Pear Tree Family Practice

03/10/2025

Australian Asthma Handbook UPDATE: 2025

The National Asthma Council of Australia (NAC) has released significant updates to the Australian Asthma Handbook, bringing Australia's asthma management guidelines into closer alignment with international practice.

What's Changed: Core Treatment Recommendations

Following asthma diagnosis, it is recommended that adults and adolescents (patients 12 years and over) with mild disease start treatment with low-dose budesonide-formoterol taken as needed when symptoms occur (anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) therapy).

Replaces traditional SABA (salbutamol) as first-line relief medication
Only formoterol-containing combinations are approved for this indication, as formoterol works as quickly and effectively as salbutamol (3-5 minutes) with longer duration of action
Your asthma treatment now targets the cause, not just the symptoms.

If you are 12 and over we recommend speaking with your doctor to find out the right course of action for you and your asthma plan.

02/10/2025

From October 2nd, our appointment fees will be changing to reflect updated practice costs.

We remain committed to providing quality care to our patients. If you have any concerns, please contact reception if you'd like more information about the new pricing. structure.

01/10/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) takes place every October to shine a light on the devastating impact breast cancer has on thousands of Australians each day.

The Numbers:

Every year, over 21,000 people in Australia (including around 200 men) are diagnosed with breast cancer

Every day, 58 people receive a breast cancer diagnosis

Over 3,300 Australians die from breast cancer annually that's someone's mother, sister, friend, or family member whose life has been tragically cut short

Early Detection Saves Lives

It is important to be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel so you can identify any unusual changes. Some people have no symptoms, and breast cancer is only found during a screening mammogram.

See your GP if you notice:
A lump or thickening in the breast, especially if only in one breast Changes to the shape or size of the breast Ni**le changes crusting, sores, ulcers, redness, or inversion Skin changes dimpling, rash, scaly appearance, or unusual colour Fluid leaking or discharge from the ni**le without squeezing Persistent, unusual pain that doesn't go away Swelling or discomfort in the armpit

Book an appointment today if you have any concerns about breast health.

29/09/2025

From 1st of October 2025, Australian Clinical Labs will no longer be operating within our practice at 16 Partridge Street, Glenelg.

If you are wanting to get bloods taken, please head to SA Pathology on Jetty Road 99A Jetty Rd, Glenelg SA 5045.

We will still be accepting, urine, faecal and swab samples at the front desk.

10/09/2025

R U OK? Day is only one day of the year, but life is ever day. If you spot someone if your life struggling please ask, R U OK?

Regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you can help prevent small things from becoming big things. By checking in regularly, you build trust…

01/09/2025

Women's Health Week 1-5th September 2025
This year's theme is "Say yes, to you". Yes to your mental health and well-being. If you are due for a check up? Book in to see your GP today. www.peartreefp.com.au

29/08/2025

👇🏻 SA Health coming in with the important facts about kidney stones

29/08/2025

Spring brings beautiful blooms but can also trigger seasonal allergies (hay fever) in millions of people. If you're experiencing sneezing, congestion, runny nose, or other allergy symptoms, these evidence-based strategies can help you find relief.

Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens
Stay indoors strategically: The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air. Avoid outdoor activities during dry, windy days when pollen counts are highest, particularly in early morning hours.

Practice good hygiene: After spending time outdoors, shower and change clothes to remove pollen from your skin and hair. Avoid hanging laundry outside where pollen can collect on fabrics.

Keep Indoor Air Clean
Use air conditioning in your home and car, and consider high-efficiency (HEPA) filters for your heating and cooling systems. A portable HEPA filter in your bedroom and regular vacuuming with a HEPA-equipped vacuum can significantly reduce indoor allergens.

Over-the-Counter Treatment Options
Several nonprescription medications can provide relief.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider
If over-the-counter treatments aren't providing adequate relief, don't suffer in silence. Your healthcare provider can help identify your specific allergen triggers through testing and may recommend prescription medications or allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term management.

Remember: Start taking allergy medications before your symptoms begin if high pollen counts are forecasted for maximum effectiveness.

25/08/2025

Winter might be over, but cold and flu conditions are still around.

Unfortunately the end of winter doesn't necessarily signal the end of the cold and flu season. While we are most likely to be through the worst of it, often the flu season drags on through September and October.

So dont let your guard down just yet. Keep up with the hand-washing, cover your coughs and sneezes, keep things nice and clean and avoid sharing things such as towels, cups and plates, especially with those who have flu-like symptoms.

The common cold is still around as well so look out for symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, congestion and fatigue.

Whether a cold or the flu, do not hesitate to seek medical advice based on your own circumstances. We may arrange testing to determine if it is the flu, and if so which strain, and then may advise on an appropriate course of action.

22/08/2025

The sun is back, time to remember that sunscreen
Take a look at the expiry date on your sunscreen, and update it if necessary, put it on before you leave the house each day, and top up as necessary. Wear a hat and glasses, and cover up when you can.

Melanoma is the third most common cancer for Australian men and women, but the good news is, that if spotted early, treatment can result in a complete cure.

Remember: Keep an eye on your skin, and check regularly for changes, remembering that you are more likely to see it than feel it. Spring is a great time to develop the habit of regularly checking your skin and observing freckles and moles to see if you see anything change.

18/08/2025

Mosquitoes start to mobilise as the weather warms up, and particularly like moist, warm conditions, so take extra care if you live near wetlands or are experiencing warm, wet weather. A good quality mosquito repellent containing DEET may help, or a natural alternative such as citronella or tea tree oil may also do the trick.

Prevent mosquito bites (which also helps avoid dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya):

-Use insect repellent containing DEET
-Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk
-Sleep under mosquito nets
-Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation

Consider antimalarial medication: Your GP can prescribe preventative medication based on your specific destination and health history.

12/08/2025

Please be aware, another case of measles has been detected here in SA. If you are feeling unwell or are showing any signs of measles please contact the clinic via phone. Do not enter any medical practice - in case you infect others.