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Month: November 2021

Get a Health and Wellness Check With Your GP

Posted on by James Wagner

What is a Health and Wellness Check?

A health and wellness check is a preventive health assessment based on expert evidence-based guidelines. It is aimed at optimising a person’s health and wellness. The exact check will depend on factors like the person’s age, other medical problems and their family history, and will involve an examination that covers most of the basic systems of the body, including the heart system, lung system, gut system and nervous system examination. Additional examinations can be added depending on the clinical scenario.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted people’s ability to feel safe in accessing preventive health measures through their GP. With eased restrictions and heightened safety measures in place in our clinics, now is a great time to put your health first and book in.

You can book your health and wellness check online. If you’re a new patient, choose a long consultation. If you’re an existing patient, pick the short consult.

Who Should Get Their Health and Wellness Check?

Whether you are young or old, have pre-existing conditions or feel healthy and fresh, every adult can and should get a health and wellness check from their GP. The regularity varies from person to person. Reasons to get your health and wellness check:

  • Regular health checks are essential if you have a history of health issues within your family, especially cancer, heart disease or other serious illnesses
  • If you experience ongoing symptoms that concern you
  • You haven’t had an appointment with a GP in over 2 years.

Please note that if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please get a COVID-19 test before visiting a doctor. In the meantime, you can book a Telehealth consult.

Telehealth Consultations

For a Telehealth consultation, you can talk to a GP over the phone. We have our own Telehealth service called Doctor in My Pocket. This is a service for those who are unable to visit a clinic in person or have COVID-19 symptoms but wish to talk to a GP as soon as possible.

Preventative Health

Getting a health and wellness check is an important step to maintaining your health but you can also do a lot for yourself outside of the doctor’s office. Reduce your risk factors and prevent health complications later on. Here are some things you can do to help maintain your health:

How to Effectively Change Your Diet

Posted on by James Wagner

Making a change to your diet always sounds like such a great idea in your mind, but when it comes to implementation, it is slightly harder. You seem to find barriers everywhere, and it can take your motivation away. A change many people often make is towards a more plant-based diet – eating more vegetables and less meat. If this is something you are thinking of doing, then read on to see some tips that might be helpful in sticking to the change!The first tip is to start small.

Change only one or things that you are eating each week so that the changes feel much easier! Maybe try having one or two meat free meals a week to start with, and slowly increase that number if your goal is to cut out meat. Another good idea is to swap your processed snacks (chips, chocolate, etc.) for fruit. If you eat multiple snacks a day, just change one of them so that your body isn’t left craving the sugars it normally has. Remember, when changing your diet, you want it to be a lifestyle change, not a three week change. These things can take a lot of time to become accustomed to.It is also helpful to plan ahead of time, and to prepare your meals ahead of time, too. Take one day a week to grocery shop and prepare all of your meals for the rest of the week. This allows you to cook in bulk, saving you time later in the week, and gives you no excuses to not stick to the meals you had planned. If all your food is already sitting there perfectly prepared in the fridge, cheating on what you wanted to eat becomes that much sillier of a notion! Read more on meal prep for further needed!

The third tip is to create a variety of flavours in your cooking. If you are trying to enjoy more vegetables in your diet, adding different salad dressings to your foods works perfectly well to keep them new and exciting! Beware with salad dressings, though, that many store bought varieties are full of additives and added sugars as well. It is always best to make your own, which can be done quite easily with only a few ingredients. Have a look here for some quick and easy dressing recipes that can help to spice up your plate!

The last tip, and probably the easiest one to follow, is to start with foods you already love to eat! Massive fan of sweet potato? Have it in a stew or in place of chicken in a curry! Could nibble on carrots or celery all day? Then do! Use them as your snack foods! Don’t underestimate the power of the foods you really do like. It’s great to try new things, because you might find something new you like, but if zucchini just tastes so much better to you than brussel sprouts, then use it to your power! This may sound like common sense, but many people starting a new diet throw all of their old habits out of the window, when this shouldn’t necessarily be the case.

Hopefully these tips have helped you, and if you do decide to make a change to your diet in the future, good luck! And remember, all changes can start off small! This does not mean that they are insignificant.

Happy eating! Ebony

How a Daily 30 minute Walk Can Boost Your Wellbeing

Posted on by James Wagner

How does a daily 30 minute walk boost your wellbeing? 30 minutes isn’t a long time – most of us spend that much time on Facebook or Snapchat, just doing nothing anyway. There’s something really simple we can all do to give our energy levels and our overall physical and mental well being a much needed boost – walking! All you need is your body and some shoes and you’re good to go.

  • Weight Loss + Stronger Muscles
    Walking for 30 mins burns about 150 calories (it may be more depending on your weight), about that of a muffin. Regular walking can help improve your body’s response to insulin and boost your metabolism, which can help reduce belly fat. It also strengthens the muscles in your upper legs and calves – this is great especially if you’ve been sitting down for a while. When it comes to muscles, the saying  goes: “use it or lose it”
  • Improved mood
    Research shows that regular walking actually modifies your nervous system so much that you’ll experience a decrease in anger and hostility. Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel calmer and happier. If you’re walking outside, being exposed to the sun helps to stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder (the winter blues) and may even help you sleep better at night by encouraging melatonin production.
  • Healthy Digestion
    After eating a heavy meal, don’t flop down on the couch in front of the TV. Two different studies have shown that a post-meal walk can aid in digestion. One study in 2008 showed that walking sped up the rate at which food moved through the stomach. Other studies have shown that walking also decreases blood sugar after meals, which decreases your risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A 30-minute walk will help clear that excess glucose and get things moving in the GI system.
  • It’s Great for Varicose Veins
    A 30 minute walk is the perfect exercise for people with varicose veins because it’s extremely low impact. It may also help to improve the appearance and pain of existing veins by increasing circulation in the legs.

Everyone should be getting outside at least once per day, according to our expert at Atticus GP clinics. A 30 minute walk is also a great chance to be social and catch up with friends and family – either on the phone or in person. Also, even if you do nothing else that’s productive that day, you can still feel a little better at the end of it.

Clara

Dratticus Labs: A Drawing Workshop

Posted on by James Wagner

Want to learn how to draw?! Dratticus Labs will be open for a drawing workshop on Wednesday, November 24th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm! Purchase your tickets here.

In this 90 minute drawing workshop for kids, participants will design and create their very own superhero. We will discuss character design and practise various art skills as we take our superhero from concept to finished artwork.

 

 

This workshop is for kids aged 8-12 years. All art materials will be provided. Tickets are $15 dollars and can be purchased online at Eventbrite. Our comic book store, Dratticus Labs will be opening exclusively to those who join. Come on down, grab a free e15 energy drink and draw!

 

 

You will be taught by our master superhero comic illustrator, Nathan Onias from Crispy Cola Studio, the illustrator behind the Dratticus comic books!

Click here to purchase your tickets.

 

Check out the Dratticus comics here.

Prevent Skin Cancer. Visit a Skin Check Clinic

Posted on by James Wagner

Living in Australia puts us at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. That is why, whether you are young or elderly, it is important to watch out for the early signs of skin cancer, visit a skin check clinic and help with early detection and prevention of the disease.

About our Skin Check Clinics

Atticus Health Bangholme is pleased to offer its patients a monthly skin check clinic. The clinic has acquired exciting new screening technology and will be run by Dr Carl Fernandes who has a special interest in skin cancer prevention. We also have skin check clinics at Somerville and Hastings, installed with new skin cancer treatment technology.

The skin check clinic will run the first Wednesday of the month between 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, with the next appointment date commencing on December 1st.

Dr Carl Fernandez with Atticus Health patient, Kathryn. In the Bangholme skin check clinic.

Hastings and Somerville Skin Check Clinics

Dr Varun Deepak is another doctor at Atticus Health with an interest in skin health. He’s ramping up skin cancer work at Hastings and Somerville with new equipment installed for skin checks and treatment.

Risk Factors

Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by 70 and about 95% of skin cancers are treatable if found early. It is recommended by the cancer council that people at higher risk should discuss a skin check plan with their doctor. A full skin examination, supported with photography and dermoscopy, may be necessary every six months. Risk factors for skin cancer include:

  • Previous skin cancer, including melanoma
  • A family history of skin cancer
  • Fair or freckled skin, especially those with skin that burns easily
  • Red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes (blue or green)
  • Lots of moles on their body
  • Current or previous occupation involving outdoor work
  • A weakened immune system
  • Certain skin conditions, including sunspots.

Consult a doctor if you notice any new spots or changes to existing freckles or moles, including the shape, colour or size of a spot. Read more about prevention here.

Book Now

Embrace summer with confidence! Book your skin check appointment with Dr Carl Fernandes at Bangholme. As mentioned, the next available time is on the 1st of December, (the first Wednesday of each month) between 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. You can also call the Bangholme clinic on 9706 5560 to book.

The X Factor (almost) For Making Real Change

Posted on by James Wagner

Many times in my life I’ve sought to make a “change” only to wind back where I began. However, there was one time I truly did change. I remember it so well.

When I was a kid, by grade six I was pretty overweight. I know why… I love food! I remember going to Victoria Market and being sized up for a pair of blue jeans. As I stood in the busy isle, the merchant took out a tape measure and putting it around my waist, proclaimed “he’s a big boy”. But apart from that, in grade six, it really didn’t matter so much.

Moving along, I got to year eight and things were heating up. We were all “growing up” a bit. I had been catching the bus for much of my school life and quite a few girls from our sister school at the time got on it. Now, I was a happy guy, so I’d chat to many girls and that was going great, on the surface at least. Often as they would be getting off the bus, they’d hand me a letter, in an envelope and say “pass this on to Chris” or “Floyd, can you give this to Leigh”. It started to dawn on me what was happening – I was becoming the permanent wingman and I had enough of it.

So at the end of year eight, when it was the summer holidays, I started running. Leigh, a good friend of mine, would come with me. He was fit from playing lots of football. At first, I ran slowly and just made sure of one thing – I never stopped. Then I found myself rather naturally picking up the pace. Most nights, we’d run for 45 minutes. Of course, all our evening freedoms to roam the streets unrestrained, we eventually had to abuse so we started stopping off at the local pinball arcade and played Street Fighter, getting good at that along the way. Good times.

When school reopened for year nine, other classmates could barely recognise me. I was swimming in my school uniform. That included my school sports tracksuit. It had always stuck out, being mum’s own creation from a fabric that somehow positively seemed to glisten compared to everyone else’s. This, despite so many trips together to Spotlight. Tough times.

But life was looking up and my “wingman” badge seemed to have fallen off. Wohoo! The benefits of being a “runner” expanded far and wide. In fact, by year ten, I ran second in school cross country and life was on fire. At some point around then, I said to myself “I’m never going back to being overweight,” and I never have.

And that’s the way it goes with change, some things you do, some things, despite your best effort, you don’t.

So what is the X factor for change?

Actually, like anything in life, there’s no silver bullet, but there is one thing I reckon that matters a lot – your own internal thermostat. That is, what you subconsciously consider “normal” for yourself.

Like many a person trying to improve oneself, at one stage right at the beginning, I did listen to a Tony Robbins CD set and there were many things mentioned on it. One that represented a lightbulb moment for me was just this – that I have my own internal thermostat. The point being, if something inside me told me “Floyd, you were born to be overweight and you ain’t a runner,” then all my efforts that summer of year eight would have eventually been dashed. But I relished the new me so much, and more to the point, I felt that I owned that new me more than the old me. And so, my internal thermostat had been reset. I found a new normal.

Without this occurring for any change in your life that you wish to make truly sustainable, it won’t happen. It’s about more than simply self-belief. You will always gravitate to your own internal story of the “normal” you. You may bounce around here and there, but you’ll return. So be aware of what you have accepted along your journey, to be the “normal” you. If there are things there you want to change, consider how to change your normal – it is your ultimate guide.

Dr Floyd Gomes

Sun Protection Tips!

Posted on by James Wagner

With some hot sunny days beaming over the horizon and Melburnians now taking full advantage of restrictions lifting, it is important to know how to keep ourselves protected from the sun. We all know the adage “Slip, slop, slap”, but did you know in 2007, the Cancer Council upgraded it to include two new recommendations? Let’s see how we can keep ourselves safe in the summertime.

Slip – on protective clothing

A tshirt with a high neckline, long sleeves and thick fabric is the best protection from the summer sun. A rash vest is a great way to stay protected if you’re going in the water as well.

Slop – on plenty of SPF 50+ sunscreen

Remember, even on a cloudy day, the sun can still reach you by refracting through the clouds. Daily application of a facial moisturiser with SPF 30 or higher is a great practice to get into. Don’t forget to reapply after swimming or strenuous exercise.

Slap – on a wide-brimmed hat

Whether you prefer a nice straw sunhat or a sensible legionnaire’s hat, you should always have your hat ready to slap on your head before leaving the house.

Seek – shade

When out and about, seek the shadier option to walk along. Check which direction the sun is coming from, and choose the side of the road that the trees are best protecting you. However, if you’re having a picnic or barbeque in the park, be aware that dappled shade does not fully protect you, and you should take precautions to thoroughly keep yourself sun-safe.

Slide – on sunglasses

UV sunglasses are essential for anyone who spends time outdoors. Be sure to check that the sunglasses you purchase have UV protection to get the complete benefits.

If you want to be extra vigilant, the Bureau of Meteorology website includes in its forecast hours when sun protection is recommended, as well as the predicted UV index rate for the day. Sun protection is recommended when it is UV 3 or more. It’s always worthwhile to check out the BOM when planning a day out – you never know what to expect in our changeable state of Victoria. You might need sunglasses in the morning and an umbrella by midday!

So keeping these tips in mind, we can enjoy our glorious summer weather with confidence that we are all doing the best to protect our skin. Enjoy a sun-safe summer!

Saana