Ashburton Family Practice in Ashburton, Victoria | Medical and health

Ashburton Family Practice

Locality: Ashburton, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9885 1200

Address: 249 High Street 3147 Ashburton, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.ashburtonfamilypractice.com.au/

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• Medical and health
• Family medicine practice
• Family doctor
• Paediatrician

23.01.2022 As our COVID-19 counts are continuing to fall, we are keen to see our patients face to face again. Mental health has been a big issue for many of our patients this past 3-4 weeks, and some people have really been struggling. We still value your safety and are still minimising the number of people in the clinic at any one time. ... Please wait in your car and call reception on arrival. If you have any COVID symptoms please call us first before booking. We look forward to seeing you back in our clinic... BOOK NOW Phone - 03 9885 1200 Online - www.ashburtonfp.com.au

22.01.2022 Benefits of Walking! - As a follow up from our previous post regarding the benefits of exercise, today, we want to share with you how simply getting MORE STEPS into your day can improve your health . There have been multiple studies over the years which show walking can promotes all aspects of health, both physical and emotional, as well as even promoting longevity. ...Continue reading

22.01.2022 What is Electronic Prescribing? - Electronic Prescribing allows our practice to quickly & safely provide you with scripts for your prescription medications, without exposing you to unnecessary extra risk to COVID-19. . Here’s how it all works!... 1. Book a consultation or request a repeat for your long-standing scripts using our form online * Click the link below for our repeat prescription application form https://www.ashburtonfamilypractice.com.au/request-repeat-s * Please note that this request will be forwarded to your relevant Doctor and will be processed accordingly. * The doctor may decide to call you based on your medical history. 2. Receive Your Script via Email or Text Message to your smartphone 3. Click the Link To Access your eScript Token * An eScript Token is a unique code that ensures that our doctor’s digital signature for your script is secure, and can be used only by you * It acts like a key that allows your doctor to communicate your prescription details directly to the pharmacist, and will help REDUCE the risk of errors (such as dosing, strength or instructions) * If you lose your token, please call us so that we can cancel the script & provide you with another one 4. Attend Your Local Pharmacy to Receive Your Medication * We advise that you call your local pharmacy prior to attending, to ensure that they accept eScripts . Most of our local pharmacies are now onboard with this. - Ta-da! It’s that simple! We hope that you take advantage of this convenient system. If you have any more questions, feel free to book a Telehealth Appointment with us at any time, and we can explain further Phone: 03 9885 1200 Website: https://www.ashburtonfamilypractice.com.au/

17.01.2022 Ashburton high-street can be pretty chaotic, especially during peak hour Plus, parking can often be ticketed, or not long enough, and hence a daunting task. . But don’t worry because we have got you COVERED. -... Did you know that there is a MASSIVE parking lot behind our clinic, with free parking for up to 2hrs (and some all-day spots too)?!?! . Yep, just off Marquis Street, this is a great area for you to find parking that is not only free, but will also last for the duration of your consultation See more

16.01.2022 October is Australia’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month This provides us with an opportunity to educate you about breast cancer, and raise awareness regarding the severe impact it has on those diagnosed with it, and their families. - WHAT IS IT? Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells lining the breast lobules or ducts.... These cells grow uncontrollably and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Men, women, transwomen & non-binary people can develop breast cancer. . STATISTICS Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer), and the 2nd most common cancer to cause death in women. In Australia, the overall five year survival rate for breast cancer in females is 91%. The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer by age 85 is 1 in 8 for women and 1 in 651 for men. . BREAST AWARENESS Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. This is why we encourage ALL our patients to regularly self-examine their breasts, and to look for the following changes; * anew lumporlumpiness, especially if it's only inone breast * achangein thesizeorshapeof your breast * achangeto thenipple, such ascrusting,ulcer,rednessorinversion * anipple dischargethat occurs without squeezing * achangein theskinof your breast such asrednessordimpling * anunusual painthat doesn't go away. . Most changes aren’t due to breast cancer but if you notice ANY of the above, or you have any concerns at all, PLEASE book an appointment with one of our doctors . We have many FRIENDLY female doctors too, if you would feel more comfortable that way! Schedule an appointment online (ashburtonfamilypractice.com.au) or give us a call (03 9885 1200) - If you would like to learn more, please visit;https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-informati//breast-cancer See more

16.01.2022 Exercise & Emotional Wellbeing in the Time of COVID - You may have heard of the term runner’s high, but do you know what this actually means? It relates to the feeling of immense happiness following exercise, due to the release of endorphins in your brain. However, the benefits of exercise aren’t limited to immediately after a workout. Studies have shown that for mild-moderate depression, exercise can be JUST as effective as psychotherapy (talking to counselor) an...Continue reading

15.01.2022 Today, the 10th of September, is national R U OK? Day. .This is a day to encourage Australians to REACH OUT to their friends & family, and ask Are you OK? - This initiative is extremely powerful, because starting such a conversation could save a person’s life. Especially with today’s COVID restrictions, it’s easier for us to lose touch with friends & family, and for us to be unaware of just how much they are struggling right now. .... If your loved ones tell you they are not okay, be there to listen with an open mind, encourage action and if needed, help them seek professional help. If they are okay, that’s great! They’ll still feel much better knowing that someone cares enough to ask - For more information, check out https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day and please, reach out to someone and ask them if they’re okay today See more

14.01.2022 Taking Time Out to Prevent Burnout - In today’s competitive society, we are all frantically chasing things that need to be done and trying to tick boxes to get ahead. We can become overwhelmed, and over-burned by stressors and unfortunately, this leads to burnout; a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion (1) . ... This is especially prevalent now, where working from home makes it difficult to draw the line between work & home, and determining when to switch off. . And as a result, we have seen an increasing number of patients calling in with signs and symptoms of BURNOUT over the past 3-4 weeks during the second COVID Lockdown. - Burnout can affect anyone, and may impact your physical & mental health, and seep into other areas of your life such as home, work & social life (1) . Hence, it is important to deal with burnout when it arises, and incorporate strategies in your life to PREVENT it from happening - Firstly, we need to learn to recognise burnout Signs & symptoms include; * Feeling tired & drained * Reduced immunity & getting sick often * Headaches, muscle pain * Changes in your appetite or sleeping pattern * Feeling a sense of failure, doubting your achievements * Feeling alone, isolating yourself from others * Lack of motivation * Lack of satisfaction or sense of achievement * Procrastinating, becoming less efficient at getting things done * Turning to food, drugs or alcohol * Becoming irritable with others . To PREVENT burnout, try to incorporate the following strategies (2); 1. Schedule 1hr per day to switch off - No technology. No studying/working. No ticking boxes 2. Stay connected to family & friends 3. Exercise - is a great stress reliever and allows you to clear your mind 4. Get 8hrs sleep per night 5. Avoid stimulants (such as caffeine, nicotine) and alcohol 6. Regularly re-evaluate your goals & priorities - make sure you are doing things that make YOU happy, and that put you on the RIGHT PATH towards your goal 7. Allow your creativity to flow - engage in projects or hobbies that have nothing to do with work or whatever is causing you stress 8. Practice Mindfulness, Relaxation or Yoga 9. Learn to say NO & set boundaries - As always, if burnout is causing you distress, please book an appointment with any of our doctors so that we may help you seek professional help! Book a Telehealth Appointment via our new website; https://www.ashburtonfamilypractice.com.au/ REFERENCES 1. https://www.helpguide.org//burnout-prevention-and-recovery 2. https://au.reachout.com/articles/burnout-and-chronic-stress 3. https://www.sciencedirect.com//artic/pii/S1542356517307905

11.01.2022 GO DRY THIS JULY! Dry July is a fundraiser that encourages you to go ALCOHOL-FREE in July, to raise funds to help those affected by cancer. . Not only will you provide invaluable services for cancer patients & their families, you’ll also get to experience FIRST-HAND the many benefits of taking a break from alcohol. .... Turn around the Lockdown period and try something which may benefit yourself lifelong and others in need. - The benefits include; 1. Getting a better night’s sleep - not many people are aware that alcohol intake can severely impacts deep sleep 2. Having greater energy levels during the day 3. Feeling more focused & thinking more clearly 4. Experiencing a happier, less stressed mood 5. Saving money 6. Aiding WEIGHT LOSS & overall better nutrition 7. Avoiding hangovers!! - For more information about this great initiative, visit; https://www.cancer.org.au/get-involved/events/dry-july.html . And if you ever been confused by what is considered a SAFE amount of alcohol to consume.. It is globally now recognised that both Men & Women should NOT exceed 14 units of alcohol weekly. Years of clinical experience has taught us that sustained drinking like this for prolonged periods will result in some harm to the body. The following is a good guide on what safe drinking levels are for your reference :) https://patient.info//alcoho/alcohol-and-sensible-drinking

10.01.2022 As of 11.59pm on Wed 22nd July, if you live within metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire, you MUST wear a face covering when outside of the home. A face covering needs to cover both your nose & mouth, and includes face masks (disposable or cloth masks), or a face shield. This is in order to reduce the spike in community transmission within our state, and also to keep YOU safe. Failure to abide by these rules can result in an on the spot fine of $200 ...Continue reading

07.01.2022 We Are STILL Open During Stage 4 Restrictions! Hi everyone. We want you all to know that we are thinking of you during this extremely difficult time. Despite the Stage 4 Restrictions, Ashburton Family Practice is STILL accepting Telehealth Consultations, and even Face-to-Face Consultations (provided that you are screened by one of our doctors first).... The Australian Government has remained adamant that Healthcare Appointments are one of the ESSENTIAL reasons for which you are allowed to leave your home (even if the journey is greater than 5km from your home), so please don’t be concerned about being caught out if you are on your way to/from our practice. Just don’t forget your face mask! If you have any health concerns at all, please please, do NOT be afraid to call us on (03) 9885 1200 or book an appointment online at https://www.ashburtonfamilypractice.com.au/

04.01.2022 Keeping Social During Lockdown - Humans are social creatures. Unfortunately, the current social distancing laws & coronavirus pandemic has been said to have created a loneliness epidemic (1), making even the most introverted of us feeling lonely, isolated and distraught . Whilst being lonely might not seem like a big deal, it can be lethal. Several meta-analyses have found that chronic loneliness can have a greater impact on health than obesity or smoking (1) ... . If you’re feeling this way, it may help to know you are NOT alone. 1 in 4 Australians report feeling lonely (2), and loneliness can affect anyone - from any age group, race, ethnicity & social group. - But here’s where we can help. At Ashburton Family Practice, our approach to healthcare is not simply treating disease as it arises, but preventing it from occurring in the first place. This is why we want to give you some ideas on how you can stop loneliness from occurring, even with the current restrictions in place! . 1. Understand, Acknowledge & Accept the Loneliness - as we mentioned before, loneliness is common and is nothing to feel ashamed about. However, acknowledging that it is affecting you is the first step in being able to do something about it . 2. Reach out to Family & Friends - scroll through your contact list on your phone or other instant messaging apps and check up on your friends’ and family members’ well-being. This will help you feel more connected, social, healthier and engaged . 3. Connect with Communities & Interest Groups Online - are you interested in a particular TV show, leisure activity, or game? There are many online forums where you can chat to people with the same interests as you, such as Reddit or Facebook Groups . 4. Find an Online Workout Buddy - kill two birds with one stone. Not only will you make your workouts much more fun, but you’ll be able to catch up with a friend at the same time . 5. Organise a Group Zoom Dinner - you can all dress up, cook your own meals and then sit down and eat together, almost as if you were all seated around the same table . 6. Seek Treatment for any Underlying Mental Health Issues - if your mental state is causing you distress, please please PLEASE book an appointment with one of our doctors so that we may discuss the best way to getting you on the path to feeling better again . . . - REFERENCES: (1) https://www.vox.com//america-loneliness-epidemic-coronavir (2) https://www.abc.net.au//what-to-do-if-you-feel-lo/10493724

04.01.2022 You’ve probably already felt the effects of a terrible night’s sleep - poor concentration, irritability and making careless mistakes, to name a few. But did you know that by missing out on adequate sleep, you could be putting your physical and mental health at risk ? . . By no means are we trying to scare you. In fact, think of this article as a reason to ALLOW yourself to sleep in a few extra hours each morning, especially with the current Stage 4 Restrictions in place...Continue reading

03.01.2022 With the second lockdown, a large number of patients have presented struggling with their mental health. During these stressful times, it is increasingly important that we stick to routines and encourage behaviours which can foster better mental health and overall well being . Improving Mental Health doesn’t always just mean medication or psychotherapy - at Ashburton Family Practice we have always encouraged a lifestyle focus on maintaining good health first! ....Continue reading

01.01.2022 IMPORTANT: we will be closed from December 24th (3pm) until Jan 4th! . During this time, we would like to wish you & your family a very Happy Christmas & Safe New Year