Centre for GI Health

11/09/2025

Cancer care can be complex, and GPs are at the centre of helping patients through every stage, from spotting early signs to supporting ongoing treatment and end-of-life care.

As Geoffrey K. Mitchell points out in "The role of general practice in cancer care" (Australian Family Physician), GPs bring continuity, emotional support, and practical guidance that really make a difference. Early detection requires careful judgment, and ongoing care involves collaboration with specialists and the patient’s broader support network.

In Episode 179 of the Everyday Medicine podcast, I had a conversation with Dr. Michael Fernando about how GPs can truly partner with patients and healthcare teams to navigate the ups and downs of oncology.

If you’re a GP, healthcare professional, or curious about oncology, tune in to this episode to learn more.

Link to the article and podcast are in the comments.

04/09/2025

Feeling bloated, sluggish, or struggling with your digestion?

You’re not alone and there are practical ways to support your gut and help it work more smoothly. Dr. Peverelle explains what habits can make a real difference for your digestive health.

🎥 Watch the reel to learn his top strategies to help your digestion feel better.

02/09/2025

🎙️ Episode 179. Oncology in General Practice with Dr Michael Fernando

Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges globally, and here in Australia, it affects thousands each year. While advances in treatment have reduced mortality by around 25%, the journey for patients and practitioners alike remains complex.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Michael Fernando, an inspiring oncologist who brings compassion, curiosity, and insight into the world of cancer care. We dive into the role of general practitioners in cancer management, the challenges patients face during treatment, and the emotional realities of oncology beyond the hospital walls.

Michael also co-hosts the acclaimed podcast "Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind", which is a must-listen for anyone interested in the field.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply curious about oncology, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and real-world insights.

👉 Tune in and join the conversation:

Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges worldwide. In 2021, about 15% of all deaths were cancer-related. In Australia, there are approximately 624 cases of cancer per 100,000 people, an incidence which has increased by about 7 % over 20 years, with an estimated 43 % of people being diagnosed

28/08/2025

Did you know lifestyle, genetics, and reproductive history can influence your risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer? Simple awareness and proactive conversations with your doctor can make a huge difference.

Some factors that may increase risk include:

- Family history of certain cancers (like Lynch syndrome)
- Obesity or diabetes
- More menstrual cycles over a lifetime (early periods, late menopause)
- Hormone therapies or certain medications
- Non-cancerous uterine conditions

The good news is there are things you can do to manage your risk of developing endometrial cancer. Factors that can be changed are called modifiable factors. According to Cancer Australia:

- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Having children and breastfeeding
- Taking oral contraceptives

In the episode 178 of the Everyday Medicine podcast, Professor Thomas Jobling, internationally recognised gynaecological oncologist and researcher, joined me to talk about how we can stay proactive about uterine and cervical health. We cover everything from early warning signs to the latest in minimally invasive surgery, and why cervical cancer rates are dropping thanks to the HPV vaccine.

💡 Knowledge is power, read the full article or listen to the full episode and take control of your health.

Link to the podcast and article in the comments.

19/08/2025

Uterine cancer is the most common cancer of the female ge***al tract in Australia, with over 3,300 cases diagnosed each year. While incidence is rising, early detection and advances in treatment continue to improve outcomes.

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Thomas Jobling, internationally renowned gynaecological oncologist, researcher, and ex-AFL footballer, to discuss:

- Risk factors and symptoms of endometrial cancer
- Why cervical cancer rates are declining thanks to the HPV vaccine
- Advances in diagnosis and surgical management, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery

Professor Jobling brings a wealth of expertise, both as a clinician and researcher, and offers practical insights on prevention, early recognition, and treatment.

👉 Tune in to learn more about how these cancers are being tackled and what the future holds for women’s health.

Uterine cancer is the fifth most common cancer in females and the most common cancer of the female ge***al tract in Australia, with about 3,300 cases annually and 660 deaths. The major prevalence is in women between 50 and 70 years, and the quoted major risk factors include: early onset menarche and

14/08/2025

Sleep is vital for heart health, metabolism, immunity, and brain function. Chronic sleep deficiency raises risks for serious conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes (NHLBI, 2022). Understanding sleep cycles and lifestyle impacts can help you improve your sleep naturally and protect your long-term health.

In episode 177 of the Everyday Medicine podcast, I sat down with Monash University sleep researcher Josh Leota to explore evidence-based strategies for better sleep without relying on medication.

If you are someone who wants to improve sleep quality and overall health, tune in to unlock the power of healthy sleep.

Links to the podcast episode and related medical articles are in the comments.

05/08/2025

“If sleep is medicine, why are we skipping the dose?”

In this episode, I speak with sleep scientist Josh Leota about what happens when we don’t get enough rest and how we can get better at it, naturally.

We unpack the science behind sleep cycles, the rising rates of dysfunction, and why so many Australians are relying on medication to get through the night.

This one’s for the shift workers, the overthinkers, the caffeine crutch crew or anyone curious about how to sleep better without switching off their brain.

🎧 Listen now:

The pace of modern life may not give many of us the time to stop, rest and recover with a good night’s sleep, yet sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise. Regular healthy sleep improves brain performance, mood and health. Poor sleep hygiene is associated with increased risk of h...

24/07/2025

A new study in collegiate athletes shows that toe-pushing strength, not just general toe flexion, is key to agility and change of direction. It’s a reminder that even the smallest muscles can play a powerful role in stability and movement.

In older adults, loss of toe strength and foot control is a silent contributor to falls, fractures, and long-term decline. It’s not just about mobility, it’s about independence, dignity, and quality of life.

🎧 In episode 176 of the Everyday Medicine podcast, I speak with physiotherapist Allan Abbott about the connection between foot function and falls, and what we can all be doing, at any age, to protect our foundation.

Link to the article and podcast in the comment.

17/07/2025

👋 Meet Dr. Matthew Peverelle, our newest gastroenterologist at Center for GI Health.

With extensive specialist training from King’s College Hospital in London, Dr. Peverelle brings expert care in liver disease and the full spectrum of gastrointestinal conditions, from nausea and cramping to bowel habit changes.

He is committed to a holistic and personalised approach, treating every patient as an individual with unique needs. Dr. Peverelle prides himself on clear, compassionate communication, making complex medical information easy to understand for both patients and GPs alike.

Watch his introduction and learn more about him.
(Link in the comments 👇)

15/07/2025

Episode 176: Death from the Feet Up with Mr Allan Abbott

Falls in older adults aren’t just unfortunate accidents; they often signal a deeper decline that can dramatically impact quality of life, independence, and even survival. For many seniors, something as simple as toe strength and foot stability can be the difference between staying active and facing serious consequences.

In this insightful episode, Allan Abbott, a forward-thinking physiotherapist, challenges us to look beyond the obvious and consider how foot health shapes our entire well-being. From the subtle loss of muscle control to the choices we make about footwear, there’s so much we can do, both as clinicians and as individuals, to support stronger, safer mobility.

If you care for older adults or are mindful about your own health journey, I encourage you to listen, reflect, and share these ideas. Together, we can help change the narrative around aging, one step at a time.

🎧 Listen here:

Falls in the elderly are associated with significant morbidity and, after a serious fall, indeed predict the transition within a year of 10-15% of seniors to long-term care facilities. Additionally, the one-year and three-year mortality for seniors is 16.4 % and 40.5% following a report of more than

10/07/2025

A recent review in medical dentistry literature highlights the growing use of needle-free anaesthesia techniques, from jet-injectors to computer-controlled delivery, offering a less invasive experience for patients, especially those with dental anxiety.

At the same time, mobile anesthesia is transforming access to care in Australia, bringing hospital-quality sedation into dental clinics and helping break down barriers for patients with disabilities or special needs.

🎧 Explore this evolving landscape with Associate Professor David Canty on the latest episode of the Everyday Medicine podcast, as we discuss the rise of mobile anesthesia, office-based surgery, and the future of dental sedation.

Link to the article and podcast in the comment.

02/07/2025

Episode 175. Mobile Anaesthesia with Dr David Canty

Mobile anesthesia is changing the landscape of care in Australia, making hospital-grade sedation possible in dental offices, radiology clinics, and other non-hospital settings.

In this episode, I sit down with Associate Professor Dr David Canty, anesthetist and medical director of a leading mobile anesthesia company, to explore how this model is expanding access to care, especially for patients with special needs.

If you’re curious about how mobile healthcare is evolving and what it means for providers and patients alike, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🎙 Listen now: https://www.gihealth.com.au/everyday-medicine-podcast/episode-175-mobile-anaesthesia-with-dr-david-canty

Mobile anesthesia is a unique concept in Australia closely related to office-based surgery (OBS) a term used internationally for any surgical or invasive procedure performed outside hospitals with these procedures taking place in private practices or ambulatory surgery centers and often involves var