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Experiencing Mental Health Issues? Your GP can help

Experiencing Mental Health Issues? Your GP can help

June 12, 2020 Linda 0

Mental health is just as important as our physical health. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Mental health is about the way we think, feel, and develop relationships. Our mental health and wellbeing can be influenced by a variety of factors including:

  • Sleeping – sleep helps you to repair and restore your bodies and mind.
  • Nutrition – nutrition plays an important role in maintaining your mental health and wellbeing.
  • Keeping active – being physically active can improve your mood and reduce stress.
  • Relationships – spending time with people close to you can help improve your mental health.
  • Work – work can make you feel good about yourself and can give you a sense of purpose.
  • Life events – everyone experiences ups and downs throughout life which can affect your mental health and wellbeing.
  • Alcohol and other drug use.
  • Grief and loss.

We all have ups and downs, times when we feel great, and times when we feel we are struggling. This is normal. Keeping our mind healthy is something we should do on a daily basis. It is an important part of your overall health to be able to function well, have meaningful social connections, positive self-esteem, and the ability to cope with change.

If you or someone you are living with is experiencing one or more fo the following feelings or behaviours it can be an early warning sign of a problem:

  • Feeling anxious or worried for no reason and for more than two weeks.
  • Feeling down or unhappy for no reason and for more than two weeks.
  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little.
  • Loss of energy and motivation.
  • Pulling away from people and usual activities.
  • Feeling numb or like nothing matters.
  • Heaving unexplained aches and pains.
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless.
  • Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual.
  • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared.
  • Yelling or fighting with family and friends.
  • Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships.
  • Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head.
  • Hearing voices or believing things that are not true.
  • Thinking of harming yourself or others.
  • Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school.

Getting help early can make a difference.

Talk to your GP today to discuss:

  • How you’ve been feeling lately.
  • How long your symptoms have been present.
  • What your GP might think the best options are for you.
  • What your concerns might be.
  • How this may be impacting on your life.
  • How to set up a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

There are many free and low-cost services available for people who have financial difficulties (e.g. unemployed or have a healthcare/concession card). These services can be accessed via your GP.

By talking with you about what is happening and working with you, your GP can determine what support is best for you, including:

  • Access to self-help resources, support groups, online support, and referrals to community services.
  • Setting up a Mental Health Care Plan which can allow you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to six visits to a clinical psychologist, mental health, or allied health professional.
  • Depending on your needs, your GP can also refer you for an additional four sessions.

To book a mental health appointment please download our FREE App or call 08 9456 0184.

Chiropractor Ryan Woodbury joins the team!

Chiropractor Ryan Woodbury joins the team!

May 25, 2020 Linda 0

Ryan Woodbury
Chiropractor
BSc (Anatomy & Physiology Path) GCertSleep
BSc(Chiro) BClinChiro (Clinical Chiropractic)
ASCA Strength & Conditioning
WA Vice Chair Sports Chiropractic Australia

The Vale Family GP welcomes Ryan Woodbury, Chiropractor from Stay Balanced Chiropractic & Rehab to our clinic.

As many of our patients realise, not all Chiropractors are the same! Ryan is highly experienced in providing musculoskeletal services such as soft tissue therapy, trigger points, gratin, dry needling, adjustments and injury rehab. He is a member of Chiropractic Australia and offers care to any acute or chronic injuries.

Ryan has specific skills and areas of interest in sports, falls prevention and rehab, geriatrics, sleep and exercise rehabilitation. Stemming from previous Bachelor degrees and working as a Sleep and Respiratory Scientist, Ryan combines all knowledge to provide the best approach to your care.

Ryan heavily invests into ongoing education through attending courses and conferences nationally to ensure he is up to date with the latest evidence and information, resulting in you receiving the best possible care. Outside of work, Ryan plays State Basketball for East Perth, enjoys music, reading, fitness and spending time with family and friends.

To book an appointment online click here or call 0431 235 445.

#SeeyourGP – Regular Healthcare is Important

#SeeyourGP – Regular Healthcare is Important

May 15, 2020 Linda 0

If you have put your regular health checks on hold during the pandemic, now’s the time to pop back in to see your GP.

Regular health checks are important to ensure that critical health conditions are not left undiagnosed or untreated, possibly resulting in life-threatening complications for some patients.

It is important to maintain treatment regimens for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma as well as looking after your mental health at this time. Your GP is your most important link to maintaining good health and now, more than ever you need to stay in touch with your doctor.

Diagnostic tests, screening tests, immunisations, and regular health check-ups are essential tools for ensuring the population remains healthy and well.

Right now, it is more important than ever to stay healthy and get the prescriptions, screening, or care you need. Maintain your regular appointments and stay as healthy as possible.

For a range of medical appointments that do not require a physical examination, such as for a medical certificate, prescription or referral, patients can now speak to a doctor or medical professional by phone as a telehealth appointment.

To book a Telehealth Appointment please download our FREE App or call 08 9456 0184.

What to Expect – Telehealth Appointment

What to Expect – Telehealth Appointment

April 24, 2020 Linda 0

Telehealth Appointment Guide

What to Expect:

  1. The Doctor will call you at your appointment time (+/- 30 minutes).
  2. The Doctor will confirm your identity – you must provide your full name, DOB, address, and telephone number.
  3. The Doctor will ask for your consent to conduct a Telehealth appointment and record notes on your patient file.
  4. The Doctor will explain what he can and can’t do through a Telehealth appointment, and depending on the type of consult you may be required to switch to a video consultation through Facetime or WhatsApp.
  5. The Doctor will advise that the consult is bulk billed or if there is a fee (for patients without Medicare for instance).
  6. Plan B – The doctor may request you attend the clinic in person after a Telehealth consult depending on the type of treatment you require.
  7. At the end of the consult, the doctor may provide a prescription, medical certificate, referral, or imaging request. These documents can either be collected from the clinic, in some instances faxed or emailed to the patient’s nominated provider, or posted to the patient if requested.

Tips for Successful Telehealth Appointments

  1. Ensure you have a quiet and disruptive free environment.
  2. Speak slowly and clearly to the doctor so they can best understand your condition.
  3. Write down notes or questions you have prior to your consult to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
  4. Remember, the doctor’s time is very valuable. Telehealth appointments are scheduled for 10 minutes, please advise if you require a longer appointment. Thank you for your understanding.
  5. Please give us any feedback about your Telehealth Appointment. We are continually looking to make improvements and we value your loyal feedback.

To book a Telehealth Appointment please download our FREE App or call 08 9456 0184.

Telehealth Appointment

Telehealth Appointment

April 24, 2020 Linda 0

Telehealth is a method of delivering healthcare that involves the use of information and communications technology. Telehealth can be used to provide diagnosis, treatment, preventative and curative aspects of healthcare services. Appointments can be conducted through telephone or video consultation.

Consultations can be provided directly to a patient by the GP and are 100% bulk billed under Medicare. *Fees will apply to patients with no medicare.

Typical consults for Telehealth appointments include:

  • General appointments
  • Medical certificates
  • Prescriptions
  • Referrals
  • Imaging requests

Benefits of Telehealth Appointments

Telehealth is necessary to GPs during a pandemic to ensure all patients have continued access to quality healthcare without having to attend a clinic in person for such things as vaccinations, wound treatments, etc. Reducing the number of patients at the clinic reduces the risk for patients and clinic staff and meets social distancing requirements during pandemic periods.

Further benefits include:

  • Keeping vulnerable patients safe;
  • Continuous patient contact;
  • Minimising PPE use;
  • Helps patients with mobility issues;
  • Efficient routing health care;
  • Reduced patient costs;
  • Enhanced chronic disease management.

To book a Telehealth Appointment please download our FREE App or call 08 9456 0184.

FLU VACCINATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

FLU VACCINATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

April 20, 2020 Linda 0

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a highly contagious disease caused by the influenza virus.

Vaccination is the best protection against influenza. Everyone is urged to get an influenza vaccine every year.

Some people are more at risk of serious health complications if they get influenza and can get a free influenza vaccine.

The following individuals in WA are eligible to receive a government funded vaccine:

  • Persons over 65 years or older
  • Children 6 months to less than 5 years
  • Primary school-aged children (born after 30 June 2007 and > 5 years)
  • Pregnant women (any trimester)
  • Aboriginal people 6 months and older
  • Individuals 6 months and older with medical conditions that place them at risk for complications of influenza, including:
    • Cardiac disease;
    • Chronic respiratory conditions;
    • Chronic neurological conditions;
    • Impaired immunity;
    • Diabetes and other metabolic disorders;
    • Renal disease;
    • Haematological disorders;
    • Children aged 6 months to 10 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

When is the best time to get the influenza vaccine?

For best protection against influenza, people are strongly advised to get the influenza vaccine every year.

This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic it is advised to get the influenza vaccine as soon as it is available.

Note: After vaccination it can take up to 2 weeks to develop protection.

It is never too late to get the influenza vaccine.

Should I get the vaccine if I am healthy and rarely get sick?

Even healthy people can get sick from influenza. Most healthy people who get influenza are quite sick for a short time, but generally recover well.

However, as influenza is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose, you can spread germs to others. This includes those who are at serious risk of complications if they get influenza such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions. If they get influenza, complications may include high fever, pneumonia, worsening of other illnesses and in some cases death.

By getting vaccinated each year, you help to protect these vulnerable people from getting sick with influenza, as well as those who are unable to be vaccinated themselves (e.g. children under 6 months are too young to get an influenza vaccine).

To Book a Flu Vaccination please call 08 9456 0184 or book online using our FREE App! Download today!