Healthy advice from your family doctor
Planning ahead is the key to staying healthy during overseas travel. Many serious health risks can be avoided by careful preparation and visiting your doctor to check if any vaccinations are needed. Travel checklist Make up or buy a small medical kit. Take sufficient quantities of your regular medication with an explanatory letter from your
Red meat contains 5 essential nutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin B12, omega 3 fats and protein) and should be eaten regularly. However it can be a source of ‘bad’ saturated fat so choose lean cuts. Eat red meat 2–3 times per week. The recommended serving size is roughly the size of your palm which is about
A beautiful steak sandwich complimented by caramelised onions and dressed in mustard cream. Perfect as a snack or to serve at lunchtime this recipe has high protein, low kJ and is low in fat. Preparation: 10min, cooking: 15–20min Cost per serve: $3.38. Serves 4. Ingredients Cooking oil spray 2 medium brown onions, sliced 2 teaspoons
According to Medicare Australia, 1 in 10 five-year olds is not fully immunised. This is of great concern as immunisation is an effective and safe way to prevent many infections that killed a lot of children in the past. Unvaccinated children are still at risk from these very serious diseases. The huge benefits of immunisation
Evidence is mounting that gum disease plays a role in a range of serious health problems around the body. People with gum disease have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. There is also a known link with premature birth, lung and kidney disease. Gum disease is also associated with an increased risk of
The menopause is the last menstrual period a woman has. The average age is 51 years (range 45-55 years). Smokers reach the menopause 1-4 years earlier than non-smokers. What are menopausal symptoms? A range of symptoms can occur several years before and after the menopause. The good news is that 20% of women have no
Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy foods. It is digested in the bowel by an enzyme called ‘lactase’. People with lactose intolerance don’t have enough of this enzyme. Symptoms of lactose intolerance can occur some time after eating and include: Abdominal discomfort or pain Bloating and wind Diarrhoea About 6 % of Caucasian Aussies
Nearly 1 in 3 adult Australians has high blood pressure (hypertension). However, most people who are being treated are not reaching their target blood pressure. Many cases have not been diagnosed at all. Target blood pressure (BP) is under 140/90 for most people and lower for those at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, e.g. people
HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination has recently been approved for males aged 9-26 years. The vaccine protects men from the papillomavirus which causes genital warts and genital cancers. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Australia and infects 4 in 5 people at some time in their lives. There are > 40 types of
It’s that time of the year again when viruses are out in force and many people turn to vitamins and pills to ward off colds and flus. However, the best way to avoid winter germs is with a flu shot, a healthy lifestyle and good personal hygiene. Colds and flus are caught in two main