today.

Happy National Receptionist Day! Today we'd like to take a moment to recognise our hard-working receptionists. Day in and day out, they ensure our centre runs smoothly, our patients are cared for, and our doctors and nurses are supported.

We are incredibly grateful for all their hard work and dedication. If you have a moment, please join us in thanking our receptionists for their fantastic efforts.

🎗️ Every 8 hours, a woman in Australia loses her life to ovarian cancer. May 8th is World Ovarian Cancer Day, a day when the world comes together to raise awareness and support those affected by ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a complex disease with many variations, but ongoing research is shedding light on its nature and treatment. Whether you're seeking information for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious, we encourage you to speak with your GP today. Visit http://ow.ly/wMEZ104EteN to book your appointment online

Today is World Asthma Day! Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Asthma is characterised by inflamed airways that make it difficult to breathe. Common symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.

While asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed with the proper treatment and care. This may include using inhalers, avoiding triggers such as pollen, dust and smoke, and making lifestyle changes to improve overall health. With the correct management plan, people with asthma can control their condition and live fully.

We encourage everyone to take some time today to learn about asthma and how it can be managed. Learn more here 👉 https://asthma.org.au/manage-asthma/asthma-action-plan/

It's Heart Week! On Australia's national heart health awareness week, we are encouraged to NEVER MISS A BEAT!

Knowing your heart risk is the first step to a healthier heart. If you are ages 45 and over, it's recommended to see a GP for a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check. Book an appointment with your trusted GP 👉 http://ow.ly/8Kpf105mm9B

The flu can last 5 to 7 days and is primarily treated with rest and fluid to let your body fight the infection on its own. If symptoms worsen or you’re in a high-risk group, you may need to see your GP. Symptoms include:

🤒 Fever (high temperature)
😷 Cough
👄 Sore throat
🤧 Runny or stuffy nose
💪 Muscle or body aches
🤕 Headaches
😴 Fatigue (tiredness)

Visit http://ow.ly/8Kpf105mm9B for more information or to book your flu vaccine.

Children are at a higher risk of complications from the flu, and their best protection is the vaccine. It is recommended that children from 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every year.

Some children who have influenza get so sick they can’t go to childcare or preschool for two weeks or more. Every year in Australia, hundreds of children get so unwell from influenza that they need to be treated in hospital. Most of them are babies and children under five years.

For further information about your child getting the flu shot, download the Australian Government information brochure here 👉http://ow.ly/1Kt3105nnhV

They gave their today for our tomorrow. Never forgotten, we will always honour and remember the ANZAC heroes. Lest we forget.

MyMedicare is here!

We are inviting all of our regular patients to register in MyMedicare. Ask reception for a registration form at your next appointment or visit http://ow.ly/1LFx105p8vB for more information.

It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually. Flu strains can change yearly, so the vaccines may be updated each season. Getting vaccinated annually means you're protected against the most recent and common strains.

Today is World Parkinson's Day. Parkinson’s disease can affect anyone – male or female and at any age, although the most common age of diagnosis is 65. Typical symptoms include:

👉 Slowness of movement
👉 Muscle rigidity
👉 Instability
👉 Tremors
👉 Depression
👉 Anxiety

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it's important you speak with a GP. Visit http://ow.ly/wMEZ104EteN to book an appointment

Today is World Health Day. A day that recognises the need and right for everyone to have access to healthcare.

The right to health is facing increasing threats worldwide: from diseases to conflicts and climate crisis. Despite 140 countries recognising health as a human right, millions lack access to essential services.

To address these types of challenges, the theme for World Health Day 2024 is 'My health, my right’.

This year’s theme was 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. For more information visit http://ow.ly/2Jk1105ovPw

REMINDER: Your clocks will be turned back an hour when daylight savings ends at 3am tomorrow. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep! 💤

The flu is more than a bad cold. It is a common viral infection that affects people of all ages. While it can be a mild disease for some, it can also cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people. It can lead to hospitalisation and can cause death. Vaccination is the safest way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

Our staff, nurses and doctors wish you a happy and healthy Easter. Have an egg-cellent long weekend with the family and friends!

Your heart beats for you. Keep it strong and healthy.

A Heart Health Check is a 20-minute check-up with your GP to assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years. In the consultation, your GP will discuss your risk factors, check your current heart condition, assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years and create a plan to reduce your risk.

If you are aged 30 years and over, you’re eligible for a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check.

Visit http://ow.ly/wMEZ104EteN to book a Heart Health Check with your GP today.

Your heart and your mind are a team!

Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety may have a negative impact on your heart health and increase your risk of developing heart disease.

If you find yourself worried about how your mental health may affect your heart health, the first step is to speak to someone. Discussing your concerns with your GP is a good place to start. http://ow.ly/wMEZ104EteN

Source: http://ow.ly/x8BG105m4Ig

Omega-3 Recipes: Heart-healthy meals to keep satisfied!

Brainstorming heart-healthy recipes can be quite a challenge! Thankfully, the Foundation have created delicious, easy-to-make recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Download the FREE Omega-3 recipe e-book today. http://ow.ly/QbT1105m4ti

Heart disease can occur 10-20 years earlier among First Nations peoples.

Several risk factors for heart disease are higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Reducing your risk begins by knowing these factors and making good positive changes to protect your heart through:

✅ Healthy eating patterns
✅ Increased physical activity
✅ Not smoking
✅ Limiting alcohol intake
✅ Healthy weight
✅ Taking care of your mental health

Discuss how to minimise your risk. Book a Heart Health Check with your GP: http://ow.ly/wMEZ104EteN

Source:
http://ow.ly/Vitb105m4pp

Flu season is coming!

Get your annual influenza vaccine anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September.

The highest level of protection occurs in the first three to four months following vaccination.

Visit http://ow.ly/8Kpf105mm9B to have a chat with your GP about vaccination!.