Encouraging a balanced, nutrient-dense diet during teenage years may see healthy habits extend into adulthood.
One way to develop their understanding of nutrition and an appreciation of fresh, whole foods is to involve them in meal planning.
Shopping is also an opportunity to highlight more subtle aspects of food choices, for example, comparing labels to check the level of processing and types of fats or sugars items contain.
Beyond establishing the practical skills of cooking, children can learn about balancing meals with one quarter carbohydrates, one quarter protein and the remaining half from fruit and vegetables.
Conversations cooking together could also cover concerns about weight and self-image or address myths and misinformation surrounding diets and supplements.
Guiding teenagers toward healthy food can help fuel their development, grow confidence in a newfound skill, provide an outlet for stress or provide an opportunity to impress their friends.
Affinity Family Medical can complement these efforts by providing general health checks, managing their primary care needs and discussing medical concerns.
During a consultation, your doctor can discuss skin conditions, weight management, sporting injuries, sexual health and mental well-being, referring to specialists and allied health professionals as required.
Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.
05/02/2026
Part of the wearing of teal ribbons this month is a reminder that the early signs of Australia’s most lethal gynaecological and reproductive cancer are easy to miss.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month aims to encourage conversations about this cancer and its early symptoms, which are often vague or attributed to other, more common conditions, such as menopause, irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerances.
As there is currently no simple, effective, or reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, it’s crucial to look out for the potential signs and seek assistance earlier.
Unexpected and persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, difficulty eating, abdominal and pelvic pain, fatigue, lower back pain, irregular menstrual bleeding or changes in bowel or bladder patterns are just some of the symptoms.
Information about ovarian cancer is available here, along with ways to support this event, including donating, starting a fundraiser, or purchasing a teal ribbon to spark potentially life-changing conversations.
Irukandji and Box Jellyfish are of particular medical concern in coastal tropical northern waters, especially during the stinger season from October to June.
Box Jellyfish's venom acts locally and immediately, in contrast to Irukandji venom that builds over time, with an average of 25 to 40 minutes from the time of an Irukandji sting to the onset of symptoms.
Unlike the hot water or cold pack treatment for painful but relatively harmless blue bottle jellyfish, Irukandji and Box Jellyfish stings require dousing the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds and calling an ambulance immediately on 000.
Vinegar neutralises the stinging cells of the Irukandji and Box Jellyfish on the skin that are yet to fire, preventing further venom release, and making it safer for te****le removal.
In contrast, rubbing, scraping the area, applying pressure and rinsing with fresh water, alcohol, or methylated spirits can activate the untriggered stinging cells, injecting more venom.
As vinegar will not remedy the poison already injected by Irukandji and Box Jellyfish stings, it’s crucial to know the signs, symptoms and first aid of Irukandji and Box Jellyfish stings.
If a marine sting is a concern, the doctors of Affinity Family Medical can assess and advise on a course of action where appropriate.
Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.
27/01/2026
Poor quality sleep may impact the body's ability to regulate and retain fluids.
Breakfast provides a perfect opportunity to prime hydration for the day with a glass of water.
To aid water absorption into the body, we can also consume electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.
Foods that naturally contain electrolytes are bananas, oranges, avocados and coconut water, providing an alternative to sports drinks and electrolyte powders.
Beyond thirst and a dry mouth indicating dehydration, fatigue, headaches, poor concentration and dark-coloured urine are potential signals to hydrate immediately.
Maintaining hydration is particularly important for the very young, elderly or those with underlying health conditions, such as those managing diabetes.
The doctors of Affinity Family Medical can advise on strategies to maintain hydration, help manage your medical needs and provide health assessments to optimise well-being.
Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.
22/01/2026
Affinity Family Medical is closed for the Australia Day public holiday this Monday, the 26th of January.
Regular opening hours will resume the following day.
Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.
19/01/2026
Looking for a GP in the Whitsunday Region?
Dr Sylvia & Dr Nyo have now started at Affinity Family Medical and are taking new patients!
Bookings are available with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680 or online through the website.
A warm Whitsunday Welcome to Dr Nyo Twae Yune, who is now taking new patients.
Dr Nyo graduated from the University of Medicine 1, Myanmar, and began working in Australia in 2022, after successfully completing the AMC examinations.
She has gained a broad experience working in hospitals across a range of disciplines.
Dr Nyo is now completing her GP training and is happy to see patients of all ages.
She has a particular interest in preventative health and health screening.
Her other areas of interest include chronic disease management, women’s health, mental health, skin checks and skin excisions.
Consultations with Dr Nyo commence at Affinity Family Medical this Monday, the 19th of January.
Bookings are available online now through the website, or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.
12/01/2026
Ideally, our blood flows at a healthy pressure through open, properly functioning vessels, and in doing so supports the heart's primary role of transporting blood around the body.
Oxygen, nutrients, hormones, white blood cells and antibodies rely upon this steady and uninterrupted blood supply to fulfil their respective roles.
Optimising our vascular system can also support the function of the brain and peripheral areas such as the lungs, kidneys, digestive system and limbs.
Abstaining from smoking can help optimise vascular health, as can interrupting our sedentary time sitting or standing with regular intervals of physical activity throughout the day.
Other measures to bolster the function of blood vessels include a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, adequate sleep and minimising stress.
The doctors at Affinity Family Medical can provide health checks to identify risk factors for chronic diseases and help manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.
09/01/2026
A big Whitsunday welcome to Dr Sylvia Gralak, who is now taking new patients.
After graduating from the University of Adelaide in 2020, Dr Sylvia has spent the last five years building a diverse clinical foundation across Adelaide, Cairns, and Hervey Bay.
With a passion for community wellbeing, Dr Sylvia is currently advancing her expertise through a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University.
Dr Sylvia is now completing her GP training and enjoys treating a wide range of patients, with particular clinical interests in adult medicine, public health, tropical medicine and travel medicine.
Consultations with Dr Sylvia commence at Affinity Family Medical on January 19th.
Bookings are available online now through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.
02/01/2026
Introducing improvements to our health seems more feasible during the pauses we take throughout the year.
Smaller changes are potentially less daunting to integrate into a daily routine and easier to achieve consistency.
A small, healthy change we could start with is the swapping of salt with herbs and spices, and sugary drinks with water.
Minor additions could include eating fibre-rich foods, adding protein to all meals and planning our meals to avoid impulsive, less healthy decisions.
We can incorporate incidental exercise, such as taking the stairs or trying short bursts of vigorous activity a few times throughout the day.
Reducing screen time before going to bed and waking up around the same time each day may assist our sleep quality and help avoid sleep debt.
Planning our day may allow more space to enjoy new pursuits, especially those for reducing stress, such as meditation or simple breathing exercises.
The compounding power of tiny, intentional habits may assist our long-term health and ensure that healthy behaviours become automatic.
The doctors of Affinity Family Medical can provide health checks to assess our medical status, address our risk factors for chronic disease and manage ongoing health needs.
Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680 once regular hours resume on Monday, the 5th of January 2026.
31/12/2025
We hope everyone has an enjoyable evening welcoming in the New Year.
Wishing you all the very best for 2026, from the doctors and staff at Affinity Family Medical.
Address
Suite 20 Whitsunday Business Centre, 230 Shute Harbour Road Cannonvale, QLD 4802
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Affinity Family Medical owner-operators Chris and Kerri Gill understand the needs of a local family as they have been raising their own family in the Whitsundays since 2011.
Chris and Kerri have a combined experience of over 50 years in the healthcare industry and are excited by the new challenges of opening their own medical centre.
As a family-owned and operated GP practice, Affinity Family Medical has practitioners that are well trained, highly skilled, compassionate and engaged in the community. They offer services to Cannonvale, Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Bowen and the Whitsunday region.
In addition to owner Dr Chris Gill, Affinity Family Medical has local doctors Dr Jane De Keyser and Dr Bill Smith. Together with Kerri Gill and the support team, Affinity Family Medical aims to improve access to health care and to deliver safe, high-quality primary health care to the Whitsundays.
Our logo and name represent the strong connection formed between doctor and patient required to provide exceptional healthcare to you, your family and the Whitsunday community, as well as the strength of our team working together for you.