Online Resources
10
tips for safer health care - Article by the RACGP on safer health care. http://www.racgp.org.au/10tips
Melbourne
Pathology – Official
website for Melbourne Pathology. This pathology company has
a collection centre here at the clinic.
http://www.mps.com.au/
Medicare
Australia
– Government
health care website. http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/
Better
health channel
- Health and medical information for consumers, from the Victorian
government. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
Diabetes
Australia
- "Minimising the impact of diabetes":
includes publications, news and events, subsidised
products, national programs and more. http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
Diabetes Victoria - Diabetes Australia's Victorian website. Includes support groups,
information on healthy eating and lifestyle advice.
http://www.dav.org.au/
Whitehorse
Division of General Practice - Division
of which Vermont health care is a part. http://www.wdgp.com.au/
Asthma Victoria - Official website for the Asthma Foundation of Victoria.
http://www.asthma.org.au/
Asthma Australia - A national foundation connecting the various state-level Asthma
Foundations. http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/
Coeliac
Society of Victoria -
A site for people in Victoria who have been diagnosed with Coeliac
disease. Membership provides information on a variety of topics
including living with a gluten free
diet. http://www.vic.coeliac.org.au/
Heart Foundation Australia - Official website for the Heart Foundation of Australia. Includes
information for both professionals and members of the community on
fighting cardiovascular disease.
http://www.heartfoundation.com.au/
Arthritis Australia - Arthritis information and support page for Australians.
http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/
Arthritis Victoria - Arthritis information and support page for Victorians.
http://www.arthritisvic.org.au/
VHC Resources
Regular Screening Medical Checks
Whilst most medical examinations and investigations are based on current symptoms and medical history, other regular checks are recommended based on family history (see notes on the importance of family history) lifestyle or stage of life.
A skin examination is recommended every few years for those over 30 but from a younger age and more regularly for those with a past history or family history of skin cancer.
PAP smear for cervical screening at least 2 yearly.
Breast examination yearly. Mammogram at least 2 yearly for those 45-50
and above
Faecal sample testing to check for traces of blood every 2 years is recommended for all over 50 years of age in order to screen for bowel polyps or early cancers. Further screening tests are strongly recommended for people with a family history of bowel cancer. This should be discussed with your doctor.
Prostate examination is offered to all men over 50 years of age and earlier if there is a family history of prostate disease. Whether testing is performed is an individual decision, the pros and cons of which should be discussed with your doctor.
Diabetes blood testing is recommended for all over 55 but earlier for those with a family history or past history of blood sugar problems.
Cholesterol checking is recommended each 5 years for those over 45.
Other routine checks from time to time are Blood Pressure, height and weight and urine tests.
Discussion regarding the effects of smoking, alcohol and other substance use are suggested on an individual basis in the context of the person's general medical condition.
This list of screening investigations is not complete but applies to virtually all persons. Other checkups and investigations are usually determined by family and personal medical history. Please consult your doctor about any of the above regularly recommended checks or other checks you feel may be related to your family history.
Importance of family history in general practice
As part of the process of ensuring comprehensive and accurate medical information is recorded for our patients it is necessary to have an up to date family history.
Firstly this is often relevant in assessing your symptoms and possible diagnoses.
Secondly preventative strategies are now available and recommended for people with a family history of many medical conditions. In order to set in place the appropriate strategies for you it is important that your doctor has information on your family history.
Information that is useful is the name or type of condition, the family member affected eg. father, mother, grandparent, sibling or child and if known the approximate age at which the relative developed the condition. It would be appreciated if you could think about the following aspects of your family
history and notify your doctor.
Particular conditions to consider are:
- heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
- asthma, cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease
- cancer of the breast, prostate, bowel, cervix, mouth or throat, testicles, ovary, skin melanoma
- glaucoma, osteoporosis, kidney disease, haemochromatosis (problems with iron metabolism)
- depression, suicide, schizophrenia
This is not an exhaustive list and if there are other conditions that you are aware of please discuss these also with your doctor.
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