The General Practitioner in Oakleigh, Victoria | Medical and health

The General Practitioner

Locality: Oakleigh, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9568 8932

Address: 139 Warrigal Road 3166 Oakleigh, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.thegeneralpractitioner.com.au

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24.01.2022 Tomorrow, October 10th is world mental health day! 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness every year however, many don’t seek help in fear of stigma. This world mental health day, take the opportunity to take actions to support your own mental health and wellbeing, and to support friends and family who are struggling.... This year looking after your mental health and well being has been more important than ever. Speak with your GP or one of the support lines/sites below for help and to see what you can do to support your own mental health, or to support someone else. Lifeline 13 11 14 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week) Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight) Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au Black dog institute www.blackdoginstitute.org.au Butterfly Foundation National Helpline 1800 334 673 Carer support 1800 242 636 Headspace www.headspace.org.au RUOK www.ruok.org.au SANE Australia Help Centre 1800 187 263 www.sane.org.au Suicide call back service 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 Qlife 1800 184 527

22.01.2022 Healthy eating tips to lower cholesterol Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. Whilst cholesterol has many uses by the body, it can be harmful when there is too much of it in the blood. There is ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL high density lipoprotein) which helps protect against heart disease and there’s ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL- low density lipoprotein) which can add to the fatty deposits in arteries and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack and... stroke). High blood cholesterol can be due to eating lots of foods with saturated and trans fats (butter, biscuits, pies), low fibre intake (fruit/veg) and genetics (family history). Whilst we can’t change our genetics, we can change our diet and lifestyle. A healthy diet including a variety of foods from the 5 food groups is a great starting point (refer to our previous post on healthy eating and the link below) Healthy eating tips to manage cholesterol include: - Limit salty foods and reduce the salt you add to your food - Limit fatty and sugary foods - Eat 2-3 serves of plant sterols each day eg plant sterol enriched margarine, legumes, nuts - Eat 2-3 serves of oily fish per week - Use spreads or margarines made from canola, sunflower, olive oils - Use a variety of oils for cooking made from canola, sunflower, olive - Choose lean meat - Limit processed foods such as ham, sausages, bacon - Choose reduced fat, low fat or no fat dairy products - Increase fibre (fruit and veg) consumption Consult your GP for more information on cholesterol diagnosis and management or to discuss your individual health needs For more information on healthy eating go to www.eatforhealth.gov.au to view the Australian healthy eating guidelines

22.01.2022 Clinic Opening Hours over the Holiday Period Thursday 24th Dec (Christmas Eve) 0900-1400 Friday 25th Dec (Christmas Day) CLOSED Saturday 26th Dec (Boxing Day) CLOSED... Sunday 27th Dec CLOSED Monday 28th Dec CLOSED Tuesday 29th Dec 0900-1400 Wednesday 30th Dec 0900-1400 Thursday 31st Dec (New Year's Eve) 0900-1400 Friday 1st Jan (New Year's day) CLOSED Saturday 2nd Jan CLOSED Sunday 3rd Jan CLOSED Monday 4th Jan 0800-2000 (normal hours) See more

19.01.2022 Today is mental health day. Make sure to check in on your friends, family and most importantly, yourself. Dr Billy was able to comment on some of the data found in regards to medical professionals. https://www.healthindustryhub.com.au//new-data-reveals-ex/

18.01.2022 Feeling stressed and anxious? If so, you are not alone! You’ve probably heard about ‘mindfulness’, but what is it? Mindfulness is a process of focussing attention on the present and becoming aware of your thoughts and emotions. How is it different to meditation? Meditation is a temporary state of mind, whereas mindfulness can be applied to any situation.... Mindfulness benefits include: - Reduces stress, depression and anxiety - Reduces anger and frustration - Improves focus, memory & level of happiness There are MANY different forms of mindfulness: No training or equipment required! The most common form is ‘focussed attention’. This involves when either sitting or laying down, or whatever you may be doing, stop and focus on your breathing for a few moments and observe the thoughts or feelings that come into your mind. Give it a try and see how you go! There is a vast array of Mindfulness apps and resources online. If you have any favourite Mindfulness Apps or websites, please share them in the comments section below! Check out the following links below for more info on mindfulness. https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness

16.01.2022 It's been a busy week for Dr Billy!... TUNE IN to A Current Affair TONIGHT 7pm on Channel 9 to see Dr Billy's interview today commenting on current health issues.

16.01.2022 This might help answer some questions about the current stage 4 restrictions.

16.01.2022 Thinking about having a baby? Did you know that you should speak to your GP BEFORE you start trying for a baby? Having a discussion with your GP BEFORE you stop contraception and/or 3-6 months prior to trying is ideal. Being as healthy as possible before you get pregnant increases the chance that things go well for both yourself and your baby. There are many things to be discussed with your doctor before you start trying, to identify any potential problems which may complicat...e pregnancy so that steps can be taken to manage them prior to pregnancy and ensure you are as healthy as possible to enable good outcomes. These discussions may surround: - Personal medical history, surgical history and family history - Optimising current physical health, mental health and weight - Reviewing medications, diet and lifestyle Did you know some medications can cause birth defects? - Seeing if you are up to date with immunisations and if you may require any to ensure you and your baby are kept safe - Screening and treatment of any infectious diseases - Supplements required prior to and during pregnancy eg folic acid and iodine (some women may require additional supplements so speak to your doctor first) - Discussions about genetic screening Always speak to your GP to get recommendations that are specific to you and your situation Don’t rely on what friends or family have told you, as it may not be the most up to date information or may not be appropriate for your situation.

14.01.2022 How healthy are your bones? Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones brittle and prone to breakage. It occurs when bones lose calcium quicker than the body can replace it, meaning bones become thin and less dense. Any bone in the body can be affected and so even a small bump or fall can lead to the bones breaking. There are NO symptoms of osteoporosis and it’s often discovered once a bone has been fractured aka broken. ... Maintaining bone health is a MUST for BOTH MEN and WOMEN to prevent loss of independence, chronic pain, disability and even death which can occur as a result of a fracture. Although women are at greater risk of osteoporosis, men are also at risk. Low calcium intake and low vitamin D levels play a role, but so does family history, one’s medical history and lifestyle factors. Some tips: 1) Increase calcium intake adults require 1,000mg per day (1,300mg if over 50). 2) Get adequate vitamin D 3) Exercise regularly including weight bearing exercise which improves bone strength Whether you are under or over 50,speak to your GP about your individual risks, how to improve your bone health and if you are eligible for screening and treatment for osteoporosis. Visit Osteoporosis Australia www.osteoporosis.org.au for more info on osteoporosis, risk factors and how you can prevent it.

11.01.2022 Mental health and COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the mental health of many Victorians. GP Mental health treatment plans (MHTP) are for patients with mental health conditions who would benefit from a structured approach to the management of their treatment needs. This allows patients to be eligible for up to 10 Medicare rebateable mental health services per calendar year for psychological therapy provided either by a psychologist, psychiatrist ...or GP. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions eg Victoria. This equates to a total of 20 Medicare rebateable sessions. The Australian Government has allowed this to continue until March 31, 2021. Patients are required to have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a review with their GP in order to access additional services. Speak to your GP to discuss whether you would be eligible for these additional sessions if you already have MHTP in place. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns for your mental health and to discuss whether a MHTP is suitable for you.

10.01.2022 MYTH: If men discuss prostate health with their GP it will lead to a finger exam. Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer related deaths among Aussie males. Prostate cancer does not just affect older men, all men over the age of 50 (or 40 if a family history) are recommended to discuss prostate health with their GP. Many men avoid seeing their GP to discuss prostate health because they fear it will lead to a finger examination, however, a finger exam is no lo...nger recommended as a first line test (though sometimes still necessary) and a blood test can be done, if required. In the early stages prostate cancer may not show any symptoms. Some symptoms of early prostate cancer may include: - Difficulty passing urine - Slow stream that stops and starts - Passing urine frequently - Passing urine overnight - Incontinence Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include: Painful urination, blood in urine, lower back or pelvic pain. Some of these symptoms can also be present in non cancerous enlargement of the prostate, however if you (or a loved one in your life) experience any of those symptoms or are a man over 50 (or 40 with family history) speak to your GP about prostate health.

09.01.2022 Are you sitting there with silent, undiagnosed diabetes? Many people will live with type 2 diabetes for up to 7 years before they are diagnosed. Many people are sitting there without knowing they have type 2 diabetes because for many, they will have no symptoms, or the signs and symptoms are subtle and develop slowly over time. Some symptoms can include: urinating large volumes and/or more frequently, headaches, weight gain, poor healing of cuts, tiredness, increased thirst,... frequent infections etc. Type 2 diabetes can cause heart attacks, blindness, kidney failure, stroke and amputation. There is no cure for diabetes, it can only be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, so the earlier someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the more time they have to reduce their risk of developing serious complications. Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age. Your risk increases over age 40, if you are overweight and if you have someone in your family with diabetes. So, if you are over 40 or are concerned about your risk of diabetes, consider getting checked and speak to your GP. For more info visit https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/

09.01.2022 Listen up ladies... Seeing your doctor for regular check ups help us to stay healthy and pick up early warning signs of illness or disease. It’s recommended women have a yearly general check up with their GP. Self checking should be incorporated to every woman’s regular routine. Some things that can be done at home include: ... - Skin checks- Regularly check your skin for any new spots or changes to skin blemishes, freckles. - Breasts- Regular self breast checks to detect any changes in the breast or nipple - Teeth: Regularly cleaning teeth and drinking fluoridated water can reduce risk of dental decay - Weight- monitoring and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent chronic diseases Health checks that can be done with your GP include: - Cervical screening test a very important screening test that picks up changes in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer (This test looks for Human Papillomavirus HPV which is known to cause cervical cancer and has replaced the Pap Test) - Sexually transmitted infection screening - Pre-pregnancy check ups to discuss any health risks prior to pregnancy - Heart health checks Blood pressure, blood tests and weight checks - Diabetes health checks - Breast cancer checks screening mammograms for women aged 50-74 - Bowel cancer checks faecal occult blood test (FOBT) as part of the bowel cancer screening program for women aged 50-74 and this may include a colonoscopy - Bone density checks for osteoporosis - Eye health check - Immunisations for illness prevention It is important to have regular health checks, even if you feel well and healthy. Seeing your doctor regularly will help you to stay healthy and pick up any early warning signs. Speak to your doctor to see which of the above is most suitable for you.

07.01.2022 Do you have an elderly parent or friend where English is their second language? Here are some videos in multiple languages that you can play for them, to help them understand that expert advice matters and how telehealth can help them. Please share them around, its important to get the message out. ... https://www.youtube.com/playlist

03.01.2022 TUNE IN to ABC today at 4PM to see Dr Billy! Dr Billy was asked by ABC to comment on behalf of the RACGP on some current topics. Dr Billy is one of the spokespersons for the RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners).

01.01.2022 Are you always tired? Here are our tips to sleep well Getting enough sleep is critical to achieve optimum mental and physical health and wellbeing. Adults need roughly 8hrs sleep per night. While we sleep, our bodies work to support our immune system, brain function and our physical and mental health. Think how one bad night’s sleep makes us feel many of us will feel grumpy and irritable and as though we are lacking energy and concentration. Persistent poor sleep can there...fore increase the risk of chronic health conditions and can also affect mood. Poor sleep and mood disorders are closely linked- losing sleep can affect your mood and your mood can affect how much and how well you sleep. Good sleep habits can help improve sleep and overall well-being. Good sleep habits include: - A routine! Go to bed at the same time each night and waking around the same time each morning - Limit screen time before bed - Limit alcohol and caffeine intake - Use the bedroom only for sleep and intimacy. Avoid watching tv in bed as your mind will associate the bedroom with activity - Ensure the room is dark and quiet - Exercise daily (but not too close to bedtime) - Avoid afternoon naps and mentally stimulating activities close to bedtime - Don’t go to bed if you don’t feel tired this will reinforce the habit of laying in bed awake - If you go to bed and don’t fall asleep within a reasonable amount of time, get out of bed, move to another room and do a quiet activity such as reading a book until you feel sleepy again - Try a warm bath or shower close to bed time to help you relax - Try relaxation exercises eg deep, rhythmic breathing, or consciously relax each part of your body moving from your toes up to your head If you’re still having trouble sleeping, speak with your GP. For more info on relaxation exercises visit https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

01.01.2022 Would you know what to do if someone around you had a cardiac arrest? Time is of the essence in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. 80% of cardiac arrests happen out of hospital and in our homes. Shocktober is a campaign highlighting the importance of knowing where Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located and to make sure they are accessible in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.... Today, October 16th is also ‘restart a heart day’. Every minute without intervention, the chance of surviving decreases by 10%. Knowing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is lifesaving. It’s important for people of all ages to know how to perform CPR. Use today as an opportunity to refresh your CPR skills, or to sign up for a CPR course. Also, next time you’re out and about, see if you can spot where AEDs are located in supermarkets and shops. You just don’t know when you might need it (and CPR skills) to save a loved one’s life!