In 2024, it is estimated that about 15,122 Australians were diagnosed with lung cancer and about 8,900 people died from the disease. Large international clinical trials have shown that CT scans can detect up to 70% of lung cancers at early stages and reduce lung cancer mortality by 20%. Are you: • aged between 50-70 years, and • show no signs or symptoms suggesting that you may have lung cancer and • currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years, and • [...]

In the week ending 27th June 2025, there were 1,268 cases of Flu reported in South Australia with 8,941 cases reported for the year to date. In the same week, there were 458 cases of COVID reported with 6,234 cases reported for the year to date. A total of 32 people have died from COVID this year. Get a free COVID-19 vaccine every: • 6 months if you are aged 75 years or older • 12 months if you’re aged 65 to 74 years (or [...]

Did you know that 1 in 7 people over the age of 50 years have signs of age-related macular degeneration or AMD. This is a chronic disease of the macula which is an area in the central part of the retina at the back of the eye. If your eyes are affected, AMD will cause loss of your central vision, but it will leave your peripheral vision intact. Central vision loss will impact on your ability to watch television, read and recognise faces. AMD is [...]

Regular health checks can help detect problems early and reduce your risk of serious conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Here are four key areas to be aware of: 1. High blood pressure High blood pressure is the most significant known risk factor for stroke. It means your heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body. A reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg is considered high. If you are over 18 years, it is recommended to have a blood pressure check [...]

So far in 2025, there have been 59 cases of measles reported across Australia compared to 57 in the whole of 2024. Ten of this year’s cases have been in children 4 years and younger. This underscores the need for vaccination rates to improve to prevent further outbreaks of this highly contagious disease. Measles is a viral illness that can be spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes and talks. It usually starts with flu-like symptoms which may include: • fever • fatigue • [...]

High blood pressure is known as hypertension. More than 1 in every 3 Australians over the age of 18 has high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured as millimetres of mercury (written as mmHg). Your blood pressure is considered high if the reading is more than 140/90mmHg. Blood pressure over this level puts you at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke – also known as cardiovascular disease. This is true whether the first number (systolic) is higher than 140, or the second [...]

This year to date there have already been 2025 cases of influenza notified in South Australia compared with 1469 at the same time last year. The flu vaccine is adjusted each season to protect against new strains of the virus. Delivery of vaccines is timed to ensure South Australians can be vaccinated and protected ahead of the peak months of flu season, usually between June and September. Flu symptoms include a rapid onset of fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, [...]

Falls can lead to serious injuries, including fractures, head injuries and traumatic brain injuries, potentially resulting in long-term disabilities or even death. Every day in South Australia, about 50 older people are admitted to a public hospital after a fall at home or in the community. Maintaining good health is essential for reducing the risk of falls, especially as we age. By focusing on strength, balance, and overall wellbeing, you can stay active and independent while lowering the chances of injury. Good balance is needed [...]

Our clinic is delighted to welcome two new doctors to the team! Dr Nicola Cranwell completed her Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Adelaide in 2016. She has been in General practice since 2019 and has special interests in preventative medicine, women’s and children’s health, palliative care and dermatology. Nicola is also involved in medical education at the University of Adelaide, training third year medical students at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. If you wish to read more about Nicola, click here. Dr [...]

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve. The resulting vision loss is irreversible. This is usually a gradual loss of sight and a considerable amount of peripheral (side) vision may occur before a person notices the problem. Unfortunately, there is no cure. In Australia, 1 in 50 people will develop glaucoma in their lifetime. 50% of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. You are 10x more likely to [...]

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 [...]