The Family Doctor Chen

26/02/2021

BETTER BREATHING, BETTER HEALTH and MORE $$

Most of us are already aware of the negative health impacts smoking has, however quitting smoking can be difficult, and most people cannot just stop cold turkey. Only YOU can decide when you are ready to break the habit and make a change.

There are lots of different ways people quit smoking;
1) Cold turkey (only a minority succeed with this)
2) Ni****ne replacement therapy (NRT)
3) Prescription medications
4) Hypnotherapy (if you are wanting to explore non-medication options or have tried the above without success)

Quitting smoking = better breathing, better health and often more $$ in your pocket too (smoking is expensive!)

If you are ready to quit smoking come in and talk to your friendly GP.
To find out more about Hypnotherapy check out:

24/02/2021

TIRED DOWN

Tiredness or fatigue is a common symptom people see a GP for. There are numerous different reasons a person could be feeling tired including physical health (eg. iron deficiency or sleep apnoea), mental health (eg. depression), and lifestyle reasons (eg. poor sleep habits).

Chronic tiredness (> 4 weeks in a row) is worth speaking to your GP about. A GP will most likely ask you some questions, perform a physical examination, and may order some tests to help figure out the cause of your tiredness.

For more information about Tiredness check out:

Fatigue is a symptom, not a condition, but it can cause other symptoms including headache, appetite loss and poor concentration.

23/02/2021

The EYES have it

Conjunctivitis is swelling of the soft inside lining of the eyelid and can affect people of any age. There are 3 main types of conjunctivitis:

1. Allergic: usually is itchy
2. Viral: may not have lots of gunk but may also present with other viral symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, cough etc
3. Bacterial: usually both eyes with LOTS of gunk

If you have severe pain, visual changes, or lots of swelling around the eye, please see a doctor or optometrist immediately. A GP may start off with a Telehealth then arrange to review you in person.

For more information on conjunctivitis, check out:

This fact sheet is available in the following languages: Arabic, Assyrian, Burmese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), English, Karen, Persian, Somali, Turkish and Vietnamese.

22/02/2021

WHO NEEDS a 'PAP SMEAR'?

Did you know that 'Pap Smears' are now called 'Cervical screening tests (CST)' and that you may only need one 5 yearly, not 2 yearly like before? A CST is similar to a PAP Smear but it tests for a virus, called HPV, which is responsible for the majority of cervical cancers.

You are likely to need a CST if you:
-are between the ages of 25-74
-have been s*xually active before
-are a person with a cervix

If you are under 25 but have any symptoms (eg. bleeding after s*x), you should talk your GP. A CST is a short, easy procedure that GP's are experienced at performing.

For more info on CSTs, check out:

The National Cervical Screening Program aims to prevent cervical cancer with regular testing. The Cervical Screening Test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV). The program targets women from 25 to 74 years of age.

21/02/2021

PLANNING a PREGNANCY?

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your GP to give yourself the best and healthiest start.

Things your GP may discuss with you include:
1) Asking about your periods
2) Making sure your PAP smears are up to date
3) Choosing the right pregnancy vitamins
4) Getting vaccinations up to date
5) Pre-natal carrier screening
6) The best times to try
7) Diet and lifestyle recommendations

Your GP is there to answer your questions and support you along the journey.

For more information check out:

If you are thinking about pregnancy, visit your doctor for a preconception consult. They will provide you with expert advice on planning your pregnancy.

20/02/2021

CON(TRA)CEPTION

We recently had our first baby and he has been everything delightful and delicious. Modern medicine meant that we were able to plan the pregnancy for a time in our lives when we were ready to be parents. If you are not yet ready to have a baby but are s*xually active, it's important to consider a reliable form of contraception to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

The key word here is RELIABLE- lots of women are on the Pill, but aren't very good at taking it regularly. This greatly reduces the effectiveness of the pill, and if this is you, you should talk to your GP. There are LOTs of other options out there, and your GP can help you choose the right one for you.

Check out some choices at:

True offers a full range of contraception options and specialises in Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC), the most effective form of contraception in typical use.

19/02/2021

SLEEP BABY SLEEP!

Before I had a baby of my own, I used to find problems regarding infant sleep and settling complex. Since having a baby of my own, I still find them complex, because there is no ONE magical solution that fits all. However, there are some guiding principles that I have found helpful:

1. This difficult time is a phase and won't last forever. The mantra to repeat is 'And this too shall pass!'
2. All babies are different and there is no one solution that fits all
3. Different arrangements suit different families and it's important to do what works for that family
4. There are lots of resources out there! (Although this in itself can add to the confusion)
5. There is lots of support in the community - if you are struggling with your baby's sleep, get in touch with your GP to find a solution that works for you.

Helpful resources at:

Baby sleep patterns will probably change as your baby gets older. Our articles, videos and guides explain what to expect and how to handle baby sleep issues.

19/02/2021

SICK of COVID

I'm sure like myself, most of you are sick of Covid, and over all the extra restrictions Covid brings. Our world as we knew it has been turned upside down and it has not been easy to adjust. Covid has certainly been extremely inconvenient, but whenever I look at how severely the rest of the world has been affected, it makes me so grateful to live in Australia, where we've gotten off relatively unscathed.

Even though there is currently no community transmission that we know of in Queensland, we still need to be cautious and all do our part, for it's not over yet. It's unknown if there are people in the community who are Covid positive but have no symptoms, and there has been ongoing discovery of covid particles in our local sewerage. It's important that everyone plays their part in protecting our community.

Stay home if you're sick, get a covid swab if you have any viral symptoms, and consult your GP if you're unsure or have questions.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) information including current status, advice for people who have had contact with confirmed cases, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, as well as what you can do to protect yourself.