Surfers Health Medical Centre

10/04/2024

SHINGLES AWARENESS WEEK
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 1 in 3 people in the Australia will develop shingles in their life. The risk of having shingles increases as people get older or if they have a weakened immune system.

Shingles can cause other complications, including pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, swelling of the brain, as well as severe neuralgia.

The shingles vaccine Shingrix® replaced Zostavax on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) on 1 November. The NIP will fund a 2-dose course for eligible people for this non-live vaccine.

Five million Australians have become eligible for the free vaccination including Australians aged 65 and over, First Nations people over 50 and immunocompromised people 18 and over.

to book your appointment call reception on 07 5592 5999

02/04/2024

2024 Flu Vaccine Now Available
The Federal and State Governments have advised that ALL Australians should have a Flu vaccination this year, particularly our vulnerable members of the community.

Surfers Health Medical Centre NOW have in stock 2024 Flu vaccinations.

We have already seen an early emergence of respiratory viruses in the community, so to protect yourself and your families we are encouraging those wanting to protect themselves against the influenza virus to book an appointment now 07 5592 5999 or book online through HealthEngine booking system www.surfershealth.com.au

19/02/2024

Some facts about SKIN CANCER:

* Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world – 2 out of 3 people will develop some form of the disease by the time they are 70
* Ultraviolet radiation (sun rays) is the most common cause
* Skin cancer can occur any where on the skin, regardless of whether the area has been exposed to the sun or not
* Ultraviolet levels vary with the time of day and year. An ultraviolet level of 3 or above will cause mutations in the DNA of our skin cells.
* Our immune system’s normal response to these mutated cells is a process called apoptosis where cells are broken down, the DNA destroyed and the shrunken cells cleaned away by white blood cells. However, when cell mutations occur faster than they can be cleaned away, cancer forms.

Common Symptoms of Skin Cancer:
The Cancer Council have identified the following as potential signs of skin cancer:

* New or growing moles
* Spots that change colour
* Spots that become raised
* Moles becoming rough, scaly or ulcerated
* Moles that become notched
* Moles that start itching or tingling
* Moles that weep or bleed
* Spots that are different from others

In between skin checks, the Cancer Council’s ABCDE Melanoma Detection Guide can be used to monitor your own skin.

Our doctors are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and management of skin cancer. We stop at nothing to give our patients the best possible care and outcomes at every point in their journey.

Skin Clinic Cancer Checks Available @ Surfers Health Medical Center. Book your appointment today 07 5592 5999
http://surfershealth.com.au/Dermatology_Skin_Cancer.html

16/02/2024

Our GP's play a role in Chronic Disease Management which are long term (more than 6 months) and generally have a significant impact on a person's life.

If managed well, chronic conditions can often be controlled reducing the severity of complications and improving quality of life.

Here at SHMC we manage chronic conditions with what is known as a team-based approach.

Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can help significantly, in addition to pain management programs, stress/psychological asistance and medicaton.

This is where GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements come into play for eligible patients.

Some of the more common chronic conditions are listed below:

Allergies/Hypersensitivity
Arthritis/Osetoarthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
Asthma
Cancer
Lung Cancer
Chronic Pain
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
Kidney Disease
Obesity

Your Appointment, use online bookings to make your next appointment quickly and conviently any time of day. If your appointment time is not available online, please phone the practice to book 07 5592 5999

24/02/2023

Come find us located in Circle on Cavill Shop 27/3184 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise Ph: 07 5592 5999

19/01/2023

Backed by Dr Mark Jeffery. Call our sister clinic Oolala Cosmetic & Laser Clinic on 55399534 to find out more about the Neogen Plasma device and how you can benefit from treatments.

13/12/2022

On behalf of Dr Mark, Dr Rachel and Team at Surfers Health Medical Centre, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. The clinic will be closed the following days over the Christmas and New Year period:
25th December
26th December
27th December
1st January
2nd January

20/01/2022

Surfer Health is supporting this event.

For more information on the Kitesurf for a Cause, see below.

2022 KITESURF FOR A CAUSE - GOLD COAST

All funds raised will go directly to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.

05/07/2021

04/07/2021

04/07/2021

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 VACCINE

As at 3rd May 2021, as per Government directives, we are offering the AstraZeneca vaccine for anyone 50 yrs and over or meets the following criteria:
* Healthcare worker
* persons with underlying medical conditions and critical and high risk workers
Due to recent government information re potential blood clot issues, our practice will no longer be offering the Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccines to anyone under the age of 50.
If you believe you are eligible please mention this at your next appointment with your GP.
The Covid-19 vaccination eligibility checker is a questionnaire that can help with understanding when the vaccine will be available to you.

Visit https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

Vaccines Eligibility Checker

04/07/2021

COVID-19 UPDATE

As of Tuesday 29th June: MASK REQUIRED ON ENTRY, until QLD Health indicate otherwise.

If you do not own a mask, we have them for $1. Do not enter to ask for one, please ring us from outside and we’ll bring it to you.
**Do not enter the medical centre if you have any respiratory symptoms – even if wearing a mask**

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
We are offering the AstraZeneca vaccine for any patient 50 and over. We take the following very seriously.
You must not ATTEND or ENTER our practice:
If you, or someone with you, is suffering from the following type of symptoms (even if minor):

Temperature, Sore or blocked ears, Sore throat, Sniffle, Cough
A recent negative Covid test
Gastro (Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea
Even if you think the cause is Asthma or a possible allergy
Instead, please book a Telehealth appointment and we will let you know what to do (You can book through our website or Reception).
If you (or someone with you) becomes unwell on the day of appointment, please ring us from home and we will let you know what to do. Some patients may be directed to a local respiratory clinic where they can perform physical examinations, provide treatment and prescribe if necessary.
Our aim is to keep our practice free from infection for you and your family as well as visiting patients and staff.

TELEHEALTH CRITERIA:
1. a valid Medicare card
2. a face to face visit at our practice in the previous 12 months.
3. Patient present when doctor calls (regardless of age)
If criteria is not met, an $90 fee is payable after the call (no rebate).

TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS:
Please review the Telehealth criteria above.
Telehealth is suitable for simple appointment reasons, more complex issues like medical, insurance or WorkCover services should be booked through Reception as some appointments need a double appointment. Check with Reception if you are unsure as the practice may invoice you for lost GP time you if you book inappropriately.

FACE TO FACE APPOINTMENTS:
We welcome patients to our practice. Do read our door signs as entry conditions often change.
We are here to help you but patients deliberately attending when unwell is taken very seriously.
It puts patients and staff at risk of infection. A sick doctor means a covid test, time off work and many patients having their appointment cancelled.
Social distancing is important so please attend alone or with as few people as possible.
If seating is full you can wait outside but let Reception know so they can tell your doctor.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

07/09/2020

Please click on the link to vote for our Dr Kate Hayter Chiropractor to become the Ambassador for World Gym Australia Search.
Lets get behind our Dr Kate. Thank you all

http://wshe.es/j5LFM50L

Want to be part of a brand that genuinely wants you to succeed? Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference!

05/09/2020

Dive Medicals:
Fitness to dive, (also medical fitness to dive), is the medical and physical suitability of a diver to function safely in the underwater environment using underwater diving equipment and procedures. Depending on the circumstances it may be established by a signed statement by the diver that he or she does not suffer from any of the listed disqualifying conditions and is able to manage the ordinary physical requirements of diving, to a detailed medical examination by a physician registered as a medical examiner of divers following a procedural checklist, and a legal document of fitness to dive issued by the medical examiner.

The most important medical is the one before starting diving, as the diver can be screened to prevent exposure when a dangerous condition exists. The other important medicals are after some significant illness, where medical intervention is needed there and has to be done by a doctor who is competent in diving medicine, and can not be done by prescriptive rules.[1]

Psychological factors can affect fitness to dive, particularly where they affect response to emergencies, or risk taking behaviour. The use of medical and recreational drugs, can also influence fitness to dive, both for physiological and behavioural reasons. In some cases prescription drug use may have a net positive effect, when effectively treating an underlying condition, but frequently the side effects of effective medication may have undesirable influences on the fitness of diver, and most cases of recreational drug use result in an impaired fitness to dive, and a significantly increased risk of sub-optimal response to emergencies.

To book your dive medical you can call us 07 5592 5999 or book online through our website www.surfershealth.com.au

17/08/2020

COVID-19 Update

Latest information

Visit our COVID-19 Community page, with helpful information to assist you during this pandemic. Latest updates include border restrictions, residential aged care facilities and Gold Coast testing options.

We encourage residents to get tested if they have any cold/flu/respiratory type symptoms. This can include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, stuffy/running nose and loss of taste and smell.

https://gcphn.org.au/community/covid-19/coronavirus-information/

To receive important alerts and updates from Gold Coast Primary Health Network, please submit the form below. Please note: the GP Bulletin publication is for local GPs only.

03/08/2020

Medical management of heavy menstrual bleeding:

Effective medical management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) relies on excellent communication between a woman and her doctor. Information provision on mode of action, benefits, potential risks and alternatives of each option will allow a woman to choose the most appropriate treatment for her personal circumstances. Various medical treatment options are available, but many women proceed to surgery due to treatment failure or hormonal side effects. Surgery introduces risk of bowel, bladder and ureteric damage, as well as haemorrhage, infection and even death [1]. There is a clear unmet clinical need for better medical treatments for this benign but incapacitating condition.

Abnormal uterine bleeding may be a result of aberrations in:

Duration of bleeding;

Frequency of bleeding;

Regularity of me**es or;

Volume of menstrual loss.

Executive Summary:
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common and debilitating condition that has a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life, her family and a more widespread effect on society as a whole.

Various medical treatment options are available but side effects often limit compliance and efficacy.

Nonhormonal options are limited to tranexamic or mefenamic acid.

Hormonal options include the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, the combined oral contraceptive pill or progestogen preparations.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone analogues can be a useful short-term option, particularly for women with fibroids.

There is a clear unmet need for effective, acceptable medical treatments for HMB. Selective progesterone receptor modulators may provide a novel therapeutic option for these women in the future.

To book you appointment phone 07 5592 5999 or book online at www.surfershealth.com.au