Health Archives - Illawarra Medical Centre

Health dangers of vitamin supplements

walrus — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:50:59 +0000

While many believe that vitamin supplements are a simple way to boost and improve our overall health, there are hidden health dangers to be aware of. Recent cases of vitamin b6 toxicity from supplements sold in Australia are a prime example of this.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at vitamin supplements and how they may not always deliver the best outcomes for our health.

What are vitamin supplements?

Vitamin, or dietary, supplements are products designed to provide nutrients that may be missing from your normal diet.

They contain concentrated vitamins, minerals or nutrients and normally come in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. Common examples include vitamin C, iron, and calcium tablets, fish oil capsules, turmeric powder, and raspberry leaf tea.

Many vitamin supplements do not require a prescription and can be easily bought over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets.

Why and when are supplements used?

Most of the vitamins and minerals our bodies require come from eating a normal balanced and varied diet. However, some people may be advised to take a supplement to help counter specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

For example, people who:

are pregnant or breastfeeding;
are diagnosed with malnutrition and aren’t getting enough nutrition from the food they are eating;
have a health condition that prevents their body from absorbing the nutrients it needs (for example, people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis);
are taking a medicine that affects certain dietary nutrients;
have a health condition that requires the need for a particular nutrient (e.g. people at risk of osteoporosis may need to take a calcium supplement);
have a restricted diets and aren’t getting enough nutrients through food (e.g. vegetarians and vegans); or
have a diagnosed nutritional deficiency (e.g. where a blood test shows you have a vitamin D deficiency).

What are the risks of vitamin supplements?

As with any type of medicine, vitamin supplements come with their own risks and dangers. They can have side effects or interact with other medicines, making them dangerous or less effective.

Getting too much of a particular vitamin or mineral can also lead to serious harm. When vitamins are taken as supplements, they are introduced into the body at levels that are higher than what you could obtain through your normal diet.

Some people also mistakenly believe that taking larger amounts of vitamins is better for you. However, taking more than the recommended doses can result in potential health problems. For example:

Vitamins A, B6, D, E and K – can be toxic when taken in high doses.
Too much vitamin A or E when pregnant – can cause serious harm to your baby.
Folate – can hide vitamin B12 deficiencies.
High levels of vitamin B6 – has been linked to nerve damage.
Doses of vitamin C above one gram – can cause diarrhoea.
Large doses of vitamin C – can cause nausea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fatigue, kidney stones, and interfere with your body’s ability to process other nutrients.
Excessive amounts of vitamin C – can interfere with medical tests (such as diabetes), giving a false result.
High doses of vitamin A – may cause birth defects, as well as central nervous system, liver, bone and skin disorders.
High-dose vitamin E – has been linked to higher rates of early death.
Zinc, iron, chromium and selenium – can be raised to toxic levels in the body when taken at just 5 times the recommended dietary intake.
Large intakes of fluoride (especially in childhood) – may stain or weaken teeth.
Very large doses of fish oil – can lead to decreased blood clotting.
Iron – can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea and black bowel actions. Severe toxicity can lead to coma and even death.
Curcumin and curcumin longa (turmeric) – may cause liver injury.

Many supplements also contain additional vitamins and minerals that some people may not be aware of, so it’s important to always read the label and ingredients list carefully to know exactly what you are taking and how much of it you are consuming.

A quick look at the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) safety alerts page shows a range of health concerns to be aware of for a number of vitamin and mineral supplement products available in the Australian market.

Vitamin B6 toxicity

One of the more recent cases of serious health harms caused by vitamin toxicity in Australia has been with Vitamin B6 and its link to peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damaged to your peripheral nerves – that is, your sensory, motor, and automatic nerves.

Symptoms usually occur in the hands and feet and include:

tingling, pins and needles or electric type pains;
numbness;
areas that feel ‘hot’ or have a burning sensation;
cold areas which are difficult to warm up;
the sensation of insects crawling on your skin; and
muscle weakness, cramps or aching.

After receiving numerous reports of peripheral neuropathy in recent years, which indicated a possible link with products containing vitamin B6, the TGA undertook a review and found that:

Peripheral neuropathy can occur at doses of vitamin B6 less than 50 mg.
Peripheral neuropathy can occur when people are taking multiple products containing vitamin B6.
The risk appears to vary between people – no minimum dose, length of use or underlying risk factors were identified.

In many cases, people reported they weren’t aware they had even consumed vitamin B6, as they were taking a magnesium supplement. Others reported taking multiple products that each contained a low dose of vitamin B6, not realising the potential cumulative effect.

As a result of their review, the TGA has updated regulations, so that:

Products containing a daily dose of vitamin B6 above 10 mg now require a warning about peripheral neuropathy.
The maximum permitted daily dose of vitamin B6 in individual products has been reduced from 200 mg to 100 mg for adults, with lower daily dose limits for children, depending on their age.
From June 2027, customers will require a pharmacist’s supervision to purchase products containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6, and anything with more than 200mg will need a prescription.

How to safely take vitamin supplements

The best option for taking vitamins safely is to seek professional advice from your doctor to determine what, if any, supplements you may require for your particular health circumstances and how these may interact with any existing prescription medicines and medical treatments you are undertaking.

If you do need to take vitamin supplements, make sure you are taking them at the recommended dosage level and assess the potential benefits and risks. It’s also important to examine all ingredients listed on the product, so you can identify the exactly what you are taking, the dose being taken, and the potential for cumulative overdose from repeated ingredients in multiple products.

Vitamin and mineral supplements should only be used as a short-term measure. If you are taking supplements because you feel you may be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals, it may be better to look at changing your diet and lifestyle instead. Your doctor or a dietitian can help advise you on this.

If you do have any side effects or problems after taking dietary supplements, stop taking them immediately, report them to the TGA, and see your doctor.

For more information on this topic, visit:

ABC News (08.01.25) – https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-08/vitamin-b6-toxicity-peripheral-neuropathy-health-supplements/104793006
ABC News (26.11.25) – https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-26/tga-confirms-removal-of-toxic-vitamin-b6-from-shelves/106052270
Australian Prescriber – https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/the-safety-of-commonly-used-vitamins-and-minerals.html
Better Health Victoria – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamin-and-mineral-supplements-what-to-know
The Conversation – https://theconversation.com/vitamins-and-minerals-arent-risk-free-here-are-6-ways-they-can-cause-harm-165399
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dietary-supplements
Therapeutic Goods Administration – https://www.tga.gov.au/

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Women’s Heart Health

walrus — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:42:21 +0000

While cardiovascular disease (CVD) has traditionally been a focus for men’s health, there is growing recognition of heart health as a serious health issue for women – it may just present or be experienced in different ways.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at CVD and the specific risk factors, presentation, treatment and outcomes for women.

What is CVD?

Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions related to the cardiovascular system, which comprises the heart and all the blood vessels that pump and move blood around the body.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally and include:

Coronary Heart Disease – either angina or heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
Stroke – either caused by a blockage with a blood clot (called an ischaemic stroke) or the rupturing of a blood vessel and bleeding (called a haemorrhagic stroke)
Peripheral Vascular Disease – obstruction of the large blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs.
Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease – caused by an untreated infection with group A streptococcus bacteria
Congenital Heart Disease – inherited conditions that affect the structure (such as valves) of the heart.

The biggest cause of deaths from cardiovascular disease is the progressive blocking of blood vessels leading to coronary heart disease and stroke.

CVD stats for women

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 19.8 million people died from CVD in 2022, which represents ~32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.

In Australia, 10 women die every day from a heart attack, and a further 22 women die every day of heart disease. In fact, women die of heart disease at three times the rate of breast cancer.

Indigenous women are up to twice as likely to have CVD, and to die from coronary heart disease or stroke.

The risk of heart problems increases significantly for women once they reach menopause. This is because of the drop in oestrogen levels, which help protect women from heart disease by supporting the flexibility of the blood vessels and arteries enabling them to adjust to support blood flow.

The drop in oestrogen in menopause can also lead to a number of other factors that increase a women’s risk of CVD, including:

higher blood pressure
higher total cholesterol
higher ‘bad’ cholesterol
lower ‘good’ cholesterol
higher blood fats such as triglycerides
excess weight gain, particularly around the stomach

Some studies have suggested that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may help reduce the risk of CVD for some women.

Symptoms

Studies on cardiovascular disease have traditionally focused on men. As a result, women are often diagnosed and treated for CVD based on research findings about men. What we now know, however, is that the symptoms, risk factors and overall experience of CVD can be quite different for women.

Women tend to develop symptoms at a much later stage of the illness. They are also less likely to experience chest pain and may instead experience other symptoms, including:

discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdomen
breathlessness and a general feeling of unwellness
pain, tightness or discomfort in one or both arms
nausea or vomiting
heartburn or indigestion
sweating
light-headedness or dizziness
unusual fatigue

Women are also more likely to have heart attack symptoms when resting, or even when asleep, compared to men.

Prevention

While some risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as age, menopause, and family history, can’t be changed, the majority of risk factors are able to be managed to support good heart health.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the main key to reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This includes:

Avoiding smoking – smoking is a major risk factor, with nicotine directly narrowing your blood vessels.
Eating healthy foods – eat a balanced and nutritious diet, avoid processed foods, drink plenty of water, and limit alcohol.
Exercising and moving more – aim for physical activity at least 5 or more days each week.
Maintaining a healthy weight – exercising and eating healthy food will make this easier.
Getting a good night’s sleep – aim for at least 6 hours of sleep each night to help keep you healthy and well-rested.
Managing stress – long-term stress can damage the arteries and worsen other risk factors for CVD. Stress can affect women’s hearts more than men’s, so make sure you take time for self-care and address any issues that are causing you stress.

It’s also important to get regular health checks, including your blood pressure and cholesterol, to look for early signs of conditions that can increase your risk of CVD – particularly if you have a family history of heart disease.

Heart health checks at IMC

Got a health question or concern about your heart health? Book in for a heart health check with us today.

A heart health check will assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke over the next five years.

To make an appointment, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/cardiovascular-disease-in-women-main/summary
Better Health Victoria – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/heart-disease-and-stroke
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.health.wa.gov.au/Health-conditions/Heart-health-cardiovascular
Heart Foundation – https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-conditions-in-women
Heart Research Australia – https://www.heartresearch.com.au/heart-disease/women-and-heart-disease/
Heart Research Institute – https://www.hri.org.au/health/learn/cardiovascular-disease/women-and-heart-disease
Jean Hailes – https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week/whats-on/heart-smart
Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute – https://www.victorchang.edu.au/heart-disease/women
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

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Use your head when it comes to concussion

walrus — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:25:27 +0000

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken or jolted inside the skull.

It is estimated that more than 180,000 concussions are experienced in Australia each year and around 30 percent of those with concussion will go on to experience ongoing, debilitating symptoms that affect their health, lifestyle, and work.

In the past, concussion was seen as a relatively harmless, short-term injury. However, with growing understanding and awareness about its short and long-term impacts, we are now seeing improved recognition and management of the condition.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the causes, symptoms and management of concussion.

What is concussion?

A concussion is a short-term brain injury resulting from a force to the head, neck or body that causes the brain to move within the skull and results in chemical changes and damage to brain cells.

It can be caused by:

Falls – particularly common in older adults and young children.
Sports-related injuries – common in contact sports, such as Australia Rules Football (AFL), boxing, rugby, soccer, and touch football; as well as cycling, wheeled motor sports, and equestrian.
Transport accidents – from head hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or window etc.
Violence and assault – including domestic violence.
Blast injury or other occupational hazards

According to statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the majority of concussion presentations to hospitals were a result of a fall (51%), followed by transport accidents (24%), and assault (11%), with one in five (or 22%) of all hospitalised concussion cases having occurred while participating in sport or physical activity.

What is concussion?

A concussion is a short-term brain injury resulting from a force to the head, neck or body that causes the brain to move within the skull and results in chemical changes and damage to brain cells.

It can be caused by:

Falls – particularly common in older adults and young children.
Sports-related injuries – common in contact sports, such as Australia Rules Football (AFL), boxing, rugby, soccer, and touch football; as well as cycling, wheeled motor sports, and equestrian.
Transport accidents – from head hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or window etc.
Violence and assault – including domestic violence.
Blast injury or other occupational hazards

Signs and Symptoms

In the past, concussion was seen as a relatively harmless, short-term injury that was associated with fast recovery, under-reporting and a lack of understanding about potential long-term impacts.

In fact, in previous generations, it was often thought that if you weren’t knocked out cold, then you weren’t concussed! However, we now know that concussion can occur without a complete loss of consciousness and symptoms can vary greatly.

Some symptoms may show up immediately, while others may present in the days, weeks, or even months following a knock to the body or head.

The most common symptoms include:

Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Confusion or memory problems
Fatigue or drowsiness
Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
Mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression

The Australian CTE Biobank and Macquarie University, in partnership with Sydney FC, have developed this useful ‘Big 5’ initiative to help those involved with sport better identify concussion following a head knock during games.

It encourages people to look out for:

Slump – lying motionless, unconscious or knocked out.
Sway – appearing wobbly, unsteady or falling over.
Slow – walking slowly, wandering or delayed movements.
Stun – confused, appearing stunned or behaving unusually.
Slur – slurred speech, slow speech, or responding poorly.

Some concussion symptoms can indicate a more severe and life-threatening brain injury, so it’s important to seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Neck pain or tenderness
Seizure or convulsion
Double vision
Loss of consciousness
Weakness or burning/tingling in more than one arm or in the legs
Deteriorating conscious state
Vomiting
Severe or increasing headache
Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
Visible deformity of the skull

While most people will recover fully within a couple of weeks, children can take a little longer to recover from a concussion and there may be some people who experience ongoing symptoms for weeks or months after the initial injury.

Long-term impacts of concussion

With a better understanding and more research into concussion these days, there is also growing evidence to suggest that repeated impacts to the head, neck or body can result in a number of debilitating long-term conditions

This includes:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – a degenerative brain disease that affects thinking, mood and behaviour, and interferes with day-to-day life.
Cognitive impairment – causing problems with memory, attention, and executive function.
Mood disorders – including depression and anxiety.

These can result in people who have had repeated head impacts, even without concussion.

In recent years, we’ve also seen a number of high-profile sports people having to retire early from their professional careers as a result of ongoing issues from repeated concussion, including Australian cricketer, Will Pucovski; AFL players Nathan Murphy and Angus Brayshaw; and NRL players Dale Finucane, Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend and Andrew Davey.

Prevention

While head injuries can’t always be prevented, there are ways to reduce your risk, including:

Wear a seat belt whenever you’re travelling in a car.
Secure your children in age-appropriate safety seats – check with your State Government for more information.
Reduce the risk of falls – avoid standing on unstable surfaces, remove or secure small area rugs, improve lighting, and install handrails.
Follow the rules of your sport – many sports have banned certain tackles or developed techniques and rules to reduce head injuries at all levels of play.
Take time to recover from injuries – don’t return to work or school too quickly, or rush back to playing sports before you are fully recovered.
Exercise regularly – to strengthen your leg and core muscles to improve your balance.

Treatment

While treatment and management of concussion will depend on its severity, it is important for anyone with concussion to rest for the first 24-48 hours, in order to give your brain a chance to heal.

It is also suggested that you:

Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery
Don’t drink alcohol
Limit screen time
Take time off work or school
Continue to do gentle exercise, such as walking
Get assessed by a doctor, to ensure there is no bleeding, fluid or pressure on the brain, or any spinal injury.

Even if you are feeling fine and normal after a concussion, you will need to avoid participating in sports and rigorous activities for a few weeks and should only return to these after you’ve been given the ok by your doctor.

Returning to activities too soon can put you at risk of additional injuries that exacerbate any existing inflammation and lead to a longer recovery and ongoing long-term impacts.

If you have any concerns or show any signs and symptoms of concussion, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Bookings at Illawarra Medical Centre can be made online (insert link) or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/concussions
Australian Sports Commission – https://www.concussioninsport.gov.au/
Brain Foundation – https://brainfoundation.org.au/disorders/concussion/
Connectivity – https://www.connectivity.org.au/symptoms-and-care/what-is-mild-tbi-or-concussion/
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/concussion
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Concussion
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) – https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/view-all-guidelines-by-topic/trauma-and-injury/anz-concussion-guidelines
Synapse – https://synapse.org.au/fact-sheet/concussion-mild-tbi/

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Reflecting on 30 years of Illawarra Medical Centre

walrus — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:07:02 +0000

Illawarra Medical Centre recently celebrated its 30^th anniversary milestone. Established by Principal GP – Dr Alan Leeb – in 1994, the practice has grown from a small office style clinic with a handful of staff to become the busy practice, with more than 20 support staff and 16 doctors, that it is today. In this month’s blog, Dr Alan Leeb reflects on the changes, challenges and triumphs of the last 30 years.

In the beginning. . .

“It’s hard to believe it’s been three decades since this journey began. When I started Illawarra Medical Centre, I was young – only 37 years of age, black hair, full of energy, naïve and senseless. I suppose the only thing that’s changed, is that I am now classed as a senior citizen, grey, not so energetic, but still naive and senseless!” Dr Leeb said.

“When I first started in Ballajura, it was just my original Receptionist – Carol – and I. Carol had a single phone line and a wire bound A4 book, where she wrote down the names of our bookings in a column on the left, with the date at the top and down the right side of the page a column for fees, which were diligently totalled at the end of each day.

“Those books were our bible. If the power went down, we still had the book. We had little post card sized patient cards with minimal records. It was all very simple and efficient and it just worked!

“I think I learned more real medicine from Carol in those first few years than any medical textbook. She had such an in depth knowledge of the community and their context that was far more important than the medical illness itself.

The changes over the years

“From there we grew the practice. Firstly, internally; then by expanding into the carpark at the back of the centre, followed by the police station, and then a join between the two buildings.

“We then expanded further into what is now our existing building, which had been a Caltex service station in a previous life. As such, it took a really long five years to remove all the hydrocarbons out of the ground before we could safely build.

“And here we are 13 years later with our medical centre, accompanied by the physio and dental suites – who have both been with us since those early days – and an on-site pharmacy too.

“It’s not only the practice that has changed over the last 30 years; there have been significant changes in the medical field itself.

“Over the last three decades, we’ve weathered more pandemics than anyone signed up for, tackled enough paperwork to make a rainforest cry, and still managed to smile through most of it – mainly because the coffee machine was always working!

“Sadly, even with all the technology available to us today, we still use much more paper than we should and, believe it or not, the fax machine is still alive and functioning.”

Illawarra Medical Centre’s primary purpose

“Community and family are the cornerstone of human wellbeing and societal strength. They provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and shared values that help individual’s navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its many joys.

“The IMC family and the wide community we serve is built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and respect.

“Our primary goal has always been to serve the healthcare needs of our demographic to the highest possible standard, while striving to create and maintain a positive work culture for our staff and contract doctors.

“It has been wonderful to see the practice acknowledged for this in recent years, through a number of accolades including RACGP WA Practice of the Year in 2019, RACGP GP Supervisor of the Year in 2022, and the Health and Wellbeing Services Award at his year’s Swan Chamber of Commerce and City of Swan Business Awards.

“At the end of the day, what we all want in life is to have made a difference. Making a difference – whether in someone’s life, our community, or the world – gives a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Every small act of kindness or effort to leave things better than we found them contributes to that legacy.

The Illawarra Medical Centre Team

“Of course, none of this can be achieved without a team effort, and the Illawarra Medical Centre team are really like a family to me, in the truest sense of the word.

“Over the past 30 years, I’ve had the unwavering support of my wife and family and the very special privilege of working alongside my own daughter as a GP, who was only 12 when I started the practice.

“We have trained around 100 GP registrars, countless medical students, and handful of nursing students over the years and many of those registrars have stayed on and become part of the IMC fabric today.

“In fact, overall, just over half of our entire team has been with us for ten years or more, including seven out of our 15 doctors, one out of our five nurses, five out of our 10 receptionists, and three out of our five administration team.

“Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence has shaped not only our workplace, but also the lives of countless individuals that we’ve had the honour of serving.

“I am immensely grateful for the dedication, passion and loyalty that the team has brought to our practice and our patients over the years and the community is truly fortunate to have such remarkable people at IMC.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past 30 years, it’s that when you’ve got a team like this, a community like ours, and just the right amount of caffeine – anything is possible!

The future

“In reflecting on the last 30 years, it’s been remarkable to see and appreciate just how far we’ve come, thanks to a lot of laughter, hard work, and always striving to make a difference.

“It’s also exciting to think about how much farther we’ll go and I look forward to keeping the adventure going!”

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How stress can impact your health

walrus — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 03:39:01 +0000

Stress is a normal part of being human and something that we all experience when we are faced with a challenging situation or feel under pressure. While it can sometimes be a useful motivator and push us to get things done, experiencing too much or ongoing stress can affect our mental and physical health.

What is stress?

According to the World Health Organization, stress is defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.

It triggers a flight or fight response in the body, causing it to respond to the perceived threat by increasing our heartbeat, breathing rate and blood pressure. The longer you feel stressed, the greater the demand on your body and the amount of energy you use.

According to research from 2020 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than half of Australians (59%) experienced at least one personal stressor over a 12 month period and those with a mental health or long-term health condition were more likely to experience stress over that same period of time (83% and 68% respectively).

While a little bit of stress is normal and can actually help us to perform our daily activities, too much can cause a range of physical and mental health problems. In fact, it can contribute to a number of health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. We also know that stress is the main contributor to burnout.

While there are different triggers for different people, it is most commonly a result of external events, including:

Major life changes, such as a death in the family or divorce
Family illness or health problems
Issues at work, school or with finances and relationships

Symptoms

When stressed, your body releases certain hormones, such as adrenaline, which bring on physical changes to help you respond to the stressful situation.

It can cause physical, mental and behavioural reactions in the body, as it responds to the release of these hormones. Some of these symptoms include:

Headaches, aches and pains
Sleep disturbance
Fatigue
Upset stomach or diarrhoea
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed and out of control
Sudden outbursts of anger
Avoidance
Overeating or undereating
Alcohol, smoking, or drug abuse

People will react to stress differently, depending on their personality, attitude and approach to life. Knowing yourself and how you respond can help you understand what works for you in managing stress.

Experiencing stress over a long period of time or an ongoing basis can disrupt your body’s normal processes and increase your risk of a number of health problems, including:

Anxiety and depression
Digestive problems
Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke
Insomnia and sleep problems
Weight gain
Problems with memory and focus

That’s why it’s important to try to manage stress as best you can, when it arises.

Prevention

Being aware of when you’re feeling stressed is an important first step.

Other things you can do to help manage stress include:

Taking regular time-out to relax, including time each day to switch off from technology.
Exercising regularly – aim for at least 20 minutes of exercise 3 times a week.
Eating well – include plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding fatty and sugary foods.
Limiting alcohol.
Getting enough sleep each night.
Spending time with people who make you feel good about yourself.
Setting boundaries so that you are not overextending yourself.
Staying connected with colleagues, family and friends and encouraging open discussions about how you are feeling and what support you might need.
Having some fun and doing activities that make you feel happy, to keep balance in your life.

Concerned about your health?

It’s important to see your doctor if you:

Feel stressed often.
Experience particular things that stress you and feel beyond your control.
Believe your reactions to stress are extreme or worry you.
Feel anxious or depressed about stress.

If you have any concerns about your health or are feeling overwhelmed with burnout and stress, 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:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health/stress-and-trauma
Better Health Channel – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/stress
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Good-mental-health-and-wellbeing
Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au/media/yxvnrqul/draft_ll-2pp-fact-sheet_life-pressures.pdf
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress

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What is MyMedicare and do I need to register?

walrus — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 04:04:27 +0000

MyMedicare was recently introduced by the Australian Government as a way to help strengthen Medicare and allow eligible patients to receive a more personalised and tailored approach from their regular health care provider.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at how MyMedicare works, the benefits it can provide, and how to register Illawarra Medical Centre (IMC) as your regular care team.

What is MyMedicare?

MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration model that formalises the relationship between a patient and their GP, general practice and primary care teams.

It has been introduced by the Australian Government as a way to strengthen Medicare. It allows for a more personalised, tailored approach to the healthcare of patients from their regular general practice, doctor and primary care team.

Who is eligible to register?

MyMedicare is open to all Australians with a Medicare card or a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card. You must have had two or more face-to-face appointments with your regular registered practice or health care provider over the last 24 months or at least one face-to-face appointment if you are in a remote location.

Those facing hardship, including people experiencing domestic and family violence and homelessness, do not need to meet the eligibility requirements to register for MyMedicare.

Children under the age of 14 years must be registered by a parent or guardian. This registration needs to completed at the patient’s chosen practice; however, those aged 14-17 years can register themselves without needing the consent of a parent or guardian.

Registering with MyMedicare is completely free and voluntary and your quality of care will not be impacted if you choose not to register.

What are the benefits?

When you register, your health care provider will be notified that you have chosen them as your regular care team. Your registration will then allow them to access services and additional funding to help provide you with the care you need.

MyMedicare essentially enables you to formalise the relationship you have with your regular GP and general practice and allows for greater continuity of care.

Research indicates that seeing the same health care provider generally leads to better health outcomes for patients, including fewer hospital admissions and lower mortality rates.

It will also allow for longer Medicare funded telehealth consults with your GP, as well as triple bulk billing incentives for longer telehealth consultations for children under 16, pensioners, and concession care holders.

Additional benefits that will be introduced over the coming year include:

more regular visits from their GP and better care planning for those living in a residential aged care home, from August 2024
connections to more appropriate care in general practice for people with chronic disease who visit hospital frequently, from mid-2024.

The benefits of MyMedicare are expected to continue to grow over time, as more patients and providers sign up.

How do I register?

You can register for MyMedicare through your online account or through your regular general practice.

When registering, you will be able to choose to register with:

an accredited general practice;
an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service;
an Aboriginal Medical Service;
a nurse practitioner-led practice with a GP; or
another non-traditional practice that meets the healthcare provider registration and eligibility criteria.

Before you register with MyMedicare, however, you will need to make sure that your chosen practice is registered.

Once you have registered with your regular practice, you will then be able to select your preferred GP.

It’s important to note that while you will still be able to access other Medicare and DVA equivalent services from other healthcare providers, you will only be able to access the benefits of MyMedicare at your registered regular general practice.

You will, however, be able to change or update both your preferred GP or practice at any time once you are registered.

To find out more information on how to register with MyMedicare, visit Services Australia.

How to register with Illawarra Medical Centre

Illawarra Medical Centre is currently registered as a MyMedicare practice and you can register IMC as your regular care team in MyMedicare via this QR Code.

Your quality of care at Illawarra Medical Centre will not be impacted if you choose not to register with MyMedicare.

For more information, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; Ministers; the Hon Mark Butler MP – https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/building-a-stronger-medicare-with-mymedicare-now-open-to-patients?language=en
Services Australia – https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/register-for-mymedicare?context=22751

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What the new 60-day prescriptions mean for patients

walrus — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 03:33:57 +0000

Earlier this month, the Australian Government introduced 60-day prescriptions for almost 100 medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), to help reduce annual costs to patients. In this month’s blog, we take a look at what medicines are covered and how these changes will benefit patients.

What are the changes?

From 1 September 2023, those eligible and living with a chronic condition will be able to buy 60 days’ supply of selected PBS-listed medicines in a single visit to the pharmacy for the cost of a single prescription.

The changes will be rolled out in three phases over 12 months, with the first phase including 92 medicines for a range of conditions, including:

Cardiovascular disease
Crohn’s disease
Gout
Heart failure
High cholesterol
Hypertension
Osteoporosis
Ulcerative colitis

To see the full list of medicines included in phase 1, click here>>

By September 2024, it is expected that 60-day scripts will be available for more than 300 out of 950 medicines currently listed on the PBS.

The full list of medicines includes some of those recommended for a range of additional ongoing health conditions, including:

Asthma
Breast cancer
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Constipation
Chronic renal failure
Depression
Diabetes
Endometriosis
Endometrial cancer
Epilepsy
Glaucoma and dry eyes
Gout
Hormonal replacement and modulation therapy
Parkinson’s disease

The medicines with the option of 60-day scripts have been specifically chosen, as they are treatments for ongoing, chronic health conditions and meet the required clinical safety criteria.

Medicines that aren’t included are generally those used for only a short period of time and that pose a potential risk of overuse, such as pain medicines and some medicines used for mental health conditions.

It’s important to note that the maximum number of repeats will not change and prescriptions will continue to remain valid for 12 months only.

For more information on the introduction of 60-day prescriptions, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/60-day-prescriptions

Why have these changes been introduced?

Primarily, this change is about making medicine more affordable for patients. It will allow those living with a chronic, stable condition to be able to buy two months’ worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription, instead of the 30-day supply that has previously been in place.

For patients, this essentially means they won’t have to visit the doctor or pharmacy as often to renew a script, which will assist with easing cost-of-living pressures. It will also help save time and reduce travel costs for those with limited mobility or living in remote locations.

People with a Medicare card buying only one of the medicines on the list are expected to save up to $180 per year, while concession card holders are likely to save around $43.80 per year for each eligible medicine.

The Australian Government anticipates that the changes will result in a halving of the cost of medicines for around 6 million Australians.

How will this impact the PBS Safety Net?

The PBS Safety Net is a system put in place to help patients who require a large number of PBS medicines throughout the year.

Once you or your family spend a certain amount on PBS medicine, you will reach the PBS Safety Net threshold, which is currently $262.80 for concession card holders and $1,563.50 for general patients.

Once the Safety Net is reached, your medicines will either become free or available at a reduced cost.

The PBS Safety Net will remain in place with the introduction of 60-day scripts. However, you may find that you reach the Safety Net later in the year, or not at all, as a result of the savings you receive from the 60-day prescription throughout the year.

How can I get a 60-day prescription?

If you have a current prescription, you will need to complete this script first before seeing your doctor for a new prescription and requesting a 60-day supply.

Your medication must be on the approved list and the decision of whether or not to provide you with a 60-day script ultimately lies with your GP or other prescriber, based on their professional clinical judgement.

If your doctor feels that your condition needs a more frequent review, they may continue to provide you with a 30-days script. You can also request to continue with a 30-day script if that is what you prefer.

To make an appointment at IMC to discuss or renew your script, book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

60 Day Scripts – https://www.60dayscripts.com.au/
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/60-day-prescriptions
National Pharmacies – https://www.nationalpharmacies.com.au/prescriptions/60-day-dispensing/
RACGP – https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/sixty-day-dispensing-what-gps-need-to-know

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Chronic pain impacts and management

walrus — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 05:35:34 +0000

Everyone experiences physical pain at some stage in their life, but for 3.7 million Australians, pain is a complex and ongoing problem. Known as an invisible illness, many people with chronic pain may not necessarily look unwell; however, the experience of constant pain for three months or more can significantly impact on a person’s mental health, as well as their ability to work, move, sleep, and enjoy social or family activities.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at chronic pain and how it can be managed.

Prevalence in Australia

Chronic pain affects around 3.7 million Australians, comprised of around 54% women and 46% men. As noted by Pain Australia, around two thirds of Australians living with chronic pain are urban based and 68% are of working age.

The financial cost of chronic pain in Australia is estimated to be ~$144 billion and includes costs to the health system, productivity losses, and the reduction in the quality of life for those experiencing chronic pain.

Chronic pain not only affects people physically but also impacts significantly on their mental health. Around 45% of those living with chronic pain also experience anxiety or depression and suicide is reportedly two to three times higher in those suffering chronic pain compared to the general population.

These figures are only set to increase, with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s most recent report estimating the annual cost of chronic pain in Australia will rise to ~$215 billion by 2050.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is any persistent pain that lasts for three months or more, or beyond the normal healing time of an injury.

It is a complex issue, as everyone experiences pain differently. Chronic pain can:

Be a symptom of another disease or a stand-along condition
Show no evidence of its existence
Occur anywhere in the body and at multiple sites
Involve several forms of pain or just one
Be daily or recurrent, such as a migraine

What we do know, is that all pain is related to the brain.

When you have an injury, nerves send signals from your injured body part to the brain’s thalamus to tell it there’s a problem. The thalamus then sorts through the signal and relays it onto the different parts of the brain responsible for physical sensation (the somatosensory cortex), thinking (the frontal cortex), and emotions (the limbic system).

That’s why whenever you experience pain, you tend to physically feel it, wonder what it was or what caused it, and are likely to have an emotional reaction to it (i.e. feel irritated or cry).

This whole process is an essential part of evolution that helps protects our bodies from danger and harm.

For those with chronic pain, however, the nerves carrying pain signals to the brain or the brain itself, are not behaving in the normal way and can signal that there is pain, even when your tissues are not in any danger.

This video from Pain Australia provides a good overview of chronic pain>>

Are There Different Types of Chronic Pain?

As noted by Chronic Pain Australia, there are many different chronic pain conditions that people can experience; however, most of these can be categorised into three types:

Nociceptive – which is pain associated with tissue injuries or damage, including from a cut, broken bone or such things as osteoarthritis, pelvic pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
Neuropathic – which is pain associated with injury or disease of the nerve tissue. This type of pain is commonly associated with shingles, sciatica, pinched nerves, and nerve damage resulting from diabetes.
Nociplastic – which is pain that results from alterations or changes to the way the sensory nervous system processes noxious stimuli, even if there is no evidence of tissue damage or disease causing the pain. For example fibromyalgia and non-specific lower back pain.

Treatment Options

As there are several types of chronic pain and everyone’s pain experience is different, treatment will generally involve a whole person approach that considers physical, social and psychological factors.

Most pain management strategies will use a combination of:

Medication
Physical therapies (such as heat or cold packs, massage, hydrotherapy and exercise)
Psychological therapies (such as cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques and meditation)
Acupuncture
Community support – through community and/or online groups

Generally those who actively manage their pain on a daily basis will tend to experience better results than those who rely purely on passive therapies, such as medication or surgery.

The most important step in managing any chronic pain condition, however, is to see your GP.

They will be able to work with you to develop a management plan based on your individual needs and circumstances and can recommend other health professionals to see as part of managing your chronic pain.

Appointments at IMC can be made by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400 or booking online.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management – https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/the-national-strategic-action-plan-for-pain-management
Better Health Victoria – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/pain-and-pain-management-adults
Chronic Pain Australia – https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chronic-pain
Pain Australia – https://www.painaustralia.org.au

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Vaping and your health

walrus — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:40:04 +0000

Vaping has been hitting the headlines lately, with Queensland recently announcing an enquiry into the health impacts of e-cigarettes and increasing concerns across Australia around the availability and prevalence of e-cigarettes and vaping products, particularly with younger Australia.

In this month’s blog, we thought we’d take a closer look at vaping and e-cigarettes and how they impact on your health.

What are the current rules/regulations/laws around vaping in Australia?

In Australia, it is illegal to sell, supply or possess an e-cigarette or any liquid that contains nicotine without a doctor’s prescription, including products imported from overseas.

In Western Australia, nicotine is strictly regulated under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 and products that are designed to resemble tobacco products are regulated under the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006.

These Acts essentially outline that e-cigarette devices and their components cannot be sold by tobacco or general retailers. It is also illegal for individuals to sell vapes to friends, colleagues or in the community.

It is also illegal to sell, supply or possess nicotine vaping products (or any liquid that contains nicotine) without a prescription from a doctor, including products imported from overseas.

What are e-cigarettes and vapes?

E-cigarettes, or vapes, are electronic, battery-operated devices that have been designed to deliver vapourised liquids into the lungs.

First invented by Chinese pharmacist, Hon Lik, in 2003 as an alternative to conventional smoking, e-cigarettes generally comprise a battery component, atomizer and a cartridge for a nicotine or non-nicotine liquid solution.

The battery component is used as a source of energy to power the atomizer, which heats the liquid so that it emits an aerosol or mist. This can then be inhaled through a situs slot luar negeri mouthpiece and exhaled as a fine-particulate smoke. It is similar to turning water into steam.

Vapes have previously been approved and used as a tool to help people quit or reduce smoking, after other methods have been tried and failed.

These days, vapes come in many different styles, shapes and sizes, such as pipes, pens and USBs, which can sometimes make them difficult to spot. The liquid used in vapes also comes in an array of different flavours, from tobacco to fruit flavours and even cola, caramel and lolly flavours.

However, it’s becoming increasingly known that vapes are not safe and may contain harmful and addictive chemicals that aren’t always listed on the pack.

The sleek design and range of sweet flavour options of vapes, coupled with the misconception that vaping is safer than smoking, can often appeal to younger people.

What ingredients are typically found in e-cigarettes and vapes?

The main ingredients that are typically found in vapes include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerol, nicotine, flavours and other chemicals.

Vapes can contain a number of harmful substances, including:

Nicotine, even in e-cigarettes marketed as ‘nicotine-free’;
Cancer-causing chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein;
Harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weedkiller and bug spray;
Heaving metals, such as nickel, tin and lead
Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
Flavouring chemicals, such as diacetyl (which has been linked to serious lung disease); and
Volatile organic compounds

A recent study undertaken by the Telethon Kid’s Institute and Curtin University examined the ingredients of more than 60 over-the-counter ‘nicotine-free’ e-liquids in Australia and found that the majority contained substances with known toxic chemicals. In addition, nicotine was found in nine percent of the liquids tested, despite these products being marketed as ‘nicotine-free’.

What is the impact on health?

Vapes are often cited as being a ‘healthy’ alternative to cigarettes and a useful tool in helping smokers to quit or reduce their smoking.

However, the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Guidelines note that nicotine vaping products should not be used as a first-line treatment for smoking cessation. Instead, RACGP recommends approved pharmacological therapies combined with behavioural support as a much safer and evidence based approach to stopping smoking.

Where people have tried unsuccessfully to stop smoking through pharmacological therapies and behavioural support, then nicotine vaping products may be considered as a reasonable intervention.

However, the fact is that the long-term health risks of vaping products are simply unknown and there are mixed reports on their actual effectiveness in stopping smoking.

While not all vapes contain nicotine, which we already know is harmful, and we are still learning about the health impacts of vapes, the general consensus is that they are not safe.

It is becoming more evident that vapes can expose people to chemicals at levels that may cause negative health effects.

Vaping has already been noted as the cause of a number of deaths from acute lung disease and an increasing number of studies show that vaping has both short- and medium-term effects on the heart and lungs. There are also growing concerns that e-cigarettes could increase the risk of cancer.

As noted by the WA Department of Health, some of the health concerns around vaping include:

Lung Damage – vaping has been linked to serious lung disease, with one of the commonly used ingredients in vapes – formaldehyde – known to cause irreversible lung damage.
Brain and Physical Development – the consumption of nicotine in children and adolescents can have long-lasting damaging effects on their brain and physical development and potentially lead to learning and anxiety disorders. Nicotine changes the way the brain synapses are formed in young people. Some of the impacts include impaired attention, learning and memory, as well as changes in mood.
Burns – there have been a number of cases reported where e-cigarette batteries or devices have overheated, caught fire or exploded. This can cause serious and potentially life-threatening injury, disability and disfigurement.
Nicotine Addiction and Poisoning – nicotine is highly addictive. One vape can contain the same amount of nicotine found in 50 cigarettes and research shows that young people who vape are three times as likely to take up smoking cigarettes.

The symptoms of nicotine addiction from vapes is the same as cigarettes, and include:
– Increased irritability
– Increased anxiousness
– Intense cravings to vape
– Lack of concentration; and
– Trouble sleeping
E-liquids that contact nicotine when swallowed or absorbed through the skin can result in poisoning, as can too much nicotine from using vapes.
Exposure to harmful substances – as with cigarettes, there are also concerns about the potential health impacts on those who are exposed to the harmful substances found in e-cigarettes – either as a user or a bystander exposed second-hand.
Mental Health – vaping nicotine can increase a person’s risk for depression and anxiety and make existing symptoms worse.

Concerned about the impact of smoking or vapes on your health?

If you have any health concerns regarding smoking or vaping, please make an appointment with your GP, who will be able to provide advice about suitable options to help you quit.

To make an appointment at Illawarra Medical Centre, simply book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-and-tobacco/about-smoking-and-tobacco/about-e-cigarettes

Better Health, Victoria – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/smoking-how-to-discourage-your-children

Department of Education, Western Australia – https://myresources.education.wa.edu.au/docs/default-source/resources/vaping/wa-schools-anti-vaping-toolkit-v9.pdf?sfvrsn=e46c6643_1

Department of Health, Western Australia – https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Electronic-cigarettes-in-Western-Australia

HealthyWA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/vaping

John Hopkins Medicine – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping

Lung Foundation – https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-health/protecting-your-lungs/e-cigarettes-and-vaping/

Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne – https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens/

Telethon Kids Institute – https://www.telethonkids.org.au/our-research/impact/2022/in-the-pipeline/sounding-the-alarm-on-vaping/?fbclid=IwAR1LXwkJeHtj6oopnTJf8XTfWc2CcMn757xmtjaOcOVlvMa0xIb-Bm-uVSY

World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/tobacco-e-cigarettes

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The current crisis in health care

walrus — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:42:44 +0000

There’s been a lot of coverage in the media of late about the current crisis in health care, largely resulting from an outdated Medicare system that has failed to keep up with inflation, rising costs and the changing health care needs of patients.

In this month’s blog, we take a look at the current Medicare situation and the impact it is having on general practices and their patients.

What is Medicare?

Medicare was first introduced in 1984 as a universal health insurance scheme for Australia. It was designed to assist all Australians with the costs of the health care they need, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

When you access eligible health services, including a visit to your GP, Medicare provides a rebate to you – the patient – to assist covering the total cost of the health service provided. Medicare does not pay GPs.

Bulk billing is when the doctor or health care provider accepts the Medicare rebate directly for the services provided to patients resulting in no out-of-pocket expense to the patient.

What is the current issue?

When Medicare was first introduced, the rebate provided generally covered the average cost of an appointment with your GP. However, as can be seen in the graph below, the Medicare rebate has not kept up with inflation and the rising costs of providing quality health care to patients over time.

As a result, the current Medicare rebate for GP consultations is far less than the cost of delivering appropriate medical services and falls short of the AMA recommended fee.

GP practices operate as small businesses and need to cover the costs of staff wages, rent, utilities, equipment, insurances, compliance etc. Medicare simply does not cover the cost of running a medical practice.

GPs work as contractors and only receive a percentage of the overall fee charged to patients and don’t get paid any leave entitlements or superannuation. They also have to cover the costs of their own indemnity insurance, as well as medical board and college fees.

The Medicare rebate is currently about half of the actual cost of providing the service and when you are bulk billed, your doctor is effectively subsidising patient care out of their own pocket.

While the original Medicare system may have worked for the 1980’s, a lot has changed in the health care space since then and the system hasn’t kept up with these changes and is no longer fit for purpose.

What are we proposing?

Providing quality and equitable acute and long-term health care remains our primary focus at Illawarra Medical Centre (IMC). IMC has been absorbing the rising out-of-pocket costs of health care for our patients over a number of years now, but that is no longer a sustainable option.

Urgent reform is needed to ensure we can continue to provide the highest standard of appropriate, quality and timely medical care to all of our patients at Illawarra Medical Centre.

Over the coming weeks, we will be introducing a number of changes to our fee structure to ensure we remain a financially viable and sustainable business that can continue to service our slot thailand patients with the quality health care they deserve well into the future.

Keep an eye on our website for further details, as these changes are announced.

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