News

We are pleased to welcome Dr Eva Curley and Dr Joelene Lau to our practice in early February.  Dr Curley completed her education at Melbourne University and Dr Lau at University of Tasmania.  Both are coming to us from a background working in hospitals in Victoria.  They will be available every day for consultation.

Please note we will be closed on the following days:

Monday 26^th December
Tuesday 27^th December
Monday 2^nd January

We will be open all other days as normal.

If you know you will be needing scripts during this time please make an appointment prior to the Christmas period to make sure that you are not without medication over the break.   Please note that we will have multiple doctors away over the holidays so your usual doctor may not be available.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing us to provide care to you and your families throughout 2016.  We wish you all a safe, happy and healthy festive season and beyond.

From 1^st November, 2016 the government is providing free Zostavax (Shingles) vaccination for all patients who have turned 70.  There is also a catch up program running over the next 5 years for patients aged 71-79.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.  Later in life the virus can become active again resulting in Shingles.  Shingles is a rash that usually occurs on one side of the body.  The rash begins as a small cluster of red spots that often blister.  The rash can also be painful.

What is Zostavax?

Zostavax is a single dose vaccine for adults which is given to help your immune system in preventing Shingles.  Zostavax can also help prevent nerve pain following Shingles if you do get Shingles.  Some people may still get Shingles even with the vaccine so it is important to speak to your doctor to find out if the vaccine is right for you.

Zostavax is not a treatment if you have Shingles.

If you would like more information about Zostavax please speak to your doctor who will be able to assist you with deciding if Zostavax is appropriate for you.

Perinatal is the term used to describe the weeks leading up to a birth as well as the weeks following.  PANDA provides a vital service across Australia by offering the only specialist national perinatal mental health telephone counselling service, as well as reducing stigma around perinatal anxiety and depression, and providing education services to health professionals and the wider community.

The desired outcome is that callers feel supported, gain increased understanding of what they are experiencing and receive information on services and supports in their local areas. PANDA has access to a database of local services throughout Australia, these include PNA support groups, playgroups, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and other support experienced with working with families with perinatal depression and anxiety.

Volunteers for the organisation speak in forums such as playgroups and new mums’ groups. They also attend large public forums, such as the Pregnancy, Baby and Children Expo, which brings them in contact with thousands of people.

PANDA aims to encourage people to seek help early for mental health issues and is helping break down the stigma around perinatal mental health.

For 30 days during the month of November you can ‘grow the mo’ for Men’s Health raising awareness of 3 major health issues affecting men. These being prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. Funds raised for the Movember Foundation help to fund research enabling significant developments, initiatives, and support in Australia.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia for men, even when the treatment of prostate cancer is successful the treatment can take a toll on the physical and mental health of those affected.

Depending on how far the cancer has spread when testicular cancer is diagnosed is dependent on the long-term survival. In general, the outlook for testicular cancer is good, most of these cancers can be cured even if they have spread. However there are still a small proportion of men and boys who do not face that outcome and these men need support through diagnosis and treatment.

Men experiencing a mental health issue often don’t recognise the symptoms and also may not be comfortable asking for help. Globally, a man dies every minute from suicide. Something has to change. The Movember Foundation hopes to raise awareness in the hope that men suffering from mental illness speak out. The campaign also hopes to encourage everyone to speak out whether you are worried about a friend, family member or workmate. This is often the catalyst for that person starting on the road to recovery.

Ontario Medical Clinic will be supporting this cause throughout November.

Every day in Australia around 50 women are told they have breast or a gynaecological cancer. Sadly around 12 Australian women will die each day from a women’s cancer. The five year survival rate for breast cancer has increased by 17% in the past two decades and by 7% for women with a gynaecological cancer in the same period, thanks to advancements in cancer research and prevention. Funds raised by Girls’ Night In and Cancer council’s Pink Ribbon goes towards research, prevention and treatment of women with breast cancer, ovarian, cervical, vagina, vulva and uterine cancers.

Ontario Medical Clinic will be once again supporting the cause and selling merchandise for Pink Ribbon Day at our front desk.

There are many ways your money can help and even the smallest amount will make a difference:

$5 can go towards producing a meditation DVD to help a woman deal with the side effects of chemotherapy.
$10 helps pay for an Information Pack for women coping with the aftermath of surgery.
$50 can help fund a call to a cancer nurse on 13 11 20 that informs and reassures a woman about her cancer diagnosis.
$100 can help provide accommodation for a woman who needs to stay away from home while accessing treatment.
$250 can help pay an overdue bill for a mum who hasn’t been able to work.
$500 can support new research into breast and gynaecological cancers.
$1,200 can recruit new participants into a study to understand the causes of cancer.

Please go to https://www.pinkribbon.com.au

It is the 22^nd anniversary of Bandanna Day this year, a fundraiser that focuses on supporting young people living with cancer. Every year, another 23,000 young people (63 a day) have to deal with the challenge of cancer.

Ontario Medical Clinic are supporting this wonderful cause and you can too by buying some merchandise at our front desk. Other ways you may like to help is by donating online or hosting a fundraiser yourself.

Money raised allows CanTeen to provide practical and emotional support for young people.

$50- Will help pay for one young person to attend a CanTeen Recreation Day and have a break from the daily pressures of living with cancer.

$100- Will help pay for one young person who has lost a parent or sibling to cancer to attend a weekend program where they

learn to understand grief and develop skills to manage it.

$350- Will enable two young people living with cancer to have an hour long face-to-face counselling session.

$500- Will enable two young people to attend a one-night New Member Program to get a taste of what a CanTeen program involves and start connecting with others going through similar experiences.

National Carers Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness of carers roles in our community.

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to family members and friends with a mental illness, a disability, a chronic condition, terminal illness and those frail aged.

Statistics show that you or someone you know will either be a carer or need to be cared for. Carers make an enormous contribution to our communities as well as our national economy.

National Carers Week provides you with a chance to show your appreciation and learn about carers and caring in Australia.

Anyone at any time can become a carer so it is important to know how to access support and services. Please following the link to find out more about how you can either host your own event or attend one near you.

https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/events/nationalcarersweek/

National Carers Week 2016 will be celebrated throughout Australia from 16-22 October.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollens, dust mite, mould and animal hair. Hay fever season is often associated with Spring when airborne pollens are at their peak but it can also occur throughout the year. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle.  Symptoms can include- sneezing, runny nose, itchy ears, nose and throat as well as red, itchy or watery eyes often causing headaches.  In more severe cases you may find yourself unable to sleep, have difficulty concentrating and may feel tired or unwell.

It affects up to 1 in 5 Australians at some point in their life, and is more likely to occur if there is a family history of allergies.

The tiny hairs and mucus in the nose trap dust and pollens and a person who suffers from hay fever may be allergic to some of these particles that get trapped.

You may be able to help reduce hay fever symptoms by monitoring the pollen count forecast, staying indoors if possible after a thunderstorm or during windy days and splashing your eyes often with cold water to wash out the pollen.

Most people are able to relieve their symptoms to a certain extent with treatments such as nasal sprays, non-sedating antihistamine and eye drops. Before commencing any treatment speak to your pharmacist or make an appointment to discuss with your GP.

People over 55 are invited to celebrate the 2016 Seniors Festival by joining in one of the many events hosted throughout the Mildura region during this week in October.

It is a great opportunity to take advantage of low costing and free activities. Some of the activities include luncheons, movies, concerts, boat cruise and exercise programs.

More detailed information can be found the following link: www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Calendar-of-Events/2016-Seniors-Festival website or to download the festival program here.