An alarming number of cases of whooping cough have been detected in Australia this year. In fact, as at 8th November, there have been 41,722 cases or about 130 cases per day recorded compared to just 2,454 cases in 2023. According to the Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Child and Young Person’s Health, Dr Tim Jones, respiratory illnesses in the community are very common, with whooping cough being the most dangerous. Parents of children under 12 years and those who are under immunised need to [...]

Cervical cancer begins when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow uncontrollably. It may then spread to other parts of the reproductive system or to other parts of the body. Since 2017, the Pap test (or Pap smear) has been replaced by the HPV test, or Cervical Screening Test (also referred to as CST). This better technology helps improve early detection of cervical cancer and save lives and is scheduled every 5 years (instead of every 2 years for the old Pap Test). [...]

This year, World Diabetes Day falls on November 14th, with the aim to promote awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related issues on a global scale. According to Diabetes Australia, almost 120,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year. For every person diagnosed with diabetes there is usually a family member or carer who also ‘lives with diabetes’ every day in a support role. This means that an estimated 2.4 million Australians are affected by diabetes every day. Type 2 diabetes represents 85- 90% of all [...]

Free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) is available for eligible people at moderate to high risk of severe illness and complications from shingles. A 2-dose course of Shingrix® is available for free for: people aged 65 years and over Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over 18 years and over considered at increased risk of herpes zoster due to an underlying condition and/or immunomodulatory/ immunosuppressive treatments. If you previously received a free Zostavax® shingles vaccine under the NIP, you are [...]

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Survival rates continue to improve in Australia with 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or more years beyond diagnosis. Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. Remember you don’t need to be an expert or use a special technique to check your breasts. Changes to look for include: a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in [...]

Whilst September 12th is R U OK Day, it is the type of question to ask regularly because life happens, and things go wrong for people.  Whether it be cost of living pressures, social media negativity or family/friend issues, such a conversation could change a life. By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. R U OK encourages people to have a conversation using the following four steps: Ask R U [...]

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that prostate cancer accounts for nearly 16 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australia, according to new data published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The surge in cases to 26,368 per year is equivalent to 72 men diagnosed each day, while nearly 11 men will die from the disease every 24 hours. If you have any of the following symptoms, please book an appointment with your GP by clicking here or phone [...]

A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage. The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions: Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? Arms Can they lift both arms? Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away. Facial weakness, arm [...]

Pneumococcal disease is a group of clinical conditions caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause severe diseases including meningitis, pneumonia and bacteraemia. As people age, their immune systems naturally decline and this increases susceptibility to pneumococcal disease. A single dose of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all adults at 70 years of age. This vaccine falls under the National Immunisation Program so there is no cost. If you are 70 years of age or older and have not had this vaccination yet, [...]

Hypertension (high blood pressure)is the leading risk factor for preventable deaths in Australia, contributing to over 25,000 deaths every year through stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and dementia. One in three Australian adults has hypertension, but only half of these people have been diagnosed and are receiving appropriate treatment. The three pillars of hypertension control are prevention, detection and effective treatment. The Taskforce is recommending the following prevention strategies: developing tools to assist with healthy food choices being more affordable targeting sodium reduction and increasing [...]

As of July 1st, 2024, there have been 6,277 cases of influenza reported in South Australia for the year, according to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. It is important to note that this may not be an accurate reflection because of the number of people who do not present to their GP when ill and are therefore not tested. The number of people being diagnosed with influenza this year is therefore believed to be higher. This represents an increase of 14% compared to the [...]

Dry July is a fundraiser that encourages you to go alcohol-free in July to raise funds for people affected by cancer. The funds you raise as part of your Dry July will provide invaluable services for cancer patients, their families and carers – whether it’s a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment. Having a month off alcohol also has great health benefits such as sleeping better, [...]

MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration model. It aims to formalise the relationship between you as a patient and your general practice, your GP and the team of health care providers that you may need. It is voluntary and free to register in MyMedicare. If you choose not to register in MyMedicare, you’ll still be able to access the same quality of care from your healthcare providers. You’re eligible to register in MyMedicare if you have: a Medicare card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card face-to-face [...]

Every week in Australia, 299 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer. While the risk of bowel cancer increases with age, the disease affects people of all ages. However, it is one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early. During the early stages, there may be no symptoms which is why screening is so important. From 1 July 2024, the eligible screening age for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will be lowered from 50 to 45. Eligible people aged 45-49 can request their [...]

Australia needs over 1.7 million donations every year to meet demand which means three donations every minute. National Blood Donor Week in June encourages people to donate blood if you meet the eligibility criteria. After blood is donated, the Australian Red Cross will usually separate it into red blood cells, platelets and plasma in their laboratories. Red blood cells only last 42 days from when they are donated. Donated red cells help the following: 34% - cancer and blood diseases 19% - anaemia 18% - [...]

Did you know that: 90% of kidney function can be lost with no symptoms. 3 in 4 Australians are at risk of kidney disease. 1 in 6 hospitalisations are kidney related. Currently over 1.8 million Australians are unaware that they have signs of kidney disease.  So, what are the risk factors of kidney disease? Age - people over 50 years of age are more likely to get kidney disease. Obesity - obese people are a higher risk Smoking High blood pressure Diabetes Family history of [...]

Today, a woman or girl diagnosed with ovarian cancer faces a 49% chance of surviving five years. The average five-year survival rate for all cancers nationwide is over 70%.  It is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women. With one Australian dying every eight hours from the disease, there is a desperate need for research to find better treatments and develop an early detection test. It is estimated that more than 1,200 people were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023. The average age at [...]

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease which is characterised by bone fragility. Everyone loses bone structure with advancing age, and this loss of bone architecture means that fractures are more common. Over 70% of all fractures occur in women and men over 70 years of age. In women, menopause with loss of oestrogen is the most common cause of bone loss. Fractures of the hip, for example, have the highest morbidity, mortality and cost and are associated with a loss of independence. If you are over [...]

There have already been 24,019 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu across Australia so far this year, according to official Department of Health figures. That's up 29 per cent compared to the same time last year. Flu vaccination is recommended every year for anyone aged 6 months of age and over, to reduce the risk of becoming ill with the flu. The best time to vaccinate is in autumn, but flu vaccines can be given at any time during the flu season while the vaccine is [...]

It is estimated by the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare that 48% of Australian adults report at least 2 sleep related problems. Getting enough sleep is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. While most Australians are meeting national recommendations for how much sleep is required each night, many still experience some form of sleep problem. Poor sleep can seriously affect a person’s quality of life and increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions. It also has a substantial impact on the Australian [...]