Health First Medical Group

01/08/2025

10/07/2025

Winter Woes: Ear Infections on the Rise

Cold weather and blocked sinuses can lead to painful ears, especially in little ones.
If symptoms like ear pain, fever, or trouble hearing pop up, a quick trip to the doctor can help us find the best way to care for them.

Here’s a little information about what ear infections are and how we treat them—so you can understand why different treatments may be recommended.

04/07/2025

Caring for You This Cold & Flu Season

We know you're feeling unwell, and it's tough.

But when it comes to colds and flu, antibiotics probably won't help. Misusing them can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.

We think this is a really important topic to chat about!

Rest, hydrate, and consult your healthcare provider for the best care. Sometimes you can get a secondary bacterial infection so please make sure you get checked if you're worried.

Let's protect your health and the effectiveness of antibiotics together. 💙

26/06/2025

Have You Heard About MyMedicare?

The Australian Government has introduced MyMedicare, a voluntary patient registration program that helps strengthen the connection between you and your regular GP.

By registering with your usual practice and preferred doctor, you can access:
✔️ Longer Medicare-funded phone consultations
✔️ Better continuity of care
✔️ Improved services tailored to your health needs

It’s free, easy, and optional—but it means better care for you and your family.

To register follow the link below, scan the QR code or talk to our lovely admin team.

automed.au/m/5627/1/

19/06/2025

Bowel cancer screening in Australia now starts at age 45!

People aged 45–49 can now request a free bowel cancer screening kit through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. This change comes in response to rising rates of bowel cancer in younger Australians.

If you're 45 or older, you're eligible. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Take the test. It could save your life.

29/05/2025

🚨 Lung Cancer Screening Now Available in Australia 🚨

Starting July 2025, eligible Australians aged 50–70 with a significant smoking history can access free low-dose CT scans through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. This initiative aims to detect lung cancer early, improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.

If you meet the criteria, talk to your GP about getting screened. Early detection can make all the difference.

Grampians Health Grampians Health Ballarat Western Victoria Primary Health Network

22/05/2025

Over 75? Time for a Health Check!

Regular health assessments help you stay independent, active, and healthy as you age.

At our clinic, we offer 75+ Health Assessments to support your wellbeing and catch any issues early.

📅 Book yours today – it's quick, easy, and all about you.

18/05/2025

🦴 Is Your Bone Health at Risk? 🦴
Osteoporosis is a silent condition that affects over 850,000 Australians, often without symptoms—until a serious fracture happens.

✅ 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over 60 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture
✅ Poor bone health affects 2 in 3 Australians over 50
✅ Early checks can reduce your fracture risk by up to 50%

A quick conversation with your GP could make all the difference. Your doctor can assess your risk factors, recommend lifestyle changes, and guide you on whether further tests—like a DEXA scan—might be needed.

👩‍⚕️ Who should have their bone health reviewed?
✔️ Anyone over 50
✔️ People with a family history of osteoporosis
✔️ Those with previous fractures or chronic health conditions
✔️ Long-term corticosteroid users

Strong bones are essential for a strong future. Speak to your GP about a bone health check-up today.

12/05/2025

🎉Happy International Nurses Day! 🎉
Today we’re raising a hand some of the MVPs of the clinic — our amazing nurses!
They juggle blood pressures, bandages, flu shots, and a million questions a day — all while somehow remembering where everything is and keeping us all sane. Superheroes? Close enough.
To our nursing team: thanks for the laughs, the care, and the coffee-fuelled magic you bring to the clinic every day. We couldn’t do it without you!
Give your nurse a high-five (or at least a smile) today!

03/05/2025

Measles is currently prevalent in many countries internationally, and Victoria is now also experiencing a rising number of cases. 🌏

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Protect yourself with the MMR vaccine.

❗❗ Make sure you’ve had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella). ❗❗

If you don’t know if you’ve had two doses of MMR, consult with your healthcare provider about getting another dose.

📅 If you were born in Australia between 1966 and 1992 or were born overseas it is likely you have only had 1 dose.

Visit your GP or pharmacy for a catch-up MMR vaccine.

You should get an MMR now unless:
➡ you have received 2 doses of MMR. Or,
➡ a blood test shows that you are immune to measles. Or,
➡ you were born in Australia before 1966.

You can check if you have been immunised on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Learn more about immunisation records at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/How-to-find-your-immunisation-records

Learn more about measles at https://my.gh.org.au/measles

01/05/2025

Concerta & Ritalin Shortage – What Patients Need to Know

Australia is currently experiencing a nationwide shortage of Concerta and Ritalin (methylphenidate). This shortage is expected to continue into late 2025 and is affecting many patients who rely on these medications to manage ADHD.

We understand this may be stressful, so here are some important steps to help you stay prepared:

🔹 1. Contact your prescribing specialist early
Changes to ADHD medications typically need to be made by your psychiatrist or paediatrician. Appointments may take time to secure, so it’s best to plan ahead.

🔹 2. GP involvement may be possible
In some cases, your GP can prescribe an alternative—but only if we already have a clear treatment plan or written authority from your specialist and we hold the permit.

🔹 3. Check with your pharmacy regularly
Pharmacies may carry alternative brands or short-acting versions of methylphenidate. It’s worth speaking to your pharmacist to ask what options might be available temporarily. They may also hold medications for patients or have wait lists.

🔹 4. Don’t wait until the last minute
Plan ahead when requesting prescriptions or refills. Leaving it too late could result in gaps in your or your child’s treatment.

💬 We’re here to support you
If you're unsure what to do next or need help with coordinating care, please don’t hesitate to contact our clinic.