Family Health Care Mackay Group

14/01/2026

🚨 HEALTH ALERT: Melioidosis Risk Increases After Heavy Rain 🚨

With recent wet weather in the Mackay region, we're expecting an increase in melioidosis cases over the coming weeks.

Melioidosis is a serious bacterial infection found in tropical North Queensland soil and water. It can cause pneumonia, sepsis, and other severe infections with a 20% fatality rate if untreated.

Who's at Risk?
• People with diabetes
• Elderly individuals
• Those with weakened immune systems
• Anyone working with soil after floods

Protect Yourself: ✅ Avoid contact with soil and muddy water after rain ✅ Wear closed shoes and gloves for outdoor work ✅ Wear a face mask when hosing down mud ✅ Keep cuts clean, use antiseptic, and cover with waterproof dressings ✅ Stay indoors during heavy rain if you're vulnerable

Warning Signs:
• Pneumonia symptoms
• Fever and sepsis
• Unusual skin infections or abscesses

If you experience these symptoms after soil/water contact, seek medical attention immediately at your nearest ED.

For more information, visit: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/disease-control/conditions/melioidosis

Stay safe, Mackay!

13/01/2026

Is it time for your menopause health assessment? Medicare has you covered.

Eligible women can now access a new Medicare rebate for perimenopause and menopause health assessments.

These checks are designed to support women through this important life stage — helping detect and manage health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis early.

💬 What’s included?
✅ A thorough assessment of your symptoms and health profile
✅ Risk screening and prevention planning
✅ Personalised support to help manage menopause and long-term wellbeing

If you're aged 45+ or experiencing early menopause, this check can make a real difference.

Book an appointment today.

08/01/2026

Had fun in the sun this festive season? Time for a skin check.

Beach days. BBQs. Long afternoons by the pool. Summer in Australia is glorious — but even with sunscreen, UV damage adds up. And the truth is, most skin cancers develop from cumulative sun exposure over time, not just from that one bad sunburn.

Here's what many people don't realise: Sun damage from this summer might not show up for months or even years. That's why regular skin checks matter — they catch changes early, when treatment is most effective.

You should book a skin check if you:
- Spent more time outdoors than usual over the holidays
- Got sunburnt (even mildly)
- Haven't had a check in the past 12 months
- Notice any new spots or changes to existing moles
- Have a history of sun exposure throughout your life

January is one of the busiest months for skin checks — and for good reason. Australians know summer takes its toll.

Don't put it off. An appointment today could protect you for decades to come. Book your skin check now.

06/01/2026

75 or Over? It's Time for Your Annual Health Check

Start the year off right with a comprehensive one-hour check-up designed specifically for your stage of life – at no cost to you.

What is a 75+ Health Assessment?
A thorough assessment with your Practice Nurse covering all aspects of your health and wellbeing. Your GP will join at the end to finalise the assessment and discuss any concerns.

What's Included?
💙 Overall health and wellbeing
🏠 Mobility and home safety
💊 Medications review
😴 Sleep and mental health
💉 Immunisation status
🥗 Nutrition and physical activity
🤝 Home help and social supports

This is YOUR time to discuss what matters most. We'll review your health, provide advice about available services, and answer any questions you have about your care.

All Australians aged 75 years and over are eligible for this annual assessment and they are fully funded by Medicare with no out-of-pocket costs.

Book your annual appointment today.

22/12/2025

We would like to wish our patients and their families a safe and happy festive season. Should you need an appointment over the holiday period, you can find our clinic
opening hours on our website🎄

19/12/2025

💚 Be Kind to Yourself This Festive Season

The holidays can bring joy and celebration, but they can also be challenging. For some, this time of year brings stress, loneliness, or heightened mental health struggles.

It's okay to not feel festive – and it's important to acknowledge how you're really feeling.

Prioritise your mental health and that of those you care for. Small steps can make a real difference:
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member
• Set boundaries around social commitments
• Take time for yourself without guilt
• Reach out for professional support when you need it

If you're finding things difficult, please know that support is available:

• Our GPs are here to listen and help. Book an appointment to talk with one of the doctors.
• For immediate support, visit healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines for a full list of resources.

No matter how you're feeling this season, remember – you don't have to manage it alone.

17/12/2025

During the festive period, many of our doctors will be away. To help us manage patient care safely, HotDoc repeat prescription requests will be temporarily unavailable from Tuesday 24 December and will resume on Monday 5 January.

If you require a prescription before this time, please submit your request early or book an appointment with one of our available doctors.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a safe and happy festive season! 🎄✨

16/12/2025

As the festive season approaches, please visit our website for clinic opening times.

To ensure you’re well prepared and don’t run out of prescriptions during this break, book in a prescription renewal appointment with your GP today. It's easy to forget the essentials, so take a moment to ensure you have everything you need to stay healthy and stress-free.

For any urgent medical needs during the break, please contact your nearest after-hours service or dial 000 in an emergency.

12/12/2025

How to support your child through the social media ban?

Navigating the changes around social media can be challenging. If your child is feeling frustrated, anxious or uncertain, there are some great supports available to help them adjust and stay connected in healthy ways.

Here are some helpful resources:
🌱 Kids Helpline – Articles, tips and support for children and teens
kidshelpline.com.au

💬 Beyond Blue Forums – Safe spaces for young people and parents to discuss topics like the social media ban and digital wellbeing
forums.beyondblue.org.au

🟣 My Circle (Kids Helpline) – A social platform designed to support mental health in a positive, moderated environment
kidshelpline.com.au/my-circle

📘 Digital Child – Research and guidance on helping young children thrive in a fast-changing digital world
digitalchild.org.au

If your child is struggling or has questions, these tools can help them feel supported, heard and connected.

See your GP if you’re still concerned, as there might be underlying issues that need to be diagnosed and managed medically.

Let’s work together to make this transition a positive one💛

09/12/2025

💊 Taking multiple medications? A Home Medicines Review could help

A government funded, 30-minute at-home service with a qualified pharmacist to ensure your medications are working safely and effectively.

A HMR is a comprehensive review of all your medicines – including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements – conducted in your own home by a qualified pharmacist.
You'll receive a written report with recommendations to share with your doctor.

A HMR reduces the risk of medication side effects, drug interactions, incorrect dosing, and storage issues. The review ensures your medicines are still appropriate, taken correctly, and stored safely.

Is a HMR Right for You?
✅ Take 5 or more medications
✅ Take medicine requiring frequent blood tests
✅ Are worried about side effects
✅ Recently had medications changed after a hospital stay
✅ Struggle to take, remember, or feel confused about your medicines

You'll discuss the findings of the HMR with your GP once they receive the pharmacist's report. Your GP will talk through any recommendations or changes needed. Further review with the pharmacist can be arranged if needed.

HMRs are funded by the Federal Government.

Who is Eligible?
Your doctor will assess whether a HMR is right for you. To be eligible, you must:
• Hold a current Medicare card or DVA card
• Be at risk of, or experiencing, adverse effects from medication
• Not currently be an inpatient at a hospital or resident of an aged care facility

Speak with your GP today to find out if a Home Medicines Review is suitable for you.

Your medicines should help you feel better, not add confusion or concern. Let us help you get the most from your treatment.

04/12/2025

🎄 Festive Season Medication Reminder

Don't get caught short over the holidays!

With our practice having reduced hours over Christmas and New Year, now's the time to check your medication supplies.

Quick Checklist:
• Check how much medication you have left
• Make sure you have enough for the entire holiday period
• Request your repeats NOW – don't wait until the last minute
• Travelling? Pack extra medication just in case

Plan ahead now so you can relax and enjoy the festive season! Book an appointment with your GP now.

01/12/2025

❤️ Is Your Heart Health on Your To-Do List?

Heart disease is Australia's leading cause of death – but many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented.

What is a Heart Health Check?
A Heart Health Check is a simple 20-minute appointment with your GP that could save your life. It helps you understand your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years – and what you can do about it.

Who should get one?
✅ All Australians aged 45-79 years
✅ People with diabetes from age 35
✅ First Nations peoples from age 30

What happens during your check?
Your GP or nurse will:
1. Discuss your health history, lifestyle, and family background
2. Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
3. Assess your risk using a validated calculator
4. Plan personalised steps to protect your heart – including lifestyle changes, referrals, or medicines if needed

Your results show your risk level:
• Low risk (less than 5%)
• Intermediate risk (5-10%)
• High risk (10% or more)

Many people don't realise they're at risk because conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol often have no symptoms.

The Good News? Heart Health Checks are covered by Medicare for eligible individuals at higher risk. To learn more, watch this very informative video from the Heart Foundation

A Heart Health Check is a regular checkup performed by your doctor. A Heart Health Check helps you to understand your risk factors for heart disease and esti...