Preventative Activities
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Infants – developmental screening, SIDS prevention advice, breastfeeding advice, avoiding sun exposure in the first 15 years of life most important.
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Preschool/School – developmental assessment, dental screening and advice, educational progress (consider learning disability or ADHD).
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Before getting Pregnant – Listeriosis and spina bifida can be prevented. Smoking and alcohol can cause significant problems in pregnancy.
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Genetic screening – Breast cancer, ovarian cancer and haemochromotosis to name a few.
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Cardiovascular disease – blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, weight, nutrition, physical activity, excessive alcohol intake. Heart attacks and strokes are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia.
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Diabetes – a new diabetic is diagnosed every 24 minutes. It is critical that early diagnosis is made to enable good control to be obtained. The long term complications of diabetes are often severe, disabling and eventually can be fatal. A family history increases your risk.
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Cancers – Cervical (Pap smear every 2 years), Breast (mammogram every 2 years from 50 years and earlier if a family history exists), Bowel (FOBT from 50 years, sigmoidoscopy &/or colonoscopy if symptoms or family history) and Prostate (rectal examination and PSA blood test).
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Osteoporosis – evidence is found on history and Bone Mineral Density Scans
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Nutrition – Positive steps to good health start with good nutrition. 1) Aim for two pieces of fruit and three cups of vegetables or salad per day. 2) Keep saturated fat intake to a minimum; choose only low fat dairy foods and lean cuts of meat. 3) Replace processed biscuits, snack bars and chocolates with nuts for Walnuts or fresh fruit for snack foods. 4) Choose low glycaemic index foods (e.g. wholemeal grains, yogurt). 5) Avoid palm oil.
Immunistions
The current National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule started on 1 July 2007 and outlines the recommended vaccines by age group which are funded by the Immunise Australia Program.
Printable Version of National Immunisation Program Schedule http://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/factsheets/schedule-victoria.htm
45 - 49 year old Health Checks
As we get older, many of us become more vulnerable to illness. In order to reduce this, we would like to invite you to make an appointment to come into the Guardian Medical for a health check. The federal government has recently introduced a new health check. It is for everyone aged between 45 and 49 who may be at risk of developing a health complaint, like diabetes or heart problems.
The aim of the health check is to help find, prevent or lessen the effect of disease. After all, it is better to avoid disease than treat it. This health check will give us the opportunity to look at your lifestyle and medical/family history to find out if you are at risk.
The health check involves:
- Updating your medical history and looking at your health issues
- Doing tests (such as blood pressure tests), if required
- Follow up of any problems identified
- Advice and information, for example on how to make lifestyle changes to improve your health
If you are currently within the age of 45 and 49 your may have a “risk factor”. This meaning anything that increases your chance of developing a disease, then you are entitled to a health check.
There is no cost for this service as it is covered by Medicare.
When booking your appointment, please ensure to let the reception staff know that it is for a 45-49 health check so they can allocate an appropriate time period for the doctor.
Asthma
Do you know the ASTHMA FIRST AID PLAN? Asthma is a common concern in Australia.
In case of severe attack here’s what to do:
STEP 1. Sit person up and give the reassurance, don’t leave them alone.
STEP 2. Without delay give four separate puffs of a reliever (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl or Ventolin). The medication is best given one puff at a time via a spacer device. Ask the person to take four breaths from the spacer after each puff of the medication. Just use the puffer if no spacer is available.
STEP 3. Wait four minutes.
STEP 4. If there is little or no improvement, call an ambulance immediately- DIAL 000. Continuously repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance. Even if the patient recovers seek medical advice.
(Courtesy of the Asthma Foundation of Australia)
Diabetes Management
Diabetes Mellitus is a common condition that can affect individuals from early childhood, adolescence and all the way through adult life. At Guardian Medical, the doctors take a particular interest in the diagnosis, assessment & management of both Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition in which excellent blood glucose control and paying close attention to treating other risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of long term complications. We are fortunate to have the services of a dietician and podiatrist on site (Burwood) to assist with the management of our diabetic patients.
With the growing obesity rate in Australia, we now have more cases of diabetes as a result. Your eating habits could put you at risk of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. If you already have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and are on insulin, you should be carefully monitored by a dietician who has training and expertise in how the body uses food. Our staff understand diabetes; can teach you how the food you eat changes your blood glucose level, and how to coordinate your diabetes medications and eating for optimal health.
Skin Cancer
What to look for?
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A new spot, freckle or mole that has changed colour, size or shape recently.
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A persistent small lump that is red, pale or pearly in colour.
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Crusty non-healing sores or ‘sunspots’.
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An individual with fair complexion living in Australia is more likely that somebody with a dark complexion to have sun damages skin and be afflicted with skin cancer. Importantly whatever your skin type you can still develop skin cancer. Please remember to avoid direct sunlight during the middle of the day, use a high SPF sunscreen, wear broad brim hats and protective clothing and do not forget your children’s skin.
Travel Health
Travelers overseas have up to a 50% chance of suffering travel related illness. Each year, over 50,000 Australians put themselves at risk of illness with potentially serious infection.
Prior to travel it is a good idea to have a medical check-up for personalized advice on how to reduce your risk of illness. This will include advice on how to prevent infectious disease.
Immunisations may be necessary for protection against diseases you may encounter, for routine health measures or as legal requirements for entry into some countries.
As some vaccinations require a course over weeks to months, you should speak to your GP as early as possible prior to your departure. Generally 6 – 8 weeks prior is adequate.
To ensure you receive the best advice, your GP will need to know –
- the countries you will be visiting
- length of stay in each country
- time of year in each country
- type of accommodation (hotel, tent, etc)
- type of travel (bus, backpacking, etc)
The practice has on-line links, with up to date travel health information, to ensure you receive the most accurate information possible.
Book an Appointment in Your Area
If you would like to make an appointment at a Guardian Medical clinic, choose a location below.
