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What’s in this month’s newsletter?
To view the newsletter, click here!
Not already a subscriber?
Subscribe now by navigating to the bottom of this page and fill out the form, or visit our Facebook page and select the ‘Newsletter Signup’ tab.
Red February is just around the corner, for those that don’t know about this brilliant health campaign, it aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death and disability in the country. The campaign focuses on educating the public about the risk factors and signs of cardiovascular disease, as well as encouraging people to take action to reduce their risk.
Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, is a serious condition that affects the heart and blood vessels. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health complications. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing cardiovascular disease and reducing the risk of serious complications.
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease and seek help if you experience any of them. Some common signs include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, it’s important to seek medical help right away. Your doctor can perform tests to determine if you have cardiovascular disease and recommend appropriate treatment options. This may include lifestyle changes, such as exercise and healthy eating, as well as medications and other treatments. It’s important to take the initiative and take care of your cardiovascular health by being aware of the signs and seeking help when needed.
What’s in this month’s newsletter?
To view the newsletter, click here!
Not already a subscriber?
Subscribe now by navigating to the bottom of this page and fill out the form, or visit our Facebook page and select the ‘Newsletter Signup’ tab.
What’s in this month’s newsletter?
To view the newsletter, click here!
Not already a subscriber?
Subscribe now by navigating to the bottom of this page and fill out the form, or visit our Facebook page and select the ‘Newsletter Signup’ tab.
With the summer weather kicking in, we often forget to check our skin for signs of skin cancer. Early identification and treatment of skin cancer can minimise your chance of needing surgery and the severity of it. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.
Type 1 – Often burns, rarely tans. Tends to have freckles, red or fair hair, blue or green eyes.
Type 2 – Usually burns, sometimes tans. Tends to have light hair, blue or brown eyes.
Type 3 – Sometimes burns, usually tans. Tends to have brown hair and eyes.
Type 4 – Rarely burns, often tans. Tends to have dark brown eyes and hair.
Type 5 – Dark brown skin. Rarely burns, tans profusely.
Type 6 – Deeply pigmented, dark brown to black skin. Never burns.
It is recommended to get a professional skin check every 12 months, regardless of personal or family history. If you haven’t had a skin check, and are concerned you may have skin cancer, Eastbound has a range of great GPs that can perform thorough skin checks.
The beginning of Spring usually includes two things in Victoria, slightly better weather, and aggravated symptoms for fellow asthma and hay fever sufferers. Suffice to say these conditions are frustrating, but you can manage them.
Managing Hay Fever & Asthma:
On high pollen days, close your windows and doors. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is turned to ‘circulate’ so it doesn’t bring the outdoor pollens inside.
Treatment includes the use of antihistamines, decongestants, saline sprays, corticosteroid nasal sprays and allergen immunotherapy. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about best suited treatment.
Mould fragments spread in the air and can cause allergic and asthma responses in some people. Dust can be one of the biggest triggers for asthma symptoms and flare-ups. Minimise your exposure to both mould and dust to reduce your symptoms and the possibility of a flare up.
Avoid plants with strong fragrances, opt for native plants and low pollen grass, weed often, avoid compost heaps and avoid gardening on windy days.
People with asthma have also been known to have allergies, some of which may include animals. If you find that your allergies or asthma symptoms worsen around animals, it is recommended you speak with your doctor about your symptoms and perhaps further allergy testing.
If grass pollen is a problem for you then thunderstorms in spring and summer may affect you. Avoid exposure, stay inside and keep your doors and windows closed. To reduce risk of thunderstorm asthma, asthma managements year round in vital.
Here at eastbound we can assist you with asthma and allergy management. To make an appointment please click here.
(Asthma Australia, 2022).
Due to the pandemic and restrictions, the influenza virus has been almost non-existent over the last 2 years. However, with borders opening and travel recommencing, it is predicted that influenza rates will begin to increase. It is therefore very important to receive your annual flu shot this year.
Whilst flu vaccination does not prevent COVID-19, flu vaccination is critical to protecting the general health of Australians from influenza, which can take between 100 to 1,000 lives per year depending on the severity.
Expert medical advice is that everyone aged six months and over should be vaccinated against influenza this year, and every year, to protect themselves and others in the community.
The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to those most at risk, including:
Vaccinating against the flu will reduce the risk of a very dangerous double-up of flu and coronavirus—both diseases affecting the respiratory system. Vaccinated people of all ages are less likely to get the flu and if they do, are less likely to have a severe case. Fewer cases and fewer severe cases of flu will result in less demand on our health care system.
Eastbound Medical Clinic is now offering flu vaccines. To make an appointment, please click here.
(Australian Department of Health, 2022)
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device made of plastic and/or metal that is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy.
The two main types of IUDs available at Eastbound are:
The hormonal IUDs are small ‘T-shaped’ plastic devices that are inserted into the uterus (womb). The hormonal IUDs contain progestogen, which is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone made naturally by the ovaries. There are two different hormonal IUDs available in Australia. They are sold as Mirena and Kyleena.
The non-hormonal copper IUD is a small plastic device with copper wire coiled (wrapped) around the frame. It is inserted into the uterus (womb) where it constantly releases a small amount of copper.
Both IUD types are among the most effective methods of contraception and are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The IUD can stay in place for 5-10 years, depending on the type.
IUDs affect the way sperm move and survive in the uterus (womb), stopping sperm from meeting and fertilising an egg. IUDs can also change the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to stick to the lining to start a pregnancy. The hormone IUDs also work by thickening the fluid around the cervix. This helps to prevent sperm from entering. Sometimes the hormonal IUDs can also stop the ovaries from releasing an egg.
The IUD is inserted inside the uterus (womb) by a trained doctor or nurse. The IUD insertion takes around 15 minutes, but you will be in the clinic for an hour or more.
The IUD has a fine nylon string attached to it which comes through the cervix. The string cannot be seen, and it does not hang out of the vagina. If you feel high up inside your vagina, you can check that the string is there and know the IUD is still in place. It is good to do this every month. If the string feels like it is shorter or longer than normal or you can’t feel the string at all, the IUD may have shifted, and you should see a doctor or nurse.
Your doctor will provide a script that you can take to the pharmacy, which will sell you the IUD. You will need to return to the clinic to have the IYD inserted.
For private patients: upfront cost of $247.35 with an out of pocket expense (gap payment) of $221.45 after Medicare.
For cardholders (pension and health care cards): upfront cost of $223.00 with an out of pocket expense (gap payment) of $152.10 after Medicare.
An initial appointment with Dr Saveena Nithiananthan is required to discuss the procedure, provide informed consent and organise a script for the device. The procedure can then be booked after the initial consult. The procedure will require approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
To make an initial consult, please contact our friendly reception team on 9579 3522 or head online and make an online booking with Dr Saveena Nithiananthan.
(Sexual Health Victoria, 2022)
As Victoria approach its 80% fully vaccinated target and our economy reopens, many industries will begin to require proof of vaccination status for people to enter their premises, including places such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, retail centres, construction sites and major sporting venues. In line with this approach, we will introduce a ‘no vaccination, no entry’ policy from the 5th of November for all people entering the building. This will apply to our staff, patients, contractors and other visitors.
Children under 16 and adults unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons are exempt, providing they have no respiratory symptoms (i.e. fever, sore throat, runny nose). We will continue to see all patients with respiratory symptoms in our Respiratory Module, with our GP’s wearing full PPE.
Please be reassured that we are not attempting to deny the provision of care to anyone. Our intent is the opposite – by keeping the clinic safe and our staff safe, we can remain open and care for our patients. It is important that patients know Eastbound Clinic will be a 100% fully vaccinated COVID safe environment to attend from November onwards and throughout 2022.
If you choose not to be vaccinated for COVID, we respect your choice – you can book a telehealth consultation instead (phone or video). If your GP requires a face to face consult, you will simply need to arrange a COVID test (rapid home test or PCR nasal swab) and provide a negative test result on arrival. This is not negotiable.
We appreciate that this may be confronting for some people and will do our best to make things as easy as possible. We are working to integrate confirmation of vaccination status with our booking system to streamline the process.
Please note, patients coming in for COVID vaccines will be exempt from this policy.
