2020 Archives - Illawarra Medical Centre

Get your family up to date with their immunisations these school holidays!

walrus — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 06:16:31 +0000

Immunisation saves millions of lives each year and is recognised as one of the world’s most successful and cost effective health interventions.

In Australia, there are a number of key vaccines available for free through the government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Our new bulk billed Immunisation Clinics are an easy way for you and your family to get up to date with your routine immunisations during the upcoming school holidays.

What is immunisation?
Immunisation remains the best way to protect you, your family, and the wider community against preventable diseases.

It protects you from harmful diseases before you come into contact with them by using vaccines to produce an immune response in your body without causing illness.

Vaccines use dead or severely weakened viruses to trick the body into thinking that it already has the disease. This allows your immune system to respond and create antibodies to protect you against future infection.

They work by training your body to recognise and fight against specific germs. The next time you come across that virus, your immune system works quicker to produce the antibodies needed to destroy it. While you may still get a less serious form of the illness, vaccines help to ensure you are protected from the most dangerous effects.

When enough people in the community are vaccinated against a disease to prevent it from spreading, you get herd immunity.

This video provides a simple explanation of exactly how vaccines work>>

Vaccine safety
Vaccines used in Australia are thoroughly tested and monitored to ensure their ongoing safety. Before vaccines can be used in Australia, they must be rigorously tested on thousands of people in progressively larger trials.

Once vaccines are used in Australia, they continue to be monitored for safety.

SmartVax, established by Illawarra Medical Centre’s Principal GP, Dr Alan Leeb, is one tool that plays a major role in monitoring the safety of vaccines in Australia.

To find out more about how SmartVax works, visit http://www.smartvax.com.au

National Immunisation Program (NIP)
Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), first established in 1997, aims to improve the national immunisation rate. It provides free vaccines to eligible people to help reduce preventable diseases, such as measles and influenza.

The NIP Schedule sets out the timeline for immunisations given at specific times throughout your life, from birth to adulthood.

In Australia, the vaccination rate target is for 95% of the population to be vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases. This target is required to achieve herd immunity in the community. Herd immunity is important as it enables those who aren’t able to be immunised (e.g. very young infants or people with medical conditions) to still be protected against vaccine preventable diseases.

While we are not quite at that target as yet, it is pleasing to note that the immunisation coverage for one and five year olds in Australia has increased since 2009. As of September 2020, the national coverage rates were 94.72% for all one year olds, 92.36% for all two year olds, and 94.90% for all five year olds.

It’s important for parents to note that all schools in Western Australia have immunisation requirements for enrolment. The summer school holidays are the perfect time to make sure your child is up-to-date with their vaccinations before starting school next year.

To find out more about the National Immunisation Program, visit https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-immunisation-program

IMC Immunisation Clinics
Illawarra Medical Centre has recently introduced a NEW bulk billed Immunisation Clinic service to help make it easier for you and your family up-to-date with your routine vaccinations throughout the year.

Our Immunisation Clinics are open to new and existing patients and available to both adults and children and all vaccinations are delivered by one of our on-site doctors and nurses each day.

The Clinics operate every weekday from Monday to Friday between 10am to 3pm and cover all non-travel, routine vaccinations.

Access to our Immunisation Clinics is available through walk-ins on the day. Alternatively, you can phone us directly on (08) 9208 6400 to make a booking, or book via our online booking service, HotDoc.

To find out more about our Immunisation Clinics, read our Frequently Asked Questions.

If you would like to see your preferred GP for your routine vaccinations or those not covered through our Immunisation Clinics, you can book online or phone us on (08) 9208 6400 to make an appointment.

For further information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government, Department of Health – Immunisation – https://campaigns.health.gov.au/immunisationfacts/top-facts-about-immunisation
Australian Government, Department of Health – National Immunisation Program –https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-immunisation-program
AusVaxSafety – http://ausvaxsafety.org.au
Immunisation Coalition – https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/immunisation/immunisations-facts/
SmartVax – http://www.smartvax.com.au
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1

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The importance of skin cancer checks

walrus — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 08:04:42 +0000

This week is National Skin Cancer Awareness Week, which provides a timely reminder for us all to protect our skin and get it checked as we head towards summer.

Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the world, with an annual average of eight hours of sunshine every day. It’s no wonder then, that skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year.

Skin cancer in Australia – the stats
According to the Cancer Council of Australia, two in three Australian’s will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, with the majority of skin cancers caused by exposure to the sun.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, two to three times that of Canada, the US and the UK.

Every year in Australia:

Skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed skin cancers
GPs have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer
More than 2,000 people die from skin cancer

Approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancer types per year are caused by occupational exposures.

What causes skin cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the cells that occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way and damage or invade the surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Skin cancer affects the body’s skin cells and is mainly caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma – the most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas generally develop on the head, neck and upper body and appear as a pearly lump or a scaly, dry area that is pale or pink in colour. They tend to grow slowly and don’t usually spread to other parts of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma – usually appear on areas of the skin that are most often exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs. Squamous cell carcinomas often appear as a thickened, red, scaly lump and may look like a sore that hasn’t healed. They can grow quickly over several weeks or months and spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma – while it is the least common type of skin cancer, it is also the most serious. Melanomas are different to normal, healthy freckles and moles in that they tend to have an irregular edge or surface and can be blotchy and black, brown, blue, red, white or light grey. Melanomas can grow quickly and become life threatening, spreading to other parts of the body.

While sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer, there are other factors that can increase someone’s risk of developing the disease. These include:

The total number of moles you have.
The number of atypical (dysplastic) naevi (moles) you have.
Your skin, hair and eye colour, with those with fair skin, blue or green eyes and/or fair or red hair at greater risk.
A depressed immune system.
A family history of skin cancer.

Preventing skin cancer

The good news is that over 95% of skin cancers can be treated if found early. It is therefore important that you get to know your skin and see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything different or unusual.

The key things to look for are:

A spot that is different from other spots on the skin.
A spot, mole or freckle that has changed in size, shape or colour.
A sore that doesn’t heal.
A spot that itches or bleeds.
A spot that is painful or swollen.

In the case of melanomas, follow the ABCDE rule and look closely for:

Asymmetry – where, if divided down the middle, the 2 halves of the spot are not a mirror image.
Border – spots with uneven borders and irregular edges.
Colour – spots with an unusual or uneven colour.
Diameter – spots that are wider than 6mm.
Evolving – where a spot or lesion has changed in size, shape, colour or texture over time.

Other simple measures you can take to prevent skin cancer include:

Wearing protective clothing in the sun.
Applying water-resistant SPF30 or higher sunscreen, at least 20 minute before going outside and reapplying every two hours.
Wearing a broad-brimmed, bucket, or legionnaire-style hat.
Reducing outdoor time, particularly during the hottest part of the day, and staying in the shade when outdoors.
Wearing sunglasses that comply with Australian and New Zealand standards.

Get your skin checked at IMC

Getting a regular skin check is one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early. Skin cancer is diagnosed by a physical examination and biopsy on suspected skin cancers. A biopsy is a simple and quick procedure where part or all of the suspect spot is removed and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Illawarra Medical Centre offers a comprehensive range of dermatology services, including skin cancer checks, mole screening and general dermatology screenings.

Our specialist GP, Dr Dhruva Ramachandra, runs regular skin cancer and dermatology checks at our practice on Tuesday mornings.

We have also recently introduced new dermatology software at our practice to improve the imaging, documentation and analysis of skin conditions, including skin cancer. This new patient-centric system allows for a more streamlined and co-ordinated health care approach for our dermatology patients.

To make a booking with any of our GPs to discuss any skin concerns you may have, visit our Online Bookings page or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

To make an appointment for one of our Tuesday skin clinics, contact our Reception on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/skin-cancer-in-australia/summary
Cancer Australia – https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/melanoma/what-melanoma
Cancer Council – https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/skin-cancer-and-melanomas
Sun Smart – https://www.sunsmart.com.au
The Australasian College of Dermatologists – https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/skin-cancer-overview/

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How nutrition impacts on your mental health

walrus — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 03:26:53 +0000

We know that good nutrition is important for keeping our bodies healthy, but did you know that it also has a major impact on our mental health?

As part of Mental Health Week and National Nutrition Week, both taking place this month, we take a closer look at how what we eat affects our mental health and wellbeing.

Mental health – the stats
According to the Black Dog Institute, one in five Australian’s aged between 16 and 85 will experience a mental illness each year. The most common of these being depression, anxiety and substance use disorder.

Depression is the number one cause of non-fatal disability in Australia, with one in seven Australian’s experiencing depression in their lifetime.

In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the number one health concern globally by 2030 in both developed and developing nations.

In Australia, anxiety is also becoming more prevalent. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Health Survey 2017-18 identified 3.2 million Australians (or 13.1% of the population) as having an anxiety related condition. This is an increase from 11.2% in 2014-15.

The link between nutrition and mental health
Numerous studies have found that diet can directly impact on the mental health outcomes of individuals.

The 20^th Century has seen an increased global consumption of sugar, salt, snacks, take-away and high-energy foods coupled with a decrease in the consumption of nutrient and fibre-dense foods.

In fact, the Global Burden of Disease Study, conducted in 2017, indicates that unhealthy diet is now the leading cause of early death globally and contributed to 11 million deaths and 255 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2017.

Unhealthy diets, consisting of a higher quantity of processed foods, are also associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety.

As noted by mind-body medicine specialist, Eva Selhub MD, this can partly be explained by understanding the role of serotonin in the body.

“Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and appetite, mediate moods, and inhibit pain. Since about 95% of your serotonin is produced in your gastrointestinal tract, and your gastrointestinal tract is lined with a hundred million nerve cells, or neurons, it makes sense that the inner workings of your digestive system don’t just help you digest food, but also guide your emotions.”

“Studies have compared “traditional” diets, like the Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese diet, to a typical “Western” diet and have shown that the risk of depression is 25% to 35% lower in those who eat a traditional diet. Scientists account for this difference because these traditional diets tend to be high in vegetables, fruits, unprocessed grains, and fish and seafood, and to contain only modest amounts of lean meats and dairy. They are also void of processed and refined foods and sugars, which are staples of the “Western” dietary pattern.”

Most research in the past has looked at the link between diet and health in adults. However, more recent research that focusses on children and young people has also found a relationship between unhealthy diets and poorer mental health outcomes.

According to Beyond Blue, poor nutrition in children has been associated with a range of problems.

These include:

externalising behaviour problems, such as hyperactivity, aggression, and disobedience;
symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
poor concentration and tiredness, which interfere with learning;
immune system function, which is also linked to mental health;
delayed brain development, as high-fat, high-sugar diets can affect proteins in the body that are important for brain development;
iron deficiency, which has been linked to cognitive function impairments associated with learning and memory; and
nutrient deficiencies, which have been associated with mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.

Tips for eating well
What all this research seems to tell us is that eating well is not only important for your overall physical health; it is also vitally important for your mental health.

One of the easiest ways to eat well for your health is to follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines. These have been developed to provide advice to Australians about the amount and kinds of foods that they need to eat for their health and wellbeing.

The Guidelines recommend enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods from the following five food groups every day:

Vegetables of different types and colours and legumes/beans.
Fruit.
Grain (cereal) foods –mostly wholegrain and/or high cereal fibre varieties (such as breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats, quinoa and barley).
Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans.
Milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or their alternatives (mostly reduced fat).

The Guidelines also recommend drinking plenty of water and limiting your intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.

Nutritionist and Managing Director of Nutrition Force, Lisa Stegena adds that increasing the amount of magnesium in your diet may also help with your mental health.

“There is a growing body of research that supports the theory that depression could be an inflammatory response. Magnesium, which has been found to reduce inflammation, is now being trialled in the treatment of depression and anxiety.”

To help boost the amount of magnesium in your diet, Lisa suggests:

Limiting your alcohol intake;
Eating a wide range of whole foods that are high in fibre;
Snacking on nuts and seeds at least once a day;
Eating lots of leafy green veggies, daily; and
Adding more legumes to your diet.

Lisa also suggests mindful eating as a way to improve your diet and wellbeing.

“Mindful eating is the practice of being aware of what we are eating. Listening to our body. Sometimes it takes time for the brain to catch up to the stomach, which can lead to overeating if we don’t stop and listen to our body’s signals. It allows us to pay attention to how the food makes us feel – our emotions and mood.”

For more tips on mindful eating, read this blog from Nutrition Force>>

If you are concerned about your diet and/or mental health, book in with one of our GPs to discuss your concerns. Appointments can be made online or by contacting us directly on (08) 9208 6400.

We also offer appointments with a Nutrition Force Accredited Practicing Dietitian on Tuesdays. Appointments are available fortnightly to discuss a range of dietary related health conditions, including gut issues, bariatric surgery, children’s dietary issues, weight loss, diabetes and more.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Dietary Guidelines – https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au
Beyond Blue – https://beyou.edu.au/fact-sheets/wellbeing/nutrition-and-mental-health
Black Dog Institute – https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Harvard Medical School – https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
Headspace – https://headspace.org.au/young-people/eating-for-a-healthy-headspace/
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diet-and-mental-health
Nutrition Force – https://nutritionforce.com.au/
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int

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Headache and Migraine – when should you see your GP?

walrus — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 04:29:36 +0000

Everyone experiences headaches from time to time, but how can you tell the difference between a bad headache and a migraine; and when is it time to consult your GP about your headaches?

As part of Migraine and Headache Awareness Week this week, we take a closer look at headaches and migraines and how they can impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

Headaches
A headache is a very common condition experienced by most people at some stage in their life. It is characterised by pain in any region of the head, including the face and neck.

The majority of headaches are tension headaches, which can feel like you have a tight rubber band around the head. Headaches can be caused by a number of things, including tension and stress, injuries, tiredness, sinus problems and dehydration. Most headaches, however, are not serious and can be managed with a dose of paracetamol.

If your headache is associated with other symptoms, it may indicate a more serious, underlying condition that should be examined by your GP.

Migraine
A migraine is a type of headache that is associated with a spasm in the blood vessels leading to the brain. It can cause severe pain and throbbing, usually on one side of the head.

According to the World Health Organization’s Global Burden of Disease Study from 2013, migraine headaches were found to be the sixth highest cause worldwide of years lost due to disability, with migraine often resulting in lost work days and productivity as well as high health care costs.

Migraine is believed to affect up to 3 million Australians every year and is more common in females than males, largely due to hormonal changes and fluctuations.

While migraine can affect anyone at any age, it is most common in people aged in their 20s and 30s.

Migraines differ from headaches in that they can often cause symptoms which include:

Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to sound, light, smell and/or touch
Affected vision, such as blurred or aura
Numbness to your face or extremities

Stages of Migraine
According to Migraine and Headache Australia, there are five distinct known stages of migraine that distinguish it from a normal headache and reflect the neurological changes that occur in the brain.

Prodromol or the early warning stage – early warning symptoms can occur up to 24-hours before the migraine occurs. These symptoms can include:
1. Mood changes, including feeling full of life and energy or feeling depressed and irritable.
2. Gut changes, including nausea, changes in appetite (less hungry or having cravings), and constipation or diarrhoea.
3. Neurological changes, including drowsiness, difficulty finding the right words, sensitivity to light and sound, and trouble focussing your eyes.
4. Behavioural changes, including clumsiness, hyperactivity or feeling lethargic.
5. Muscular aches and pains.
6. Fluid balance changes, including fluid tension or needing to go to the toilet more often.

2. Aura – this involves visual disturbances and can include zig-zag lines, flashing lights, trouble focussing and blind spots. Aura can also affect speech and sensation and occurs in 20-30% of people experiencing migraine.

3. Headache – unlike a regular headache, a migraine headache can last up to 3 days and is typically felt as a throbbing sensation on one side of your head, although it can occur on both sides. Movement can make the headache feel worse and you may feel nauseous or have more sensitivity to light, sounds and smells.

4. Resolution – the good news is that migraine will eventually come to an end. Some people find this doesn’t happen until after they have been sick, while others find sleep or medication helps to resolve it.

5. Postdromol or recovery – once the migraine has resolved, sufferers may feel quite drained and fragile for a good day or two after experiencing a migraine. Others, however, may feel more energetic or euphoric.

Known Triggers
While there is no specific known cause of migraines, the Perth Brain Centre indicates that research shows certain factors can trigger migraine, including:

Foods containing amines (including chocolate, cheese, dairy foods, citrus, caffeine, alcohol, pork, seafood, onions and wheat).
Fluctuation in blood sugar, from skipping meals.
Bright lights, loud noises or strong smells.
Too much or not enough sleep.
Hormonal changes and the oral contraceptive pill.
Stress and anxiety.
Changes in the weather.
Certain food additives, such as MSG and nitrates.

Prevention and Treatment
Maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise are some of the best proactive ways to help reduce your risk of headaches and migraine.

It is also important to ensure you are getting enough sleep each night and can find ways to manage and reduce your stress levels, such as through meditation, yoga or even a relaxing warm bath.

If you do find yourself regularly getting headaches and migraine, it is worth considering keeping a daily migraine diary to help keep a track of your daily food, drink, activities and emotions. This will help your GP to identify any potential patterns or triggers.

If you are experiencing ongoing headaches or migraine, book in with one of our GPs to discuss your concerns. Appointments can be made online or by contacting us directly on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Headache Australia – https://headacheaustralia.org.au
Better Health Channel – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/headache-migraine
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/migraine
Healthy WA – https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Headache
Perth Brain Centre – https://www.perthbraincentre.com.au/neuroknowledge/blog/2017/3/21/migraine
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders

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Are common sleep disorders keeping you awake at night?

walrus — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 05:59:39 +0000

Sleep is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but many of us suffer from common sleep disorders that make getting a good night’s sleep that little bit harder.

As part of Sleep Awareness Week (3-9 August), we thought we’d take a closer look at some of the more common sleep disorders and how sleep studies can help identify any underlying sleep disorders that may be impacting on you getting a good night’s sleep.

Sleep and Health
While we spend around one third of our lives sleeping, getting a good night’s sleep is actually quite a complicated process. This video from the Sleep Health Foundation helps to explain the two processes that control when and why we sleep. WATCH VIDEO HERE>>

If you’re not getting a decent night’s sleep, this can greatly impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Chronic inadequate sleep is a major health issue and can cause heart disease, obesity and depression, as well as a range of other serious health conditions.

In fact, research by Deloitte Access Economics in 2017 found that more than 7 million Australians don’t get enough sleep each night. This is at a cost to the economy of $66 billion in financial costs and loss of wellbeing.

If you regularly experience one or more of the below symptoms, it is possible you may have a sleep disorder:

Excessive daytime sleepiness, despite a good night’s sleep.
Loud snoring.
Irritability or mood changes.
Depression.
Restless sleep.
Morning headaches.
Poor concentration or memory.
Passing urine frequently during the night.
Impotence or loss of libido.

Common Sleep Disorders
Common sleep disorders that can cause ongoing problems for people include:

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) – caused by partial or complete obstruction of the throat. It is characterised by repetitive episodes of shallow or paused breathing during sleep, despite the effort to breathe. It is usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. This can occur many times across the night and most people are unaware that it is occurring.

Insomnia – occurs when people have difficulty falling asleep or going back to sleep when they wake during the night or wake up too early, or a combination of all three. Most people are able to go to sleep, or back to sleep after waking, within 15 minutes.

Narcolepsy – is a long-term neurological disorder that decreases a person’s ability to regulate their sleep cycles. It can involve periods of excessive daytime sleepiness and brief involuntary sleep episodes.

Sleep Paralysis – affects around 15% of the population and occurs when the person is not fully awake but are aware of the inability to move any part of their body, except perhaps their eyes. It can be extremely frightening, but is not dangerous, and each occurrence generally only lasts for a short period of time.

Restless Leg Syndrome – also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, this sleep disorder is characterised by uncomfortable sensations in the legs (such as a feeling of pulling or tugging). This results in the irresistible urge to move the affected limb. It is more common in women and up to 40% of women will experience Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms during pregnancy.

Sleep Terrors – are more common in children than adults and are characterised by very strong feelings of terror and panic during sleep. They generally occur soon after going to sleep. Often the person experiencing sleep terrors won’t remember much, if anything, about the episode.

Sleep Walking – also more common in children, sleep walking involves the person getting out of bed and moving about in their deep sleep. Sleep walking usually occurs for just a few minutes at a time and most people remember very little of the experience when they awaken.

Treatment
Undertaking a sleep study is a good first step towards finding an effective treatment for any sleep issues you may be experiencing.

A sleep study is a medical test that monitors your sleep to assist with the diagnosis of sleep disorders, including OSA. Sleep studies can be done at home or by staying overnight in a specialised sleep clinic.

Home-Based Sleep Study Available at IMC
Illawarra Medical Centre offers a Home-Based Sleep Study Service for those who suffer from a poor night’s sleep.

Our Home-Based Sleep Study can be done while sleeping at home in your own bed. It is a convenient and cost-effective way to test for any underlying sleep disorders that may be impacting on you getting a good night’s sleep.

Our Sleep Study Service is supported by Genesis Sleep and Respiratory Care.

If any sleep disorders are detected during your Home-Based Sleep Study, your GP may refer you to one of Genesis’s sleep study specialists for more specialist care.

Find out more about our Home-Based Sleep Study Service here>>

To make an appointment with one of our GPs to discuss any sleep concerns you may have, book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Genesis Sleep and Respiratory Care – https://www.genesiscare.com/au/treatment/sleep-medicine/?r=www.genesissleepcare.com.au
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep-disorders
Sleep Health Foundation – https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au
Sleep Disorders Australia – https://www.sleepoz.org.au/

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How diabetes impacts on eye health

walrus — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 23:11:13 +0000

Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australia?

As part of National Diabetes Week and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ (RANZCO) eye awareness month of JulEye, this month’s blog takes a look at how diabetes can impact on your eye health.

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious and complex condition that can affect anyone at any age.

For our bodies to work properly, we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy. This is done by an important hormone in the pancreas, called insulin.

In people with diabetes, insulin is either no longer produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body so that when glucose is consumed (through foods such as breads, cereals, fruit and starchy vegetables, legumes, milk, yoghurts and sweets) it can’t be converted into energy.

Instead of being turned into energy, the glucose stays in the blood resulting in high blood glucose levels.

Diabetes is a complex condition that can affect different parts of the body and brings with it a range of complications.

How does diabetes impact on eyes?
According to Diabetes Australia, diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australia, with 25-35% of Australians reporting some form of diabetic retinopathy.

Those with diabetes have an increased risk of developing problems with their eyes – both in the short-term and long-term.

In the short-term, high blood glucose levels can cause temporary changes to the shape of the lens of the eye, leading to blurred or weakened vision. This usually eases when blood glucose levels are stabilised.

For those experiencing high blood glucose levels over a longer period of time, there is an increased risk of more serious eye problems, including:

Retinopathy
Macular Oedema
Cataracts
Glaucoma

Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in people of working age in Australia.

It occurs when the tiny blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye are damaged as a result of diabetes. This can seriously affect vision and, in some cases, cause blindness.

Macular Oedema
This is a specific type of diabetic retinopathy. It ischaracterisedby the leaking of protein or fluid into the macula (the section of the eye which enables clear, sharp vision).

Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and reduces vision. While sun damage and ageing are the main risk factors for developing cataracts, those with diabetes are at risk of developing cataracts faster and at a younger age.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve (which connects the eye to the brain), causing a build-up of pressure inside the eye.

Signs and symptoms of eye damage
There are often no signs or symptoms of diabetes related eye issues and you may not notice any change until the condition is quite advanced.

The most common signs and symptoms of eye complications include:

blurred vision;
floaters or spots;
blank or missing areas in vision;
double vision;
poor night vision;
sensitivity to light and glare;
need for brighter light for reading and other activities;
problems with balance, reading, watching television and recognising people; and
frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.

Treatment and Prevention
Most eye complications can be treated successfully, if they are detected early. Treatments commonly used include laser and/or surgery.

However, as diabetes related eye complications often don’t show until well advanced, the best thing you can do is to have regular eye checks.

In 2019, Diabetes Australia, in partnership with Vision 2020 Australia, launched the national diabetes eye screening program – KeepSight – to help make it even easier for people with diabetes to remember to have regular eye checks.

KeepSight works by reminding registered users when they are due for an eye check.

View Rachael’s story to find out how a regular eye check diagnosed her with diabetic retinopathy>>

This Fact Sheet from the Australian Government’s National Diabetes Service Scheme also provides useful tips on how to look after your eye health if you have diabetes>>

You can also help prevent diabetes related eye complications by looking after your overall health and effectively managing your condition by:

keeping your blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol within the recommended ranges;
maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes regular physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet;
quitting smoking, if you are a smoker;
having regular health checks and keeping regular appointments with your GP and health professionals; and
always taking your medications as instructed by your doctor.

Book an appointment at Illawarra Medical Centre
To book in an appointment with one of our GPs to discuss any concerns you may have regarding diabetes or your eyes, book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Diabetes Australia – https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/eye-health
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Diabetes
KeepSight – https://www.keepsight.org.au/eye_health_diabetes
National Diabetes Service Scheme – https://www.ndss.com.au/
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) – https://ranzco.edu/home/foundation/juleye/
Vision Australia –https://www.visionaustralia.org/
Vision 2020 Australia – https://www.vision2020australia.org.au/

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How winter impacts on eczema

walrus — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 06:55:08 +0000

Winter weather is known to dry out your skin and can exacerbate certain skin conditions, such as eczema.

In this month’s blog, we take a look at how the increased prevalence of eczema in the winter months and how a regular skin check with your GP can help you keep on top of the condition.

Why does our skin get drier in winter?
One of the main reasons our skin dehydrates more in winter is due to continually moving from cold, dry air outside to warm, dry air inside, coupled with our tendency to use hotter water when bathing and showering.

According to Aesthetic Nurse Prescriber, Sylvia Chanovska, cold air causes the skin’s pores to tighten and reduces blood circulation.

This, in turn, reduces the skin’s sebum – a naturally occurring oil that acts as a protective layer and traps moisture next to the skin.

As a result, existing conditions that already make the skin prone to cracking and flaking may be aggravated.

What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes the skin to become red, dry, itchy and scaly. In severe cases, the affected skin may weep, bleed and crust and may become infected.

The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis – a chronic, itchy skin condition that generally affects the elbows, knees, hands and face.

While it is very common in children, it can affect people of any age and often occurs in individuals with an existing predisposition to and/or family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever.

Those with eczema carry large numbers of Staphylococcal bugs on their skin which can make eczema worse by activating the immune cells that cause inflammation of the skin. As eczema often leads to broken skin, sufferers are at greater risk of contracting skin infections when an outbreak does occur. This can make the eczema worse and treatment more difficult.

Eczema can cause great discomfort for sufferers and impact on their quality of life, including sleepless nights due to itching, absenteeism from work, school and other activities, or hospitalisation and costly treatments when severe flare ups occur.

This video from the Australasian College of Dermatologists provides a useful insight into eczema and its impact on the lives of those who suffer from the condition>>

How is it treated?
While eczema cannot be cured, it can be managed.

The first step is consulting your GP or skin specialist for a formal diagnosis. They will then be able to work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan to best manage your eczema. This will often include a three-pronged approach of:

reducing your exposure to any triggers, where possible;
regularly applying moisturiser to your skin; and
intermittent treatment with topical steroids.

Other key recommendations for managing eczema day-to-day include:

1. Washing your skin with non-soap cleansers, to help reduce the number of Staphylococcal bugs on your skin and maintain important oils that can often be stripped through the use of soap based products.

2. Moisturising your skin every day to help replace the moisture that is often lost in winter and to block out germs that can cause infection. The best time to moisturise is generally after showering when the skin is still slightly damp. It’s important to use a moisturiser that is suited to your skin.

3. Keeping showers and baths short and using lukewarm water (no more than 30^oC), as hot water will cause your skin to dry out further.

4. Wearing soft, breathable fabrics and loose fitted clothing to prevent further skin irritation.

5. Avoiding the overuse of heaters, as they can dry the air and exacerbate the problem.

Skin checks available at Illawarra Medical Centre
Dr Ramachandran holds skin cancer and dermatology checks at Illawarra Medical Centre every Tuesday morning and works closely with our sister skin clinic – DermCosmesis – to assist patients with the best treatment solution for their specific skin needs.

To make a booking with Dr Rumachandran or any one of our GPs to discuss your skin concerns and the best treatment options available for you, go to our online bookings page or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

To find out more about our dermatology services, visit the Dermatology page of our website>>

For more information on this topic, visit:

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia – https://allergyfacts.org.au/allergy-anaphylaxis/eczema-atopic-dermatitis/management#s1
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy – https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/fast-facts/eczema-atopic-dermatitis
DermNet New Zealand – https://dermnetnz.org/topics/atopic-dermatitis/
Eczema Association Australasia – https://www.eczema.org.au
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eczema

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Making a Smart Start on infant food allergies

walrus — Thu, 28 May 2020 04:16:24 +0000

Australia has one of the highest rates of food allergies in the world, with over half a million Australian’s having a diagnosed food allergy and one in ten children developing a food allergy before their first birthday.

The good news is that recent results from a tool developed to better identify food allergies in infants – SmartStartAllergy – suggests there is a shift in infant feeding practices that may help to reduce the occurrence of infant food allergies in Australia.

What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is the body’s immune system response to a food protein that the body mistakenly believes is harmful.

The most common food allergens include:

Eggs
Peanuts
Tree nuts (such as cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts)
Cow’s milk
Wheat
Fish
Shellfish
Sesame
Soy

While most allergic reactions to these foods are mild or moderate, some people can have severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. These severe symptoms include:

Difficult or noisy breathing.
Swelling of the tongue and throat (e.g. drooling, difficulty swallowing).
A change in voice or cry and/or difficulty vocalising.
A persistent cough, wheezing or stridor.
Collapse or fainting.
Paleness and floppiness (in young children).

Anaphylaxis can be life threatening, so if your child is showing any signs of a severe allergic reaction, please seek urgent medical assistance.

This video produced by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia shows how to recognise the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction>>

Infant food allergies
Food allergy has been on the increase in Australia in recent years, with one in ten infants now having a confirmed allergy. Between 1997 and 2001, food allergies in children increased by 50% and around 2% of children now have a peanut allergy. This is of some concern as while most food allergies resolve with age, peanut allergy persists.

It is believed that the medical advice in the 1990s and early 2000s to avoid feeding allergenic foods to young children may have contributed to this increase in allergies, with studies showing that around 70% of children during that time had not eaten peanut by 12 months of age. What we now know is that the delayed introduction of allergenic foods increases the risk of food allergies.

Preventing food allergies in Australia
To help reduce the risk of food allergies developing, the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) introduced new guidelines in 2019 which recommend introducing solid foods to infants between four to six months of age and introducing the common food allergens by 12 months of age.

It is also recommends that breastfeeding mothers continue to breastfeed their infant while solid foods are first introduced, to help reduce the risk of food allergies developing.

SmartStartAllergy data shows shift in feeding practices
Recent data from SmartStartAllergy suggests the change in ASCIA’s infant feeding guidelines has helped to shift infant feeding practices in Australia with respect to introducing common food allergens. The data suggests that most infants now receive peanut during their first year of life, consistent with ASCIA guidelines.

It is hoped that this shift may help to reduce the occurrence of infant food allergies in infants in Australia.

SmartStartAllergy is a collaboration between SmartVax, the National Allergy Strategy (NAS), with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.

It uses automated SMS technology to send a text message to parents when their baby is 6, 9 and 12 months old to find out if they have introduced solid foods (including peanut). Some parents will only receive a text message at 12 months. Subsequent messages ask if the child has had an allergic reaction to any introduced foods.

Parents also receive a brief questionnaire to find out about any allergic reactions, family history of allergy, or if their child has eczema.

SmartStartAllergy is currently used at 69 sites across Australia and has reached the parents and carers of around 16,000 infants to date.

The data collected through SmartStartAllergy will continue to provide important information about infant food allergies in Australia and helps to support the National Allergy Strategy Food Allergy Prevention Project.

To find out more, visit SmartStartAllergy or speak to your GP.

If you have any concerns regarding infant food allergies, make a booking with one of our GPs. Bookings can be made online or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia – https://allergyfacts.org.au
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, Food Allergy Week – https://allergyfacts.org.au/faw2020
Food Allergy Aware –https://foodallergyaware.org.au
Healthy WA – https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Food-allergies-and-your-babys-first-foods
National Allergy Strategy – https://nationalallergystrategy.org.au/
Nip Allergies in the Bub – https://preventallergies.org.au/
SmartStartAllergy – http://www.smartstartallergy.com.au/

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Immunisations help save lives

walrus — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 10:28:51 +0000

This week is World Immunisation Week, which focuses on the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.

With Australia entering into its annual flu season and the search for a reliable vaccine to help the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic currently underway, now is a good time to take a closer look at how immunisations work and why they are so important in preventing the spread of disease.

How do immunisations work?
Immunisations save millions of lives each year and are recognised as one of the most successful and cost effective health interventions.

They work by producing an immune response in your body without causing illness.

Vaccines train your body to recognise and fight against specific germs. Next time you come across that virus, your immune system works quicker to produce the antibodies needed to destroy it. While you may still get a less serious form of the illness, vaccines help to ensure you are protected from the most dangerous effects.

What is Herd Immunity?
Herd immunity occurs when there are enough people in the community who are vaccinated against a disease to prevent it from spreading.

Immunisations protect not only those who have been vaccinated themselves but others in the wider community, including:

unvaccinated people, including children too young to be vaccinated;
people unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons; and
people for whom vaccination has not been fully effective.

Herd immunity only occurs when a high percentage of the population is vaccinated. That’s why it is so important for those people who can be vaccinated to stay up-to-date with their immunisations to protect the greater population.

In Australia, the vaccination rate target is for 95% of the population to be vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Australia’s National Immunisation Program, first established in 1997, aims to improve the national immunisation rate by providing free vaccines to eligible people to help reduce preventable diseases, such as measles and influenza. To find out more about the National Immunisation Program, visit https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-immunisation-program

Are vaccinations safe?
Vaccines used in Australia are thoroughly tested and monitored to ensure their ongoing safety. Before vaccines can be used in Australia, they must be rigorously tested on thousands of people in progressively larger trials.

If they are found to be safe and effective during the trial process, they can then be registered for use with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This approval process can take up to 10 years.

This video gives a more detailed look at how vaccines are tested and monitored for safety. Watch video here>>

Like any medicine, there can be minor side effects as the body’s immune system is stimulated. These include things such as low grade fever, or pain/redness at the injection site. However, serious adverse events from vaccination are rare.

Click here to find out more about the safety of vaccines>>

Ongoing Monitoring of Vaccine Safety
Once vaccines are used in Australia, they continue to be monitored for safety.

SmartVax, established by Illawarra Medical Centre’s Principal GP, Dr Alan Leeb, is one tool that plays a major role in monitoring the safety of vaccines in Australia.

It works by sending an automated text message to patients 3 to 5 days after their vaccination enquiring if they experienced any reactions. GPs are notified of any medically attended adverse events and the de-identified data is also monitored by AusVaxSafety – a national vaccine safety surveillance system.

SmartVax is used by more than 300 general practices and immunisation clinics across Australia and contributes around 99% of all AusVaxSafety data nationally. In 2019, the program provided ALL of the data for seasonal influenza vaccinations and monitored approximately 330,000 influenza vaccination encounters.

SmartVax is currently being trialled in pharmacies through a new Australian pilot program led by The University of Western Australia, in partnership with SmartVax, MedAdvisor and the Queensland University of Technology. The trial will monitor the effects of flu vaccines administered at 30 pharmacies in Western Australia this flu season, with the aim of rolling it out nationally in future.

What about the safety of having multiple vaccines at once?
Australia’s National Immunisation Program recommends a number of vaccines be given to children early in life, to best protect them from dangerous infectious diseases. Often, these vaccines are offered as combination vaccines (two or more vaccines combined into a single shot) or concomitant vaccines (given as separate injections at the same time).

Some parents have concerns about their child receiving more than one vaccine at a time. However, as noted by both the Australian Government Department of Health and the Centres for Disease and Control Prevention, giving children several vaccines at the same time is safe and has been shown to induce the same immune response as if given separately.

Where can I get immunised?
Speak to your GP about getting up-to-date with your immunisations.

We are currently running flu clinics at Illawarra Medical Centre for this season’s influenza vaccine, as stocks become available.

All our immunisations are held offsite in our adjacent building to better protect our patients.

To check availability and book in for your immunisations, contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

To find out more about Immunisations at Illawarra Medical Centre, visit our Immunisation page>>

For further information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government, Department of Health – Immunisation – https://campaigns.health.gov.au/immunisationfacts/top-facts-about-immunisation
Australian Government, Department of Health – National Immunisation Program –https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-immunisation-program

AusVaxSafety – http://ausvaxsafety.org.au
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/multiple-vaccines-immunity.html
Immunisation Coalition – https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/immunisation/immunisations-facts/
SmartVax – http://www.smartvax.com.au
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2020/04/24/default-calendar/world-immunization-week-2020

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What do we know so far about the coronavirus?

walrus — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 07:04:17 +0000

There has been a lot of media coverage on the COVID-19 coronavirus since it was first reported late last year. But what is it exactly and do we need be alarmed?

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at what is known about the COVID-19 coronavirus to date and help to answer some of the main questions you may have.

What is a coronavirus?
The name coronavirus comes from the Latin word for crown. It refers to the appearance of the virus particles on the surface that look similar to crown like spikes.

According to the World Health Organization, a coronavirus is part of a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The recently identified COVID-19 virus is a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. This means it is a new strain that has not previously been identified in humans.

The COVID-19 novel coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Provence in China in late December 2019.

For a useful summary of the COVID-19 coronavirus to date, you can watch this video from the World Health Organisation>>

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. However, the most common signs of infection include:

Fever
Sore Throat
Cough
Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties

In more severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Some people will recover easily from the virus, while others may get very sick very quickly.

At this stage, there is no treatment or vaccine available for COVID-19. However, health professionals globally are actively working towards developing a treatment and vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus.

How does it spread?
Experts believe that the virus originated in an animal species and then spread to humans, with person to person spread now occurring.

While there is still much to learn about COVID-19, including how it is spread and its severity, it is thought that the virus is most likely spread through:

close contact with an infectious person;
contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze; and
touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face.

Where has the virus spread so far?
As of 17^th February 2020, most cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Wuhan City in Hubei Province in China, where the virus originated. The virus has been identified in 25 countries outside of China, including Australia.

There have been 15 known cases of COVID-19 in Australia, with no reported cases to date in Western Australia. All reported cases in Australia have either recovered or are in a stable condition and have come from Wuhan, except one in New South Wales who had contact in China with a confirmed case in Wuhan.

In Australia, those most at risk of getting the virus are those who have recently been in mainland China OR been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus.

How can I protect myself against the virus?
The best way to protect yourself from any form of illness is to practice good hygiene. This includes:

washing your hands often with soap and water;
using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
throwing used tissues into a closed bin straight away;
avoiding close contact with others, such as touching;
avoid spitting in public; and
seeking early medical attention if you begin experiencing any fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

If you are planning to travel to any country where cases of coronavirus have been identified, make sure you check the Australian Government SmartTraveller website for the latest travel advice and recommendations for your chosen destination.

Current advice for Australians
The current advice for Australians is to remain alert but not alarmed.

If you have:

travelled overseas to mainland China in the last 14 days (including in transit);
had close contact with someone who has travelled overseas to mainland China in the last 14 days; OR
had close contact in the last 14 days with someone who has been diagnosed with or suspected of having coronavirus;

AND you feel UNWELL or have ANY of the symptoms outlined above, seek medical attention.

Make sure you call ahead to your doctor before making a booking or visiting your local medical practice, and let them know your symptoms and recent travel history.

If you are a patient at Illawarra Medical Centre and concerned about any illness or symptoms, please contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For urgent medical attention, please contact 000.

For more information, contact the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or visit https://www.health.gov.au/

For further information and to remain up-to-date on the status of the COVID-19 coronavirus, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Department of Health, Western Australia – https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
SmartTraveller – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/novel-coronavirus-outbreak
World Health Authority – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

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