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November 23, 2022 In Eleanor Clinic

Skin Cancer Awareness Week 2022

At Eleanor Clinic we are strong supporters of the skin cancer awareness week.

All year around we offer dedicated skin checks, where you doctor checks your skin from head to toe for any suspicious skin lesions. Early detection of skin cancer can be lifesaving. So if your skin check is not up to date, please book one in now.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with approximately two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime. Sadly, around 2000 Australians will die from this disease this year, and it is estimated that almost twice as many men as women will die from melanoma this year alone.
Yet research shows that many Australians, particularly men, aren’t regularly using all five forms of sun protection. This year, Cancer Council Australia in partnership with the Australasian College of Dermatologists, is urging all Australians, especially men aged over 40, to be SunSmart and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Over-exposure to UV radiation causes 95% of melanomas. In every region across Australia, it is likely to reach extreme levels of UV over the summer months. We encourage Australians to check the UV before you head outside, on the SunSmart app, via the Bureau of Meteorology’s website or your local weather forecast.
Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented by using all five forms of sun protection when the UV level is 3 or higher:

  • Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen.
    Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterwards.
  • Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
  • Seek shade.
  • Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards – ‘What’s Okay At Home’, for children
April 25, 2022 In Eleanor Clinic

Update on heart health

We’ve been receiving many enquiries about both men’s and women’s heart health in the last weeks. The good news is there’s lots of things we can all do to look after our hearts. ❤️

 

Don’t wait – make a change today!

 

✅ See your GP for a check up. People aged 45 years and over (or 30 and over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples) are eligible for a rebate for a Heart Health Check. You’ll find out your risk of a heart attack or stroke, and most importantly, what you can do to manage your risk. Anyone of any age who is concerned about their risk factors for heart disease should speak to their GP as soon as possible 👉 https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/heart-health-checks

✅ If you’ve got five minutes… check out our Heart Age Calculator to work out your heart age compared to your actual age. Your risk of heart attack or stroke might be higher if your heart age is greater than your actual age 👉 https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-age-calculator

✅ If you’ve got two minutes… learn the warning signs of a heart attack and feel confident you can act by calling Triple Zero (000). Learn more 👉 https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/conditions/heart-attack

April 4, 2022 In Eleanor Clinic

Preventing memory impairment and Dementia

Our practice is currently participating in a research project that is looking at ways to reduce potential risk factors for dementia in middle-aged adults (aged 45-65years). This research project is being conducted in collaboration with Monash University and other partners.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH INVOLVE?

In 2020, there was an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia and this number is expected to increase to more than one million Australians by 2058. While there is currently no cure for dementia, there is evidence that some health conditions and lifestyles may increase the risk of developing dementia. Some of these risk factors for dementia can exist in mid-life, well before a person may start to show signs or symptoms of dementia. The aim of this research project is to evaluate a new approach for assessing dementia risk and reducing dementia risk factors in middle-aged adults in the primary care (e.g. general practice) setting.

January 17, 2022 In Eleanor Clinic

Covid vaccinations at Eleanor Clinic for children aged 5-11 years

Our vaccination clinics for children aged 5-11 years have been extremely well received. Thank you every one for booking in your children. If you need an appointment you can book in here.
If you have questions about the vaccine please book a regular appointment with your GP. This gives us the time to answer all your questions.
Our goal is making the kids vaccination clinics as smooth and mostly as fun as possible to the little ones. Our team is working extra shifts to get these vaccinations done. We know how important it is that the children have a good experience receiving their doses. Encourage your child to bring their favourite teddy or cuddle toy. We have lollipops and stickers and some really silly jokes. Even better if you can tell us your favourite joke!
There’s some more helpful information on the Raising Children’s Website
Children might have varying feelings about COVID-19 vaccination. Many children will be OK with it. But some might be worried about getting an injection. Some might also have heard misinformation from friends or other sources and feel worried about the vaccine.
This means it can help to talk with your child about vaccination before the appointment. When you talk and what you say depends on your child’s age, development and feelings.
For example, some children might prefer to be told on the morning of their appointment. This will stop them overthinking things and feeling more anxious. You could say something like ‘We’re going to the doctor for some arm medicine, then we’ll go to the park’.
Other children might prefer to be told a few days before the appointment, so they have time to prepare and ask questions. For example, they might want to know what will happen at the appointment, why they need vaccination and whether it will hurt.
It’s always best to give your child clear, accurate, age-appropriate information that they can understand. For example:
  • For a child who’s worried about the injection, you could say ‘The needle might pinch a bit, but it’s over very quickly’.
  • For a child who wants to know how vaccination works, you could say ‘The medicine helps your body make blood soldiers. If you get the virus, the soldiers can fight it for you’.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, tell your child you’ll find out. Make sure you get back to them. And if your child feels nervous or worried, it’s important to acknowledge and name these feelings. This can help your child understand and manage their emotions.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccination: handling children’s injection anxiety or needle phobia
If your child is nervous about injections or has a needle phobia, these tips can help them have a positive experience when they get their COVID-19 vaccination:
  • Get vaccinated at a GP clinic or with your child’s usual GP. This is more private and might be more comfortable for your child.
  • If you have questions for the immunisation provider, call ahead to discuss these. Long conversations just before a vaccination can make children more anxious.
  • Give your child some choice so they feel more in control of the situation. You could ask which day they want to be vaccinated, what they want to do during the vaccination or what they want to do afterwards.
  • Ask the immunisation provider whether they have anaesthetic creams or gels to numb the injection area. If they don’t, you can get creams or gels at a pharmacy and take them to the clinic yourself. Some immunisation providers have a small vibrating device (a ‘buzzy’) that can reduce pain at the injection area.
  • Make sure your child is wearing short sleeves. If your child is wearing a jumper, get them to take it off before going in for the appointment.
  • Distract your child during the vaccination. For example, get your child to play with noisy toys, watch a video on a tablet or phone, or answer a question like ‘Where’s your favourite place to go on holidays?’
  • If your child is older, encourage them to do breathing exercises or relaxation exercises. Your child can practise these exercises beforehand and do them during the vaccination.
If you need extra support, contact your immunisation provider. They can talk with you about the best way to get your child vaccinated.
Some children with severe needle phobia might need to see a psychologist or hypnotherapist to work through their phobia.