The Importance of Regular Health Checks for Adults Over 40

Turning 40 does not mean something is wrong with your health. However, it is often the stage where preventive care becomes more useful. Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, sleep, family history, stress, alcohol intake, smoking history, and cancer screening reminders can all become more relevant as the years pass.

Regular health checks give patients a chance to review these areas before symptoms appear or before small issues become harder to manage. A GP can help decide which checks are appropriate based on age, sex, medical history, lifestyle, family history, cultural background, and current symptoms.

How often should adults over 40 have a health check?

There is no single schedule for everyone. Some people may need yearly review, while others may need checks based on risk factors, symptoms, family history, or existing conditions.

What does a health check usually involve?

It may include blood pressure, weight, waist measurement, blood tests, medication review, lifestyle discussion, mental health screening, and age-appropriate cancer screening reminders.

Is a health check needed if the patient feels well?

Yes, it can still be useful. Some conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early diabetes risk, may not cause obvious symptoms.

Are cancer screening tests part of a health check and can a GP help?

They can be discussed during a GP visit. Depending on age and eligibility, this may include bowel, cervical, breast, skin, or other screening advice. One of the GP’s roles is to help decide which checks are relevant and which are unnecessary based on your personal risk profile.

With that said, here’s how regular check-ups could help.

Heart Health Becomes More Important with Age

Heart disease risk can increase over time, and many risk factors are not easy to feel. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking history, diabetes risk, family history, and lifestyle factors can all contribute without causing obvious symptoms early on.

A Heart Health Check may be discussed for eligible adults. During this type of review, a GP or nurse may check blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, family history, smoking status, and other health factors. The goal is to estimate future risk and discuss practical steps that may help reduce it.

Blood Sugar and Diabetes Risk Should Not Be Left Too Late

Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, and some people may not notice symptoms in the early stages. Adults over 40 may benefit from discussing diabetes risk, especially if they have a family history, higher waist measurement, previous gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors.

A GP may suggest a blood glucose test, HbA1c test, or formal risk assessment depending on the person’s situation. If results show increased risk, early lifestyle support and monitoring may help guide the next steps.

Cancer Screening Reminders Can Be Easy to Miss

Some screening programs are based on age rather than symptoms. For example, bowel screening is available for eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 every two years. Cervical screening is generally offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 every five years. BreastScreen is available for women over 40, with women aged 50 to 74 actively invited to screen.

A GP can help explain what applies to you, whether you are due, and what to do if you have symptoms between routine screening rounds. Symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abnormal bleeding, breast changes, or a changing skin lesion should be checked rather than waiting for a scheduled screen.

Mental Health, Sleep, and Stress Matter Too

Health checks are not only about blood tests. Many adults over 40 are managing work pressure, family responsibilities, caring roles, financial stress, sleep changes, or long-term fatigue. These factors can affect physical health as well as emotional wellbeing.

A GP review may include questions about mood, anxiety, alcohol use, sleep quality, energy, and stress levels. This gives patients a chance to raise concerns that may otherwise be pushed aside as “just being busy.”

Medication and Lifestyle Reviews Can Prevent Confusion

As people get older, medications, supplements, and health advice can build up over time. A regular health check is a good opportunity to review what you are taking, whether doses still make sense, and whether there are side effects or interactions to consider.

It can also help make lifestyle advice more realistic. Rather than broad instructions, a GP can discuss achievable changes around movement, nutrition, smoking, alcohol, sleep, and weight based on your actual routine.

Final Thoughts

A health check after 40 is not about looking for problems unnecessarily. It is about understanding your current health, knowing your risk factors, and keeping important screening and prevention steps on track.

Parkwood Green Medical can help adults over 40 discuss suitable health checks, screening reminders, blood tests, lifestyle factors, and any symptoms that do not feel right. If symptoms are sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening, urgent medical care should be sought instead of waiting for a routine appointment.

Flu season in Melbourne often becomes more noticeable as the cooler months arrive, but influenza can circulate at other times of the year as well. Because the flu virus changes over time, yearly vaccination is generally recommended to help reduce the risk of illness and serious complications, particularly for people who may be more vulnerable.

For many patients, the question is not whether flu vaccination exists, but when to organise it. Timing matters because the vaccine takes time to produce an immune response, and protection is usually strongest in the months after vaccination. A GP can help clarify the most suitable timing based on age, pregnancy, medical conditions, travel, work exposure, and previous vaccination history.

When is it good to get flu vaccination?

Many people arrange their flu vaccination from April or May, before flu activity usually increases through winter. If you miss that timing, it can still be worth discussing vaccination later in the season.

Is flu vaccine needed every year?

Yes, annual flu vaccination is generally recommended because flu strains can change and vaccines are updated to match current circulating strains more closely.
Who is more likely to need flu vaccination?

Flu vaccination is particularly important for older adults, young children, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.

Why April and May Are Commonly Recommended

In Australia, flu activity often increases during winter, with many cases occurring between June and September. For this reason, April and May are commonly used as planning months for vaccination. This gives the body time to respond before the season becomes more active.

However, timing does not need to be perfect to be useful. If it is already winter and you have not yet been vaccinated, it may still be worth discussing. Influenza can continue circulating beyond the early part of the season, and some people remain at risk throughout the year.

Why Flu Vaccination Is Reviewed Every Year

The flu vaccine is not usually a once-in-a-lifetime vaccination. Influenza viruses change, and the vaccine composition is reviewed and updated each year. That is why a vaccine from a previous season may not provide suitable coverage for the current season.
This annual approach is especially relevant for people who work closely with others, care for vulnerable family members, travel, or live with health conditions that may increase the risk of more serious illness.

Who Should Discuss Vaccination Early

Some people benefit from planning flu vaccination earlier rather than leaving it until flu is already spreading widely. This includes people aged 65 and over, pregnant patients, young children, people with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, reduced immunity, or other medical concerns.
Healthcare workers, carers, aged care visitors, and people who live with someone at higher risk may also wish to discuss timing early. The aim is not to create worry, but to make vaccination part of a sensible winter health plan.

What to Tell Your GP Before Vaccination

Before receiving a flu vaccine, it helps to tell your GP or nurse about allergies, previous vaccine reactions, current illness, pregnancy, immune system conditions, medications, and whether the vaccination is for a child receiving it for the first time.

Some children and certain medically vulnerable patients may need specific timing or dosing advice. A short discussion can help ensure the right vaccine and schedule are considered for the person’s age and health needs.

When Symptoms Need Medical Advice Instead

A flu vaccination appointment is for prevention. If you are already unwell, the next step may be different. Mild symptoms do not always mean vaccination must be delayed, but if you have a fever or feel moderately to severely unwell, it is usually sensible to seek advice before proceeding.

Medical review may be more urgent if symptoms include breathing difficulty, chest pain, dehydration, confusion, worsening fever, or symptoms in a person at higher risk of complications. In those situations, assessment should not wait for a routine vaccination discussion.
Final Thoughts

A practical rule is to think about flu vaccination before Melbourne’s winter season is in full swing. For many people, April or May is a sensible time to plan it, but later vaccination may still be worth discussing if it has been missed.

Parkwood Green Medical can help patients discuss flu vaccination timing, eligibility, current symptoms, and individual risk factors. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or worsening, urgent medical care may be more appropriate than waiting for a standard GP appointment.

It is easy to tell yourself that a symptom will pass. Often it does. However, there are also times when the body gives a warning sign that deserves closer attention. The challenge is knowing when something is simply inconvenient and when it should be taken more seriously. The goal here is not to create alarm, but to help people recognise when getting checked is the safer option.

Do All Unusual Symptoms Mean Something Serious?

Many symptoms turn out to have straightforward explanations. Still, symptoms that are severe, persistent, or changing are more likely to need review.

Chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing trouble, and sudden severe headaches are among the signs that GPs advise treating urgently.

Is it Okay to Wait a Few Days Before Booking?

Sometimes that is reasonable for mild symptoms. However, ongoing fatigue, frequent headaches, blood in the stool, or symptoms that keep progressing should not be put off for too long.

Can the Patient Talk to a GP Even If They Only Want Reassurance?

General practice is not only for confirmed illness. It is also there for assessment, monitoring, and early review of symptoms that are not yet clear. We recommend calling a GP for symptoms that suggest an emergency, including severe chest pain, stroke signs, severe difficulty breathing, or a sudden severe headache with concerning features.

With that said, here are 10 health signs that are usually worth acting on. Some need a timely GP review, while others require urgent or emergency attention:

1. Chest pain

Chest pain is near the top of the list for a reason. Healthdirect states it should be considered heart-related until proven otherwise, particularly if it is severe, worsening, or lasts longer than 10 minutes.

2. Difficulty breathing

Shortness of breath that is sudden, worsening, or linked to chest pain, fever, or drowsiness can point to a serious problem. Severe breathing trouble is not something to monitor at home.

3. Stroke warning signs

A drooping face, weakness in an arm, or slurred speech should always be treated as urgent. Fast action matters with stroke.

4. Blood in the stool

This can range from a small amount on the toilet paper to dark or black stool. Healthdirect advises getting blood in the stool checked, and urgently if there is a lot of blood or you feel faint or weak.

5. A sudden severe headache

A headache that comes on suddenly and intensely, or a headache with vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness, or vision change, is a red flag.

6. Fatigue that does not lift

Tiredness is common, but fatigue lasting more than 2 weeks or fatigue with weight loss or reduced function deserves a proper review.

7. Ongoing bowel changes

Changes in frequency, texture, or colour that continue, especially with pain or bleeding, should not be ignored. Persistent bowel changes can need investigation rather than guesswork.

8. Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying can sometimes be the first sign that something else is going on. A commonly used rule of thumb is that losing more than 5% of body weight over 6 to 12 months without trying should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

9. Symptoms that keep coming back

A symptom that keeps returning can be just as important as one that never leaves. Recurrent headaches, repeated episodes of breathlessness, or intermittent bowel changes can still point to an underlying issue that needs review.

10. Anything that is clearly getting worse

A symptom that changes in intensity, frequency, or pattern should not be ignored just because it started mild. Healthdirect’s headache and fatigue guidance both emphasise worsening symptoms as a reason to seek review.

Final thoughts

Not every symptom needs urgent care, but some signs are worth acting on earlier rather than later. If something is new, persistent, worsening, or simply does not feel right, arranging a GP review is often the safest next step.

For general health concerns, symptom checks, and routine medical review, Parkwood Green Medical can help you organise a GP appointment. If the symptom appears severe or urgent, seek emergency help immediately.

Most day-to-day health issues settle with rest, fluids, time, or simple self-care. Even so, there are some symptoms that are better checked sooner rather than later. Seeing a GP at the right time can help clarify what is going on, rule out more serious causes, and guide you towards the next step in a measured way.

Importantly, not every symptom means something serious is wrong. Some patterns should not be brushed aside, especially when symptoms are new, persistent, getting worse, or affecting your normal routine.

When to See a GP or Go to the Hospital?

If symptoms are severe, sudden, or linked to emergency warning signs such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, or a sudden severe headache, urgent care is usually needed rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

How Long Should You Wait Before Booking an Appointment?

Some issues, such as fatigue lasting more than 2 weeks, headaches that keep coming back, or blood in the stool, should be reviewed rather than left to settle indefinitely.

Can a GP Help If One Isn’t Sure What’s Wrong?

One of the GP’s roles is to assess unclear or early symptoms, ask the right questions, examine you, and decide whether you need monitoring, testing, treatment, or referral. That is reflected across Healthdirect’s advice for symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, breathing problems, and bowel changes.

Symptoms that recur, even if not constant, can still be worth reviewing, especially if they are changing, disrupting daily life, or becoming more frequent.

What if the Patient is Worried and the Symptom Seem Minor?

If something is worrying the patient, it is reasonable to discuss it with a GP. A symptom does not need to be dramatic to deserve attention, particularly if it is persistent or unusual for you.

With that said, here’s some common signs that deserve prompt medical attention and when urgent care may be more appropriate than a standard GP appointment;

1. Chest pain or pressure

Chest pain should never be casually dismissed. Healthdirect advises that chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack or another serious condition, and severe pain, worsening pain, or pain lasting 10 minutes or more needs urgent action.

Even if the discomfort feels mild, unusual chest tightness, heaviness, or chest pain with nausea, dizziness, or breathlessness should not be ignored. In this situation, urgent assessment matters more than waiting to see if it settles.

2. Shortness of breath that is new, worsening, or out of proportion

Breathing difficulty can happen for many reasons, from infection through to heart or lung problems. Healthdirect recommends immediate help if shortness of breath is severe, worsening, or associated with chest pain, fever, drowsiness, or difficulty speaking.

Even outside an emergency, unexplained breathlessness deserves medical review. If getting through ordinary tasks suddenly feels harder, or you are more breathless than usual without a clear reason, it is worth arranging a GP appointment.

3. Stroke-like symptoms

Face drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech are classic warning signs of stroke. Healthdirect’s FAST advice is simple: if you notice any of these signs, call triple zero immediately because delays can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

This is one of the clearest examples of a symptom pattern that should never be watched at home. If it looks like stroke, it needs emergency care, not a routine consult.

4. A headache that is sudden, severe, or different from usual

Most headaches are not dangerous. Still, Healthdirect notes that a sudden severe headache, or a headache with vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness, or vision changes, needs urgent attention.

Less dramatic headaches can still need a GP review if they are occurring more often, are getting worse, or are interfering with work, sleep, or normal activity. A changing pattern matters.

5. Blood in the stool or persistent bowel changes

Blood in the stool can sometimes be caused by something minor, but it can also signal more serious bowel or gastrointestinal problems. Healthdirect advises seeing a doctor for any blood in the stool, and urgently if the stool is dark red, black, or associated with dizziness or weakness.

Similarly, bowel changes that persist, especially when linked to abdominal pain, fatigue, or weight loss, are worth checking. Waiting too long can delay diagnosis of treatable conditions.

6. Ongoing fatigue that is not improving

Feeling flat after a busy week is common. Fatigue that continues for more than 2 weeks, keeps getting in the way of daily life, or comes with other symptoms such as weight loss is different and should be reviewed.

Persistent tiredness can have many causes, including sleep issues, infections, anaemia, medication effects, or other health conditions. A GP can help work through the likely possibilities rather than leaving you to guess.

Final thoughts

A good rule is this: if a symptom is severe, sudden, persistent, unusual for you, or getting worse, it is worth taking seriously. In many cases, a GP appointment provides reassurance. In others, it can be the first step in picking up a problem before it becomes harder to manage.

For general health concerns, new symptoms, or changes that do not feel right, Parkwood Green Medical can help you arrange a GP appointment and decide on the most appropriate next step. If symptoms seem urgent or severe, seek emergency care straight away.

With the ever-growing popularity of medical clinics and a growing list of specialists for every conceivable ailment, the timeless utility of a family medicine clinic often gets overlooked. After all, prioritising regular check-ups is a sensible way to ensure lasting health for you and your loved ones. When compared to other clinics, family medical practices can offer a treasure trove of benefits.

So, why choose a family medicine clinic over a more expansive healthcare provider? Let’s delve into three compelling reasons why family medicine clinics should be your first choice for all-round health and wellness of you and your loved ones.

1. Strong Patient-Doctor Relationships

One of the notable reasons to opt for a family medicine centre is the opportunity to cultivate lasting relationships with your doctor. A warm greeting, a familiar smile, and engaging in casual conversations with your caregivers not only humanizes the clinical experience but also fosters trust and comfort. This sense of familiarity is invaluable, particularly for children who might be apprehensive about medical visits. When you’re at ease with your healthcare professionals, it becomes second nature to communicate openly about your health concerns.

Over time, these interactions transform from mere appointments into genuine catch-ups, facilitating a caring approach to healthcare where your doctor understands not just your medical history but also your personal context.

2. Long-term Care

Opting for a family medical clinic offers the advantage of comprehensive and continuous care. Your family doctor possesses a deep understanding of your medical history, as well as that of your close relatives. This interconnected knowledge provides them with a unique perspective, allowing them to discern patterns or hereditary conditions that might be overlooked in a more fragmented healthcare setting.

Moreover, the versatility of a family doctor is truly commendable. Whether you’re navigating the health challenges of middle age, stepping into the golden years, or seeking guidance for an aging parent, a family physician stands by your side throughout these diverse life stages. Their ability to treat a wide spectrum of conditions ensures that for most of your medical concerns, they can be your first point of contact.

In essence, by choosing a family medical clinic, you’re not just selecting a healthcare provider; you’re establishing a lifelong health partnership. This enduring relationship promises consistent care tailored to your evolving needs and circumstances.

3. Holistic Approach to Health

At the heart of family medicine clinics is a philosophy that goes beyond mere symptom treatment; it embraces a holistic view of health. Instead of zooming in on isolated issues, they well understand and value the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and even social facets of an individual’s well-being.

For instance, if you find yourself grappling with stress, its effects can ripple through various aspects of your life, from disrupted sleep patterns to unsettled digestion. Rather than simply offering a medication to alleviate a specific symptom, the general practitioner delves deeper. They seek to understand the intricate web of lifestyle choices, mental well-being, dietary routines, and more that culminate in your current health scenario. Such an all-encompassing approach ensures not just a temporary relief, but aims at truly resolving the underlying issues.

Clinics can further amplify their care by fostering collaboration with a broader spectrum of healthcare specialists, including dieticians, physical therapists, and mental health counselors. This multidisciplinary synergy ensures that patients don’t just receive care – they embark on a journey towards comprehensive well-being.

Final Thoughts

As you can tell, visiting a good family medical clinic is essential for the well-being of both you and your family. It can not only serve as a preventive measure but also as a touchpoint to understand your overall health.

If you haven’t already considered visiting a family health clinic or are looking for a reliable clinic for complete medical care, consider booking a date with us at Parkwood Green Medical. At the heart of our practice, we are committed to offering total patient-care for not just you but your loved ones and pride in fostering genuine relationships with our patients and their families. Book your appointment today.

Our skin is the largest and most neglected body organ. As a result, even severe illnesses associated to it, like skin cancer, don’t receive enough attention. One of the most prevalent illnesses in people’s lives today is skin cancer. In reality, skin cancer affects more individuals than all other cancers combined. Even though it’s practically impossible to stop every case of skin cancer, the good news is that routine skin checks can lower your risk of getting it. Likewise, it is of the utmost importance to receive regular skin cancer check from reputable, knowledgeable specialists like those at Parkwood Green Medical. If you’ve been hesitant about availing yourself of skin cancer check for any reason at all, here’s everything you need to know about skin cancer.

Skin cancer statistics in Australia

Before we dive into the specifics of skin cancer, let’s look at some statistics that will alter the way you think about getting frequent skin checks and the different skin cancer treatment options. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, making it a serious issue there. According to the reports at least 2 out of 3 Australians will have skin cancer before they are 70, and the number of diagnoses among people 60 and older is continually rising.

What are the causes?

Abnormal skin cell proliferation results in skin cancer. Australia has a high incidence of skin cancer due to its environment. The main risk factor for melanoma skin cancer is sunburn. To reduce the risk of skin cancer recurrence, you should be aware of the following additional prevalent causes of skin cancer:

✓ Have a lot of moles or freckles
✓ Has skin cancer run in your family?
✓ Easily get burned or have pale skin.
✓ Have light skin, blue or green eyes, or both, and work outside in the sun.
✓ Sunburnt in the past, but it was moderate.

Types of skin cancers:

There are three layers to the human skin, and cancer can attack any one of them. The layer that cancer has impacted determines how it is classified. Here’s a description in more detail:

Basal Cell Carcinoma: Skin cancers of this kind spreads slowly, if it is discovered early enough, it can be treated effectively.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Skin cancer of this type frequently develops in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun the most. It spreads more quickly than basal cell carcinoma, which usually develops over several weeks or months.

Melanoma: Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, but fortunately, it’s also the least common, making up only around 2% of cases.

Importance of skin cancer check:

Early detection of skin cancer: Make sure you don’t ignore the early symptoms of skin cancer because it is one of the easiest tumours to treat if detected quickly. You should have a dermatologist perform a more thorough full-body examination in addition to routinely checking your skin. They keep track of any changes or new growths, freckles, and spots way better than you can. Due to their higher risk of contracting the disease, those with pale skin or a history of skin tumours may need to be examined more frequently.

A better understanding of your skin: Regular skin cancer checks have the additional benefit of being non-intrusive. After having a professional skin health check, you can confidently examine your skin because you will know what is normal for your skin.

Helps determine a plan of action: A medical practitioner can then advise you on how frequently to inspect your skin and whether any additional procedures are required. To choose the best course of treatment, they carefully examine your skin type, family history, and behavioural tendencies.

Aids in prevention: Dermatologists advise precautionary steps that can help you prevent skin cancer in the future, even if your skin does not exhibit any signs of skin cancer during the examination.

Skin checks are crucial, and it cannot be stressed enough. The main thing is to give your skin the attention it deserves. Make an appointment at Parkwood Green Medical as soon as possible if you have concerns about your skin, need guidance on how to better take care of it, or want to learn more about regular skin cancer checks.

Suffering from mental health issues but are hesitating to see a psychologist? Seeing a psychologist can provide numerous benefits for individuals seeking mental health support. By providing a safe and confidential environment, psychologists can help individuals address a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

Therapy can also provide guidance on personal and relational problems, facilitate personal growth and self-discovery, improve relationships and communication skills, and support individuals in managing difficult emotions and situations.

Not only that, therapy can play a crucial role in the recovery process from traumatic events and provide coping skills to manage challenging experiences. By addressing mental health concerns and promoting personal growth, therapy can enhance overall life satisfaction and improve the quality of life.

With that being said, here are eight tips you can use to get the most out of your appointment at a psychologist in Hillside:

1. Plan Ahead: Before your appointment, take some time to reflect on what you would like to achieve from your session. Write down any specific concerns or questions you have, and bring them with you to your appointment.

2. Be Open to Communication: During your session, be open and honest with your psychologist. Share your thoughts and feelings, and ask questions to clarify any misunderstandings.

3. Participate Often: To get the most out of your session, actively participate in the therapeutic process. Engage in the exercises and discussions your psychologist suggests, and take an active role in your own healing.

4. Stay Patient: It’s important to have realistic expectations about the therapeutic process. Change takes time, and progress may not always be linear. Be patient and persistent in your efforts to improve.

5. Have Faith: Trust is a key component of a successful therapeutic relationship. Trust your psychologist, and be open to their guidance and insights.

6. Don’t Miss Appointments: Regular therapy appointments can help you make progress and maintain your mental health. Attend your appointments consistently, and make a commitment to your therapy journey.

7. Stay Open to Feedback: Your psychologist may offer feedback and insights that challenge your current beliefs and behaviors. Be open to these suggestions, and consider incorporating them into your life.

8. Work On It: Finally, take action on the insights and strategies you gain from your therapy sessions. Incorporate them into your daily life, and continue to work on your mental health and well-being.

As you can tell, seeing a psychologist can provide the support, guidance, and tools individuals need to address their mental health, reach their full potential, and live a more fulfilling life.

With that said, if you’re looking for a psychologist in Hillside or nearby, we at Parkwood Green Medical can help. We provide a range of general practitioner services and can help you treat your common medical issue so you recover quicker and better. Book your appointment now.

Tired of meeting several doctors for everyday medical issues? It’s about time to have a family doctor take care of you and loved one’s health.

Your family doctor can be a lifesaver and prevent a potentially serious medical threat from emerging. By treating you and your whole family, your family doctor can help make the right diagnosis and closely examine you for any signs of danger during the screening.

If you’re still not sure whether a family doctor for annual checkups might be a good choice then think again! Here are some reasons why you should:

Long-term Support

Long-term support is one of the best and important reasons to have a family doctor.

Seeing the same person for a consultation is common for family physicians. This means, for many years or even decades family doctors check the same patients in a family.

Due to handling a wide range of ailments, they thus serve as your main care providers at any given time throughout your life. This also helps establish a long-lasting relationship with your family doctor.

Proactive Help

It’s no surprise family physicians try to stop health problems before they start.

Your family doctor in Hillside is not only a trustworthy source of information regarding your health, but also is familiar with you and your family’s healthcare needs.

Getting yourself checked at your family doctor can help in preventing health issues from arising in the first place and allow you and your family to take better health decisions. Not only that, visits to your family doctor can even help you meet your health goals if you find them challenging to implement.

Accurate Diagnostics

Doctors become familiar with your health records after treating you for a number of years. This enables them to provide accurate diagnoses, keep an eye out for medication warning signs, and track progress of your health over time.

In addition to providing a treatment plan for you and any other at-risk family members, family doctors also advise genetic counselling as a safety measure.

Helpful Referrals

General practitioners have contacts with other specialist doctors from their domain.

Whenever there is a need to find a specialist for a treatment, family dentists can help recommend the right doctor to meet your specific needs.

With a referral of a good doctor or specialist you can elevate your chances of recovery by a great deal.

Reduced Costs in Clinical Visits

What benefits greatly by having a family doctor for annual checkups is cost savings. It’s estimated that those who spend on primary care services save a lot more on their total healthcare expenditure.

Not only that, having a family doctor can even reduce hospital visits and emergency room admissions by a great deal.

As you can tell, there are several reasons to have a family doctor by your side. Friendly, caring, and proactive, they can be your best guide and help you address your everyday medical concerns with daily checkups, referrals, and diagnostics.

Need a family doctor in Hillside to take care of your family’s medical needs? We at Parkwood Green Medical can help. Reach out to our practice or simply get in touch over a call to book your appointment with our doctor now.

Planning to get the flu vaccine but have questions in mind? There are plenty of thoughts that can arise in the mind regarding the flu vaccine and make you hesitant.

However, getting your questions answered and understanding the importance of flu vaccine by an experienced GP or a medical practitioner is recommended and is a common practice.

Here are top 7 questions you should ask your practitioner when you visit them for the flu vaccine.

Who is the Best Candidate for the Flu Shot?

Since it is challenging to tell who can contract influenza, let alone who will get really ill from it, the Australian Government advises that everyone older than six months receive an annual flu shot.

It offers protection for those who are weak and unable to receive vaccinations, such as infants under six months old and adults with inadequate immunity.

Why Are Healthy Little Children Recommended a Flu Vaccine?

Infants and children under the age of five, particularly those without underlying medical issues, are more likely to develop a severe influenza infection that necessitates hospitalisation than those that have already received the flu vaccine for kids and adults.

In a diagnosis conducted, it was found that 1 in 200 kids had laboratory-confirmed influenza. Kids who were previously healthy may become quite ill and experience influenza-related complications like pneumonia as well as encephalitis.

Can I Get the Flu from the Flu Shot?

The influenza vaccines given in Australia are not active. This means that the live influenza virus is not present in them. While some people suffer the adverse effects of influenza shots that resemble the virus’s initial symptoms (such as fever, fatigue, and muscular pains), these conditions typically go away on their own.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that any side effects are an indication that the vaccine is working as intended and inducing an immunological response.

How Does the Flu Vaccine Function?

The working of the flu vaccine is pretty simple. When you receive a vaccination, a very little amount of a disease-causing organism or germ enters your body (often by injection or oral intake) and activates the production of antibodies by your immune system.

If you are exposed to this type of germ in the future, the antibodies will recognise it and be able to kill it.

Can One Get the Vaccine Twice in the Same Flu Season?

Most persons receiving more than one dose of the vaccine during the same flu season does not appear to have any benefits, according to studies. However, for some individuals, receiving two doses of the flu vaccine in one season is advised. These include youngsters under the age of nine who have never received a flu shot people who have undergone a stem cell or organ transplant and are getting their first flu shot. Travelers from abroad travelling to the northern hemisphere during the winter are considered.

Pregnant women, even if they had the previous season’s vaccine, may also receive the vaccine for the upcoming season if it becomes available in the latter stages of their pregnant.

If a Woman Gets Vaccine When Pregnant, Does Her Baby Still Need It?

It is advised for all expectant women to get the flu shot during their time of pregnancy. In the important first few months of life before they can receive the vaccine, some of the antibodies the body produces as a response to the vaccine then passes to the baby during a women’s pregnancy.

This helps protect the baby from influenza and gain maximum benefits of flu vaccination.

What’s the Ideal Time to Get the Flu Shot?

Flu season normally lasts from June till September in Australia, and peaks mostly in August.

It’s essential to understand that our immunity is best effective till the period of four months from the time we are vaccinated.

Looking for flu vaccine in or around Hillside, get in touch with us at Parkwood Green Medical and we’ll help you out with affordable flu vaccine costs. To book your appointment or for any assistance, get in touch today with our practice.

It goes without saying finding a general practitioner is essential to ensure your healthcare is in good hands. Whether you need to simply change your existing practitioner or need a new one, familiarising yourself with the best medical clinic in Hillside and around your area is thus essential.

If you’re tired of looking up “best GP doctors near me” here are a few things you can consider before finding the right practitioner.

Recommendations & Referrals

The first thing you can do before finding a family general practitioner is to look for recommendations. Try asking your friends or family about their general practitioner and if they can recommend you a reliable one.

Make sure the physician is highly-skilled, professional, and helpful. Also, see to it that the GP is recommended by people online, both on social media and web portals. A good recommendation will help you get an ideal practitioner to take care of your basic medical needs.

Expertise & Clinical Skills

Now that you’ve a list of recommended doctors, you can start by looking at their expertise. Every general practitioner possesses some type of clinical expertise such as children’s medicine, internal medicine, and general practice.

Based on your needs or the needs of the patient you’re searching a doctor for, choose the appropriate doctor. While doing so, don’t forget to look for the total years of experience they have in their field.

Certification

It is extremely crucial that the general practitioner clinic you’re choosing is well-certified. One way to do this is by check whether the practitioner is registered with the Medical Board of Australia.

Such registered doctors use best practices for treatment and stay on the verge of latest news and happenings in the field of medicine, which could mean overall better quality medical care.

You can also see if your doctor has obtained a GP fellowship and is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP).

Location & Accessibility

While making a shortlist, you’d also want a practitioner that’s located in close proximity to where you live or work. You’ll also want to see how long they operate, whether they’re available after hours, or are open during weekends.

Alongside location, see if you’re comfortable communicating with your practitioner. Make sure your doctor speaks a common language you and your family are able to understand.

Emergency Care Availability

Emergencies can come any minute, which is why it’s also crucial to see if your GP in Hillside provides prompt medical care in case you meet with one.

Some practices provide an outpatient emergency care facility to help patients treat serious medical disorders and accidental injuries. Check whether your doctor provides treatment and care during emergencies. An experienced doctor will also have nurses and medical staff to attend to your needs and recommend the right course of action for quick recovery.

No matter if you’re in need of a small practice or a bigger facility with a more experienced doctor, it’s essential to understand your needs and expectations before you look for a general practitioner.

With that said, if you’re looking for qualified general practitioners in Hillside or best GP near your area, we have you covered. Parkwood Green Medical clinic provides a range of medical services from wellness checks to routine screenings, consultations and more to help you recover faster and better. Book an appointment with our general practitioner today.