Beaches Family Practice - Kewarra Beach

07/10/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Our vision is Zero Deaths from breast cancer!
58 Australians are diagnosed every day!
9 Australians die from breast cancer every day!
3300 will die from breast cancer this year in Australia!
Millions of Australian lives have been affected by breast cancer!
Early detection of breast cancer gives the best possible chance of survival!
Free breast screening is available for women over 40
Book your free test today.

03/10/2025

Farewell Dr Wendy Davie

It was Dr Wendy’s last day at the Practice today.

We wish Dr Wendy and her family all the best on their return to Canada.

28/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CafdMyKGa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

📣UPDATE: public health officials have ruled out the below suspected case of measles that was detected last weekend. The locations listed below are no longer considered exposure sites.

A child in the Cairns area has been diagnosed with suspected measles.

These new locations have been added to the list of exposure sites for the Cairns measles outbreak:

👉Defy Gravity toddler time, Raintrees Shopping Centre Cnr Alfred and Koch St
Thursday 18 September
9-11 am

👉Fishery Falls Holiday Park, Bruce Highway, Fishery Falls
Saturday 20 September and Sunday 21 September

👉Stratford Medical Centre 2/1 Kamerunga Rd, Stratford
Tuesday 23 September
3.20pm to 4 pm

👉Outside Stratford Medical Centre 2/1 Kamerunga Rd
Thursday 25 September
11.25 – 11:35 am

For all locations and times see: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/alerts/measles-alert-cairns

Members of the public should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, particularly if you have been at the locations listed on the Queensland Health website at the specified times

Be on the lookout for symptoms such as:
🤒fever
😴tiredness
🤧severe cough
👁️red/sore eyes
👃runny nose
🔴blotchy rash that spreads from head/face to rest of body
👄white spots in the mouth

Although the most well-known symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, this is not usually the first symptom. Measles symptoms may appear 7–18 days after exposure, typically around day 10.

If you were at the above locations at the listed dates and times, please look out for symptoms for up to 20 days afterwards.
If symptoms develop, call ahead to your GP - don’t wait in shared areas - or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice on what to do and to get a referral for a measles test.

Measles can be a serious illness. Everyone should ensure they are vaccinated for measles, particularly if you are due to travel overseas.

For further information about measles, head to: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/measles

22/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B9CXjWe2p/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Three new cases of measles have been identified in the Cairns area since Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 12.

New locations have been added to the list of exposure sites for the Cairns measles outbreak, including locations at Earlville Shopping Centre, Edmonton and Cairns Hospital.

Members of the public should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, particularly if you have been at the locations listed on the Queensland Health website at the specified times:
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/alerts/measles-alert-cairns

Be on the lookout for symptoms such as:
🤒fever
😴tiredness
🤧severe cough
👁️red/sore eyes
👃runny nose
🔴blotchy rash that spreads from head/face to rest of body
👄white spots in the mouth

Although the most well-known symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, this is not usually the first symptom. Measles symptoms may appear 7–18 days after exposure, typically around day 10.

If you were at the above locations at the listed dates and times, please look out for symptoms for up to 20 days afterwards.

If symptoms develop, call ahead to your GP - don’t wait in shared areas - or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice on what to do and to get a referral for a measles test.

Measles can be a serious illness. Everyone should ensure they are vaccinated for measles, particularly if you are due to travel overseas.

For further information about measles, head to: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/measles

19/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DbG6gM2Td/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Three new cases of measles have been identified in the Cairns area, bringing the total number of cases to nine.

New locations have been added to the list of exposure sites for the Cairns measles outbreak, including locations in and around Cairns Central Shopping Centre, cinemas at Cairns Central, and reef tour vessels.

Members of the public should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, particularly if you have been at the following locations at the specified times:

👉Piato Mediterranean Restaurant, The Pier Marina, Cairns City
📍Monday 8 September 12:30-2pm

👉Ocean Spirit boat, departing Cairns Marina
📍Tuesday 9 September

👉Silver Swift boat, departing Cairns Marina
📍Thursday 11 September
📍Friday 12 September

👉BUPA, Cairns Central Shopping Centre
📍Wednesday 17 September 12-1pm

👉Cinemas, Cairns Central Shopping Centre
📍Friday 12 September 6.30pm-9pm

👉Cairns Central Shopping Centre
📍Friday 12 September 12pm-1pm
📍Saturday 13 September 12pm-1pm
📍Monday 15 September 2pm-3pm

👉Chemist Warehouse, 50 McLeod St, Cairns City
📍Monday 15 September 3-4pm

👉Paradise on the Beach, 119-121 Williams Esp, Palm Cove
📍Friday 12 September 8.30am-2.30pm

👉Rusty's Markets, Grafton St, Cairns City
📍Saturday 13 September 2pm-3.30pm

👉Mad Monkey Central Backpackers, 100-102 Sheridan St, Cairns City
*additional dates*
📍Tuesday 16 September
📍Wednesday 17 September

For an updated list of exposure sites, head to https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/alerts/measles-alert-cairns

Be on the lookout for symptoms such as:

🤒fever
😴tiredness
🤧severe cough
👁️red/sore eyes
👃runny nose
🔴blotchy rash that spreads from head/face to rest of body
👄white spots in the mouth

Although the most well-known symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, this is not usually the first symptom. Measles symptoms may appear 7–18 days after exposure, typically around day 10.

If you were at the above locations at the listed dates and times, please look out for symptoms for up to 20 days afterwards.

If symptoms develop, call ahead to your GP - don’t wait in shared areas - or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice on what to do and to get a referral for a measles test.

Measles can be a serious illness. Everyone should ensure they are vaccinated for measles, particularly if you are due to travel overseas.

For further information about measles, head to: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/measles

19/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19jE4z4k2C/

😷 Mask requirements at Cairns Hospital 😷

With recent measles cases confirmed in Cairns and multiple exposure sites identified at Cairns Hospital, we’re taking extra steps to protect our patients, staff and community.

Effective immediately, masks are compulsory for visitors and staff in the following areas:

• *NEW* Paediatric Oncology
• *NEW* Paediatric Ward
• *NEW* Cairns Hospital Renal Dialysis
• Special Care Nursery
• Maternity Unit
• Cancer Care Ward and Cancer Care Centre
• Intensive Care Unit

While masks are not required in other areas, we strongly encourage everyone attending Cairns Hospital or any of our health facilities to wear one.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with droplets from the nose or mouth.

This is a timely reminder that if you're not feeling well, or have a sneeze or cough, please don't visit friends or family in hospital.

Thank you for helping us to protect our patients. 🙏

17/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14KYk7bRMNm/

🚨PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT🚨 three more measles cases have been identified in the Cairns area. This follows an initial case identified two weeks ago in Cairns, bringing the total number of cases to six.

Members of the public should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, particularly if you have been at the following locations at the specified times:

👉Cairns Hospital Emergency Department
📍Wednesday 10 September 8pm – Thursday 11 September 8.30am
📍Thursday 11 September 8pm – Friday 12 September 8.30am
📍Friday 12 September 8pm – Saturday 13 September 8.30am
📍Saturday 13 September 8pm – Sunday 14 September 8.30am

👉Cairns Hospital Seabreeze Café
📍Friday 12 September 6am – 6.15am
📍Saturday 13 September 6am – 6.15am

👉Cairns Hospital Maternity Ward
📍Monday 15 September 7am – 3.30pm

👉Sexual Health Clinic, Cairns North Community Health Facility, 381 Sheridan St
📍Friday 12 September 9.30am – 11am

👉Woolworths Cairns Central, McLeod St, Cairns City
📍Saturday 13 September 4.30pm – 5pm

👉Ganbaranba noodle, 7/12-20 Spence St, Cairns City
📍Monday 15 September 6.30pm – 7.30pm

👉Woolworths, Smithfield Shopping Centre, Captain Cook Hwy &, Kennedy Hwy, Smithfield
📍Sunday 14 September 2pm – 3pm

👉Coles, Smithfield Shopping Centre, Captain Cook Hwy &, Kennedy Hwy, Smithfield
📍Sunday 14 September 2pm – 2.30pm

👉Dimbulah Barras Football Club, 4 Park Ave, Dimbulah
📍Saturday 13 September 3pm – 6pm

👉Gateway Hotel, 123 Byrnes St, Mareeba
📍Saturday 13 September 7pm – 8.30pm

👉KFC Mareeba, 114 Byrnes St, Mareeba
📍Sunday 14 September 12.45pm – 1pm

Exposure sites from the previous cases can be found here: www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/alerts/measles-alert-cairns

Be on the lookout for symptoms such as:
🤒fever
😴tiredness
🔴blotchy rash that spreads from head/face to rest of body
🤧severe cough
👁️red/sore eyes
👃runny nose
👄white spots in the mouth

Although the most well-known symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, this is not usually the first symptom. Measles symptoms may appear 7–18 days after exposure, typically around day 10.

If you were at the above locations at the listed dates and times, please look out for symptoms.

If symptoms develop, call ahead to your GP - don’t wait in shared areas - or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice on what to do and to get a referral for a measles test.

Measles can be a serious illness. Everyone should ensure they are vaccinated for measles, particularly if you are due to travel overseas.

For further information about measles, head to: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/measles

16/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GMojFZw5p/

PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: A third measles case has been identified, with the measles outbreak continuing in Cairns. This follows an initial case identified two weeks ago in Cairns.

Members of the public should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, particularly if you have been at the following locations at the specified times:

👉Mad Monkey Central backpackers, 100-102 Sheridan St, Cairns City
📍Thursday 11 September – Sunday 14 September

👉Coral Sea Brewing, Bank La, Cairns City
📍Thursday 11 September 9pm-11pm

👉Mad Monkey Waterfront backpackers, 93A Esplanade, Cairns City
📍Friday 12 September 10am – 1pm

👉Just Devine Gelato, 3/5 Aplin St, Cairns City
📍Friday 12 September 3.30pm-3.45pm

👉Global Backpackers, 67 Esplanade, Cairns City
📍Friday 12 September 5pm-5.30pm

👉Woolworths Lake Street, Cairns City
📍Friday 12 September 6pm-6.30pm

👉Mad Monkey Waterfront backpackers, 93A Esplanade, Cairns City
📍Saturday 13 September 10am-2pm

👉Woolworths Cairns Central, McLeod St, Cairns City
📍Saturday 13 September 6.30pm-7pm

Exposure sites from the previous cases can be found here: www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/alerts/measles-alert-cairns

Measles usually starts as a flu-like illness with symptoms that include:

🤒 fever
🥱 tiredness
🔴 blotchy rash that spreads from head/face to rest of body severe cough
👁️ red/sore eyes
🤧 runny nose
👅 white spots in the mouth

Although the most well-known symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, this is not usually the first symptom. Measles symptoms may appear 7–18 days after exposure, typically around day 10.

If you were at the above locations at the listed dates and times, please look out for symptoms.

If symptoms develop, call ahead to your GP - don’t wait in shared areas - or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice on what to do and to get a referral for a measles test.

Measles can be a serious illness. Everyone should ensure they are vaccinated for measles, particularly if you are due to travel overseas.

For further information about measles, head to: www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/measles

11/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BFzCu5hDH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🚨PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT🚨: A measles outbreak has been declared for Cairns following the detection of a locally acquired case of measles. The follows an initial case identified last week in Cairns.

Members of the public should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, particularly if you have been at the following locations at the specified times:

👉Mad Monkey Waterfront backpackers, 93A The Esplanade, Cairns
📍Saturday 6 September – Wednesday 10 September

👉Rufus Restaurant, 43 Spence St, Cairns City
📍Saturday 6 September 3pm – 10.30pm

👉Cairns GP Superclinic (formerly Cairns 24hr Medical Centre), 156 Grafton St, Cairns City
📍Wednesday 10 September 11.30am-12pm

Measles usually starts as a flu-like illness with symptoms that include:
🤒fever
😴tiredness
🥵blotchy rash that spreads from head/face to rest of body
🤧severe cough
👀red/sore eyes
👃🏼runny nose
👄white spots in the mouth

Although the most well-known symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, this is not usually the first symptom. Measles symptoms may appear 7–18 days after exposure, typically around day 10.

If you were at the above locations at the listed dates and times, please look out for symptoms.

Call your GP or ED if symptoms develop. Ring ahead and don’t wait in shared areas.

Measles can be a serious illness. Everyone should ensure they are vaccinated for measles, particularly if you are due to travel overseas.

For further information about measles, head to https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/measles

10/09/2025

💛 Today is R U OK? Day – a reminder to check in with the people around you.
Sometimes a simple “Are you OK?” can make a world of difference.
Let’s keep the conversation going, not just today but every day.

01/07/2025

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) will begin today 1st July 2025.
High-risk people aged between 50 and 70 years, without symptoms, with a history of cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years will be able to get a free low-dose CT scan using fixed and mobile screening infrastructure every two years unless a screen detected abnormality is found which may require an interval scan or other follow-up.
Eligibility : Patients are eligible for the program if they meet ALL of the below criteria:
•Are aged 50 to 70 years AND
•Have no symptoms or signs that suggest lung cancer (for example, unexplained persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath for no reason) AND
•Smoke to***co ci******es or have a history of cigarette smoking (having quit within 10 years) AND
•Have a history of to***co cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years (for example, a pack a day for 30 years, or 2 packs a day for 15 years
If you meet ALL the above criteria please give us a call on 4032 7500 to make an appt.

10/06/2025

🧍‍♂️ Men’s Health Week – Time to Check In 🩺

This Men’s Health Week, we’re encouraging all men to take a moment and prioritise their health—physical, mental, and emotional.

✅ When was your last heart health check?
✅ Struggling with stress, low mood or anxiety? Let’s talk mental health.
✅ Over 50? It’s time to start thinking about your prostate health.

Looking after yourself isn’t just about staying active—it’s also about staying informed and supported. Whether it’s a quick check-up, a conversation, or some guidance, we’re here to help.

Strong men speak up. Healthy men check in.

Book in with your GP this week—you’re worth it.

📞 Call us on 4032 7500 to make an appointment.