On 1 January 2025, the government introduced a freeze on the maximum patient cost for all PBS medicines. This is a freeze on the co-payment you pay for PBS medicines. This means the cost of your PBS medicines is the same rate as it was in 2024 and will not increase with indexation in 2025. The freeze will be for one year for general patients, which applies to everyone with a Medicare card. There will be a 5-year freeze for pensioners and other Commonwealth concession [...]

Keeping your heart healthy is the most important resolution you should make this new year. In Australia, heart disease remains the leading single cause of death. One Australian dies every 18 minutes from heart disease. In February, the Heart Research Foundation are focusing their spotlight on raising awareness of heart disease by wearing red and sharing prevention information. It is suggested that simple changes to your lifestyle can help prevent heart disease. Some simple steps you may consider include: 1. Movement – Exercise is a [...]

At this time of the year when we are outside more often, we know that mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but can spread diseases when they bite. In South Australia, the most common diseases spread by mosquitoes are Ross River virus and Bahmah Forest Virus. Some mosquitoes can also spread rare but more serious and sometimes fatal diseases. Murray Valley Encephalitis and Japanese Encephalitis can be spread in South Australia. Vaccination for Japanese Encephalitis is available, but you will need to discuss this with [...]

As of 10th January 2025, South Australia has recorded a total of 1,000,364 cases of COVID-19 since 2020. Already in 2025, there have been 220 cases reported. However, these statistics only tell part of the story as the President of the Australian Medical Association in South Australia, Dr John Williams reiterated recently. He said that because many people with COVID no longer get tested or report their illness, the numbers of people in the community who have had COVID, would be higher. It is important [...]

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older. The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight. The UV Index is a tool you can use to protect yourself from UV radiation. It tells you the times during the day that you need to be SunSmart. The UV Index divides UV radiation levels into: low (1-2) moderate [...]

The new Pfizer JN.1 Vaccines, were recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on 9 October 2024.  COVID Vaccination Clinics will be available from the Stirling Central Health Clinic from the week commencing December 9th. This vaccine has been developed to protect against the Omnicron subvariant JN.1. The vaccine has been approved for people over 6 months old. People who are aged between 18yr and 64 yrs are eligible for a booster every 12 months. From 65 – 74 yrs, a booster is recommended [...]

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 [...]