Flu & COVID Vaccines
Public and Private FLU vaccines available.
Under the National Immunisation Program, Public Free Flu Vaccines are provided to Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years, All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, Patients with certain Chronic Diseases, Pregnant women, People aged 65 years and over. Private flu vaccines are available for purchase to patients who do not meet free flu vaccine requirements. Private Flu vaccines are available in our clinic for $25 purchase if you are not eligible for a free flu vaccine.
Heart Health Checks
This month we are focusing on Heart Health. Did you know, heart attacks and strokes are one of the major risks in Australia? It is estimated that over a million Australians are at risk of heart disease. Timely preventative treatment reduces the risks.
Our heart health checks involve a range of assessments including blood pressure check, smoking, alcohol, lifestyle, family health history, by ethnic risk, whether you have diabetes, cholesterol and or if you are taking any medications.
We have a team of medical professionals who are here to help. If needed, we have an in house dietitian and cardiologist for further assessments.
Eligibility: Age 30+
Osteoporosis - Bone Density Scanning
Osteoporosis is a chronic disease which makes bones weaker leading it to breaking. In most cases, patients may not have known until a fracture happens. Osteoporosis or Osteopenia (in between normal to Osteo stage) can be managed by lifestyle and with prescriptions to maintain bone strength.
If diagnosed early, we can help treat the bones from becoming less dense. It is estimated that 6 million Australians aged 50 years are at risk. Risk factors include age, being female, early menopause, history of fractures in the past, family history of Osteo and some medicines used for cancer treatments.
As our commitment to preventative health, we have already contacted all our patients over the age of 70 to book an appointment to see our onsite BONE DENSITY SCANNING bus on 19th and 20th of Feb 2024. You need to see one of our doctors beforehand to get a referral letter.
If you know of anyone at risk in your family, we ask you to chat to them about their Bone Health. A simple 15 minutes scan can save someone from falling and causing fractures. Fractures reduce mobility and can impact both physically and mentally.
Some basic preventative measures include eating healthy food which contains calcium, spending a few minutes in the sun everyday, cutting back on alcohol and smoking / vaping and regular exercise.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic
Key facts
(Source: WHO.int)
Yellow fever is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes that bite mostly during the day.
As of 2023, 34 countries in Africa and 13 countries in Central and South America are either endemic for, or have regions that are endemic for, yellow fever.
Yellow fever is prevented by a vaccine, which is safe and affordable. A single dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to grant life-long protection.
A modelling study based on African data sources estimated the burden of yellow fever during 2013 was 84 000–170 000 severe cases and 29 000–60 000 deaths.
Overview
Yellow fever is an epidemic-prone mosquito-borne vaccine preventable disease that is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Yellow fever is caused by an arbovirus (a virus transmitted by vectors such mosquitoes, ticks or other arthropods) transmitted to humans by the bites of infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. These day-biting mosquitoes breed around houses (domestic), in forests or jungles (sylvatic), or in both habitats (semi-domestic). Yellow fever is a high-impact high-threat disease, with risk of international spread, which represents a potential threat to global health security.
Symptoms
The incubation period for yellow fever is 3 to 6 days. Many people do not experience symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. In most cases, symptoms disappear after 3 to 4 days. A small percentage of patients enter a second, more toxic phase within 24 hours of recovering from initial symptoms. High fever returns and several body systems are affected, usually the liver and the kidneys. In this phase, people are likely to develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, hence the name yellow fever), dark urine, and abdominal pain with vomiting. Bleeding can occur from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach. Half of the patients who enter the toxic phase die within 7–10 days.
Treatment
There is no specific anti-viral drug for yellow fever. Patients should rest, stay hydrated and seek medical advice. Depending on the clinical manifestations and other circumstances, patients may be sent home, be referred for in-hospital management, or require emergency treatment and urgent referral. Treatment for dehydration, liver and kidney failure, and fever improves outcomes. Associated bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Diagnosis
Yellow fever is difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. A more severe case can be confused with malaria, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, other haemorrhagic fevers, infection with other flaviviruses (such as dengue), and poisoning. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in blood can sometimes detect the virus in early stages of the disease. In later stages, testing to identify antibodies is needed (ELISA and PRNT).
Vaccination
Vaccination is the most important means of preventing yellow fever. The yellow fever vaccine is safe, affordable and a single dose provides life-long protection against yellow fever disease. The vaccine provides effective immunity within 10 days for 80–100% of people vaccinated, and within 30 days for more than 99% of people vaccinated.
In accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), countries have the right to require travellers to provide a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. If there are medical grounds for not getting vaccinated, this must be certified by the appropriate authorities.
My Medicare Patient Registration
It’s free and voluntary to register in MyMedicare, and registration is open to Australians with a Medicare card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card.
Department of health have commenced “My Medicare” patient registrations. MyMedicare patients will have access to:
greater continuity of care with your registered practice, improving health outcomes
longer Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) funded telehealth consultations with your GP
more regular visits from your GP and better care planning for people living in a residential aged care home, from August 2024
connections to more appropriate care in general practice for people who visit hospital frequently, from mid-2024.
Eligibility
a Medicare card or DVA card holder
At least two face to face visits recorded with us in the previous 24 months.
How to Register
Medicare Online Account
Express Plus Medicare Mobile App
MyGov
(Search “Botany Road Doctors” in your online account, Suburb Postcode 2015 - Alexandria)
By filling a digital registration form at the reception desk.
Click below link, print, fill and send to us.
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/mymedicare-registration-form?language=en
More information is available via www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare
Health Assessments (Age based)
What are health assessments?
Health assessments provide the opportunity for your GP to undertake an in-depth assessment of your health. The assessment will cover medical, physical, psychological and social aspects of health.
Who can have one?
All people aged 45-49, 75 years and over, or 55 years or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who are living in the community or in hostel level aged care accommodation.
Why is the doctor suggesting a health assessment for you?
Your doctor is offering you a health assessment to assist you to maintain good health. It also allows your doctor to take specific notice of areas which are hard to cover in a normal consultation, such as nutrition. A health assessment also provides you an opportunity to raise any concerns that you may have about your health, such as hearing difficulties or sleeping problems.
Does having a health assessment mean there is something wrong with me?
Not at all. A health assessment helps your doctor assess your overall level of health in order to provide advice aimed at preventing ill health in the future. Your doctor will be offering a health assessment to many other patients who regularly attend the practice. However, if you are worried about the health assessment, please talk to your doctor or staff in the practice about your concerns.
What happens during a health assessment?
Your doctor will discuss the health assessment with you and ask you for your permission before proceeding with it. This is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions. Your doctor (or another health professional acting under their guidance) will check on a number of areas- your recent health, whether or not you have seen other doctors or health workers in the last six months, any difficulties with mood, memory or sleep; smoking/alcohol/nutrition/exercise, living arrangements and home safety, social support, mobility, the medications you take, immunisations and an examination of your weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, feet, vision, hearing and other areas which may come up during the assessment.
Where and when is the health assessment conducted?
A health assessment can be conducted in the practice, or in your home, or a combination of both. Because a health assessment tries to give your doctor a complete picture of your health, your doctor may ask about visiting you at home. If you have any worries about this, please tell your doctor. Usually a health assessment is repeated in one year’s time.
Who conducts the health assessment?
Some parts of the health assessment may be undertaken by another professional, for example, a nurse or occupational therapist. The whole assessment, however, will be under the guidance of your doctor. Because this is an in-depth assessment of your health, it is important that you attend your usual doctor. At the end of the assessment your doctor will discuss their findings and recommendations with you. If you would like a carer, another family member, or someone else to be present for any part of the health assessment, please tell your doctor beforehand.
Are there any costs?
Patients are eligible for Bulk Billing through Medicare aged 45-49 (once in this age range), 75 plus (yearly). Please check with your previous doctor if this service was billed under your account.
How long will it take?
The health assessment usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes in total, but this may spread over more than one visit.
How will I find out the results?
Your doctor will discuss the results and recommendations with you and give you a written summary. You may need to make a separate appointment for this. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about health assessments.
Reference: RACGP guidelines
World Kidney Day
World Kidney Day, let's keep our diet and lifestyle healthy, diligently exercising so that the body is healthy.
Take a KIDNEY RISK TEST TODAY and SEE IF YOU ARE AT RISK ???
https://kidney.org.au/kidneyrisktest/
Book an appointment if you have any concerns or questions. Contact us on 02 9066 0111
Kidneys importance: Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the human body. Kidney removes acid produced by the cells and maintains balanced water, salt and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium in the blood. Kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and help with bone strength. Healthy eating and reducing intake of alcohol helps maintain the kidney in good order.
Iron Infusion Clinic
Balanced Iron levels are important for normal function of the human body. It helps haemoglobin and red blood cells carry Oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia, lethargy and fatigue. This will impact your daily activities such as exercise and focusing on day to day school or work. This can impact a baby's growth during pregnancy.
Iron can be taken orally or through an infusion. Your doctor will determine the best form of treatment with a simple blood test. Iron infusion is safe with minimal side effects in the majority of the patients. Iron infusion can take between 15 to 30 mins depending on the patient's veins.
Prior to receiving the infusion, your doctor will explain general side effects. All our Iron Infusions are carried under the supervision of a general practitioner and a registered nurse. In the first consultation, we will refer you to a blood test to determine your Iron levels. If required, we will offer Iron infusion in your second visit. Bring any recent medical records which may help us with the treatment process. We have a pharmacy located conveniently next door to purchase Iron and kit.
Book an appointment today by calling 02 9066 0111.
Ovarian Cancer Preventative Health
According to Ovarian Cancer Australia -
There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, so all women need to be aware of the symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms for ovarian cancer are:
Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
Abdominal or pelvic (lower tummy) pain
Feeling full after eating a small amount
Needing to urinate often or urgently
Additional Symptoms
Changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Excessive fatigue
Lower back pain
Indigestion or nausea
Bleeding after menopause or in-between periods
Pain during sex or bleeding after.
It is important to remember all the symptoms mentioned can be caused by other, less serious medical conditions. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, which are persistent and troublesome, you should see your doctor. They will be able to examine you and if necessary, do further tests to find the cause of your problems.
If you are not comfortable with your doctor’s diagnosis or you are still concerned about unexplained persistent symptoms, you should seek a second opinion. You know your body better than anyone else, so always listen to what your body is saying and trust your instincts."
Preventative Health Activities
We had some excellent results from previous year preventative health management.
If the medical conditions are detected early, appropriate treatment can be offered. Preventative health plays a key role in this process. There is no healthcare without selfcare. We request all our customers to ensure to book regular appointments, if required long appointments to review the below preventative conditions.
Preventative health measures are age and gender specific, lifestyle and are based on family genetic issues. If you have a family member suffering or suffered from a chronic disease, it's important to get checked to understand the condition and offer the right care. Our proactive team of general practitioners, allied health providers and specialists are here to help with the majority of your medical needs all under one roof. See our team info for more details.
We are committed to offering quality services to help prevent or deduct early to treat the conditions. Preventative health such as below but not limited to -
Smoking & Alcohol
Blood pressure checks
Sexual health, contraception, Fertility and family planning
Cholesterol and lipids check
Diabetes, Strokes, Lung & Kidney function test
Heart health checks & Bone density scans
Asthma management, Osteoporosis Screening
Cancer screening - Colorectal, Breast, Skin, Cervical, Bowel, Colon …
Mental health - Stress, Anxiety, Depression
Vision & Hearing
Womens health - Menopausal health
Travel vaccine, Immunisations & Medication Management.
Domestic violence
Healthy sleeping, Physical activity & weight management
Age based assessments - 45 to 49 age and 75+ yearly checks and chronic disease management.
Please note, Experienced Gynecologist is Starting mid feb. We have a Gynae bed and colposcope to treat women's health conditions.
We look forward to meeting you at the clinic and helping you with your medical needs.
Skin Cancer Clinic
Botany Road Doctors are offering skin cancer check ups. Our aim is to educate, prevent, detection, diagnosis, treatment and management of skin cancer in the GP clinic setting.
Melanoma is the most common cancer diagnosed in young Australians aged 15 - 30 years. More than 2 000 Australians die from melanoma each year and 600 die from squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
Reducing the exposure of UV rays can help your skin healthy and lower your chances of getting a skin cancer in future. Using SPF 50 sun screen cream, wearing a hat and sun glasses will lowering the chances.
Call us on 02 9066 0111 or Book Online via www.botanyroaddoctors.com.au
Award winning Medical Centre.
You are in safe hands !!!
Our team have own the Sydney Professional Medical Services award for year 2022. This outstanding achievement was measured based on quality, customer experience, adopting to changes, use of technology, professional services and working towards reducing carbon emission from a small business point of view.
We thank all our customers for voting for us to achieve this award. We are here to offer quality services to the community.
Call us on 02 9066 0111 or Book Online via www.botanyroaddoctors.com.au
Men’s Health Awareness - Movember
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues. Health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s suicide.
Like the majority of the conditions, early detection and treatment saves lives. We have a team of doctors and mental health practitioners who can help you with your condition.
Call us on 02 9066 0111 or Book Online via www.botanyroaddoctors.com.au
To speak with someone immediately, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
More information is available via https://au.movember.com
Women’s Health Awareness
In Australia this year, over 15,000 women got diagnosed with breast cancer including 150 men. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women. Women have a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer by the age of 85. The good news is you can reduce your risk of breast cancer by being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing alcohol.
Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. Remember you don’t need to be an expert or use a special technique to check your breasts.
Changes to look for include a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast, a change in the size or shape of your breast, a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion, a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing, a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling, an unusual pain that doesn't go away.
Most changes aren’t due to breast cancer but it’s important to see your doctor without delay if you notice any of these changes.
If you notice any of the above, or are concerned book in to see one of our friendly GP's for a check up. Book online via www.botanyroaddoctors.com.au or by calling 02 9066 0111. More information is available via National Breast Cancer Organisation.