Healthy advice from your family doctor
A recent review revealed that a lot needs to be done to improve asthma control in Australian children (www.aihw.gov.au). Asthma affects 1 in 5 children. The good news is that there has been a 25% drop in the number of kids with asthma since 2001. Poor asthma control is common The study found that many
About 160,000 Australians have coeliac disease and don’t know it. Untreated it can lead to malnutrition, chronic poor health, osteoporosis, infertility, miscarriage, depression, liver disease and some forms of cancer. In people with coeliac disease, the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats) causing damage to the
The oral contraceptive pill has now been available for over 50 years. Here are the answers to common questions women ask. How effective is ‘the Pill’? The Pill is 99% effective if taken correctly at the same time every day. To remember, link it to another daily activity like brushing your teeth or set reminders
Almost one in every three Australians has fragile bones and most are unaware of it. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose their density and become weak. Weak bones are at risk of being easily fractured (broken). Once a fracture occurs your risk of having another increases dramatically. Are you at risk? The risk of osteoporosis increases
Recent outbreaks of measles in Australia and overseas are a reminder that this serious disease is still common in many other countries. Most cases in Australia are either acquired abroad or have been spread to non-immune local residents by foreign visitors or returning travellers. In 2010 there were 70 cases of measles reported in Australia.
Ask your GP about the risk of rabies if you are going overseas. Rabies is found in over 150 countries, including destinations in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe. Rabies has reappeared in Bali over the last 3 years and over 100 deaths have been reported as of June 2011. A risk for travellers is
An easy breakfast or picnic idea for the whole family which kids can help prepare. It contains one of the 3 serves of dairy recommended daily for children. It can also be made ahead of time and eaten chilled. Serves 4 Ingredients 4 wholegrain rolls 2 slices shaved salt reduced ham, halved 3/4 cup baby
Have you noticed that crash diets don’t work? Rapid weight loss slows the metabolism and increases storage of fat. We also need time to establish new eating habits and choices or we simply return to our old ways and regain those kilos, the ‘yoyo effect’. The trick to lose weight and keep it off is
More couples are delaying their family than ever before and the average age of having a first child is now 31 years. However, fertility reduces with age, especially after 35 years and many women are finding it harder to get pregnant. The woman’s age is the main reason why couples cannot conceive naturally. Assisted reproduction
As winter sets in, it is a good time to see your GP to review your asthma management. Most asthma attacks are triggered by the common cold and other respiratory viruses which are most prevalent at this time of year. Good control of your asthma reduces the impact of these bugs. What to ask your