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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
