Newsletter February 2025
Happy New Year. The year is certainly going fast already. Here is an update of what is happening at the clinic.
Doctor’s
Dr Lydia Fleming commenced working at the clinic in January. Our GP registrar’s, Dr Martyn Kinvig and Dr Pepe Mifsud also joined the team this month.
Farewell’s
In December, we farewelled our receptionist, Sue, after 35 years and nurse, Lyn after 16 years of service. Their commitment to patient care was always paramount. We wish them all the best in their retirement.
Health Alerts
Measles is back in the news. If you are planning on travelling overseas, please ensure your immunisations are up to date. The immunisation schedule for children is for measles vaccination to be given at 12 and 18 months of age. Children travelling to high-risk areas who are under 12 months can have their vaccination from 9 months.
For those people born before 1966 are likely you have been infected as a child and therefore considered immune. Those born after 1966 who are not immune should receive two doses of the measles vaccine.
Type 2 Diabetes
Are you interested in joining our Diabetes Group Clinic? Our first group has already commenced for 2025, and feedback has been positive.
Where: Alstonville Clinic Annexe
When: Wednesday’s 1:30-3:30pm
Course duration: 5 weeks
Get educated about diabetes, hear from our local dietitian, podiatrist, renal nurse practitioner and exercise physiologist.
Take control of your diabetes now before it takes control of you!
Please see our receptionists or Joni (Diabetes Educator) if you are interested in joining.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness
February is the Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Approximately 1550 women are diagnoses with ovarian cancer every year.
What can you do?
It’s important to know your own body and be aware of the symptoms of the disease, as there is no screening test for ovarian cancer.
A Cervical Screening Test does not detect ovarian cancer – it is designed to screen for cervical cancer.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and like other common conditions.
If you experience any of the symptoms, especially if they are unusual for you or persistent, it’s important to see your doctor to be sure.
If you are concerned about your family history of breast or ovarian cancer, your doctor can assess your risk.
What are the symptoms?
- Abdominal bloating or increased abdominal size
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Appetite loss, feeling full quickly or indigestion
- Urinary changes such as frequency or urgency
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Unexplained fatigue
Further information can be found at canceraustralia.gov.au
Weight Loss
Those patients who have commenced or a thinking about commencing the Wegovy injection for weight loss and need advice or support, our practice nurse, Joni, has appointments available (no rebate) on alternate Friday mornings. She will discuss the administration, side-effects, diet, exercise, arrange referrals to other allied health providers if necessary and provide lots of encouragement.