GP and Medical Clinic in Hoppers Crossing for Women’s Health

Hoppers Lane General Practice is a full-service medical clinic in Hoppers Crossing. We are conveniently located across from Werribee Mercy Hospital. With 7-day appointments available, we are here to address all your health issues, from antenatal through old age. Our modern, state of the art facility has everything we need to treat your entire family. We have been open since May 2012, providing quality healthcare through all stages of life.

How is our Women’s Health Care in Werribee Different?

Our GP in Hoppers Crossing offers a wide variety of services to assist you and your family with all your health and wellbeing needs including women’s health. Our facility has its own pathology and radiology departments which negate the need to travel elsewhere for blood work and x-rays. We have a full complement of allied health professionals that allows us to provide our patients with the specialised services they may require. Our varied medical staff enables us to treat acute illnesses and manage chronic medical conditions.

Our women’s health clinic in Hoppers Crossing offers shared maternity care and provides family planning. Being able to see the same doctor throughout pregnancy eliminates undue stress on mother and child. After birth, we offer disease preventing immunisations for baby and your child will be able to grow up with the same doctor leading to less stressful doctor visits. Our women’s health doctors in Hoppers Crossing can also assist with weight management, mental health, cosmetic procedures, and vasectomies.

You can also visit our medical clinic in Hoppers Crossing for all your travel vaccinations. Travelling to foreign destinations brings you into contact with different cultures, climates, and foods. Protecting yourself before travel is key to avoiding diseases such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid. The souvenir you bring home shouldn’t be an easily prevented disease. Planning your travel vaccinations well in advance of your trip is vital to having a great adventure.

We are available to provide industrial, aviation, pre-employment, and return to work medicals. We have doctors who work with injury management and prevention including sporting injuries. Our doctors educate our patients on how to prevent both sporting and work injuries.

Hours and Billing

Our modern, state of the art facility is open seven days per week from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. We are open on all public holidays (except Christmas Day) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We bulk bill Medicaid for most services. Our friendly staff can give you more details when setting your appointment. Please let us know when scheduling your appointment, if you think you may require extra time with the doctor. We do offer home visits on a case by case basis if a doctor is available. These visits are not for emergencies, only for those with limited mobility.

Hoppers Lane GP in Hoppers Crossing has everything you need in a medical clinic for you and your family’s non-emergency health needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly doctors. We have online booking available for your convenience.

Find a GP Medical Clinic and Vasectomy Service for Hoppers Crossing

Hoppers Lane General Practice has been serving the residents of Hoppers Crossing since 2012. One of the key reasons for our success and continuity has been our flexibility. We extend convenient medical care that incorporates the scheduling needs of the families who trust us, from our hours of operation to the payment methods we accept to the variety of services we provide.

At heart, we’re a medical clinic for Hoppers Crossing families. We offer GP and primary care for adults and children and can perform any routine medical check-ups you need, including for work, travel, or school needs.

Receive Comprehensive Medical Care from a GP in Hoppers Crossing

Regardless of your stage in life, you’re going to need personalised and attentive medical care. For most visits, you may need simple preventive care and consultations on how to maintain your health. Our GP doctors are alert to changes in physiology that may indicate conditions or diseases to be concerned about down the line. By treating the patient rather than the disease, our team identifies risk factors for you that will help to keep you in good health for years to come.

Hoppers Lane General Practice also offers comprehensive and fully-supported men’s and women’s health care. Our maternity care begins as soon as you think you may be pregnant. Book an appointment with one of our doctors and they will begin to develop a one-on-one relationship with you. Seeing the same face and knowing your doctor understands you and your health personally is a huge comfort in times of challenge and uncertainty. Your doctor will explain each of the different stages you’ll experience and what you can expect.

From ultrasounds to vaccinations, your doctor will be there through the pregnancy and beyond. We understand and appreciate the profound trust you place in a doctor when you choose them to help you bring a new life into this world, so we do everything we can to earn that trust.

Get Men’s Health Care from Youth to Retirement

Men also benefit from HLGP’s medical experience and flexibility. We are there for you when you need a medical checkup and a clean bill of health for school sports, travelling to exciting destinations, or business travel. We also have elective procedures, including a vasectomy, available from our modern medical clinic. Minimise pain and discomfort from the traditional vasectomy by using our modern, scalpel-free variation.

In response to growing demand for greater availability for the procedure, HLGP offers a scalpel-free vasectomy for Hoppers Crossing at a very affordable rate. Your out-of-pocket cost is typically only $455 for the procedure, meaning you receive high-value care at a low cost fully supported by our experienced and trained surgeons.

We keep our clinic up-to-date with the latest equipment and techniques, and our team works swiftly. You can schedule an appointment any day of the week and not be put on a waiting list–simply book the appointment over the phone or online, and you’ll receive same-week service.

The clinic team will provide you with the friendly welcome that we’re known for and walk you through all the details of your appointment. Contact us today to book an appointment and ask questions about our GP or vasectomy services.

Convenient and Reliable Shared Maternity Care for West Melbourne

Hoppers Lane General Practice offers shared maternity care in Werribee. Our state-of-the-art modern facility has been open since May 2012 and is here to care for you and your baby from conception through birth and beyond. Our office features on-site pathology and radiology departments, and we retain allied health professionals on staff to eliminate the need to seek them out elsewhere. We are conveniently located across from Werribee Mercy Hospital. We offer high quality care in a family friendly environment and bulk bill for most services.

Our shared maternity care doctors share prenatal responsibilities allowing your family doctor continuous care of mother and child throughout pregnancy. Your primary doctor will take care of antenatal check-ups and prescribe referrals for tests, ultrasounds and vaccinations. After your child’s birth, your primary doctor will continue to care for your child as he or she grows.

The benefits of shared maternity care are that you continue to see your primary doctor, who will introduce you to other doctors and technicians in the office who will complement the treatment of you and your unborn child. After birth, your primary care doctor will provide your six-week check-up, immunisations for your new baby, offering advice and alternatives for family planning. He or she will continue to care for you and your family for years to come.

Contact us to schedule an appointment for your shared maternity care. Our friendly staff will make you feel right at home and provide all the services required for the successful birth of your child.

Contact Hoppers Lane GP to Get Up-To-Date on Your Travel Vaccinations

TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

Location: 242 Hoppers Ln, Werribee VIC 3030, Australia
Phone number: 03 8731 6500
Contact us:
Visit our contact us page

Visit us before your holiday or business trip

Our clinic in Hoppers Lane, Werribee is here to cater to all your travel vaccinations before your trip. We work with you to understand your travel plans and ensure that we safeguard you adequately from any disease.

Our team of qualified doctors are on hand to provide a wide range of vaccinations in a comfortable and friendly environment. We are conveniently located just off Princes Highway – less than 5 minutes drive from Hoppers Crossing, Werribee and Point Cook.

Deciding which vaccinations you need for your trip

The exact combination of vaccinations you need for your trip depends on many factors. It is wise to discuss the details of your trip with one of our doctors and they can develop an immunisation plan tailored to your itinerary.

Factors impacting the vaccinations you require include:

  • Your immunisation history
  • The length of your trip
  • The country/region
  • Whether you will visit any rural areas

Some of our common inoculations include:

  • Yellow fever: Yellow fever is a disease that is spread by mosquitoes and typically found in more tropical climates. Symptoms of this illness include fever, chills, loss of appetite, muscle pain and vomiting. Although yellow fever only lasts for three to four days, it is not something you want to combat while you are on holiday.
  • Typhoid: The bacterial infection known as typhoid brings with it extremely uncomfortable symptoms. It is a recommended vaccine for those travelling to areas where there are issues with poor sanitation and hygiene. If you are venturing off to a country like this, we highly recommend that you receive this shot and stay on top of always washing your hands. Ailments associated with this disease include fever, abdominal pain and constipation.
  • Boostrix: This vaccine is used to prevent the effects of bacterial illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The shot works by injecting a small dose of the bacteria so that your body develops immunity against the disease. Although this shot is usually administered to children, it’s important to verify that adults have received the vaccine before any travel as these illnesses could be potentially life-threatening.

What to bring to your consultation

Make the most out of your consultation by bringing the basic details of your trip. Bring the information below so your doctor can map out an immunisation plan tailored to your specific requirements:

  • Past immunisation history
  • Itinerary
  • Dates you are travelling away
  • Any challenging or out-of-the-way accommodation you may be staying in
  • Any special activities (skiing, surfing, etc.)

FAQs

How much is a travel consultation?
Travel consultations at Hoppers Lane GP are bulk billed.

How much is a follow up consultation?
Much like the first consultation, follow up consultations are bulk billed.

Do you offer a medicare rebate?
There is no medicare rebate required because the consultation is bulk billed.

How much do vaccinations cost?
Different vaccinations accrue different costs. Please contact our friendly reception staff on (03) 8731 6500 to learn more.

Are travel vaccines covered by Medicare?
Travel vaccines are not covered by Medicare. You will have to pay for the cost of the vaccine, but the consultation will be bulk billed.

Can I travel with prescription medicine outside of Australia?
The regulations for travelling overseas with medication vary from country to country.

Can I claim the cost of my travel vaccinations back on my private health insurance?
This depends entirely on your insurer. Please check with your insurer to see whether they allow you to claim travel vaccinations back on your insurance. The insurance will usually pay out after full payment is made.

Which travel vaccines do you stock on site?
We stock the following vaccinations on site:

– Yellow Fever
– Hepatitis A
– Hepatitis B
– Polio
– Typhoid
– Meningitis ACWY
– Meningitis B
– Measles
– Influenza – recommended for all undertaking plane travel

Available on prescription: Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis

 Contact us to book an appointment

Contact Hoppers Lane GP for Children’s Vaccinations

Would you like to see a doctor for children’s vaccinations?

Turn to the trusted medical professionals of Hoppers Lane GP. We take the time to explain the vaccinations your child requires and provide the caring guidance that you need to feel at ease during the appointment.

The Importance of Children’s Vaccinations in Hoppers Crossing

Our office not only administers children’s vaccinations in Hoppers Crossing but provide our parents with information about the shot their child is receiving. Staying on schedule with immunisations is essential for the following reasons:

  • Protects your child from severe illness: Our vaccinations provide your child with an extra layer of protection from contracting such diseases as measles, mumps and whooping cough. These conditions have the potential to make your child very sick and cause heartache for your entire family.
  • Prevents the spread of diseases: When your child receives a vaccination, they are taking a step not only to protect themselves but those around them from contracting a preventable illness. Immunisation also eliminates the risk of widespread outbreaks of certain diseases.
  • They will not harm your child: There is a common misconception that vaccinations will cause harm to your child, especially if they are young. You can rest assured that we follow a strict vaccination schedule and your child will never receive an injection that is too much for their system to handle.

What Sets Hoppers Lane GP Apart Concerning Children’s Vaccinations in Point Cook

A physician is someone that you need to count on to provide you with the best medical guidance. We believe that our office is set apart in the following ways:

  • Open seven days a week: Our doctors understand that you need availability to their services throughout the week, not only Monday through Friday. We have office hours every day of the week with the option for home visits and after-hours appointments on a case by case basis.
  • A caring team: We know that you may have questions or concerns regarding the vaccinations your child receives in our Werribee office. Our staff is here to address any concerns to ensure both you and your child are comfortable.
  • Online appointment booking: Our office tries to make scheduling an appointment for vaccinations as comfortable as possible. We offer an option to book your visit online so you can confirm that your consultation suits your busy schedule.

When you work with our team, you can rest assured that our primary focus is the comfort and well-being of your child.

About Hoppers Lane GP

The doctors at Hoppers Lane GP are known as leaders in the medical field. We understand the apprehension often associated with vaccinations for children and will put your mind at ease. Our team of professionals are well-trained and will always act in the best interest of your child. We provide a comforting environment that is welcoming for all families.

To book an appointment or find out more information about children’s vaccinations in Werribee, see our contact page. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

Always be Sure to Take Care of your Travel Vaccinations Before you Set Off on a Trip

While going through your list of items to take on your adventure to another part of the world, don’t forget your travel vaccinations. Hoppers Lane General Practice can provide the vaccinations you need before boarding the plane or ship. We offer preventative medicine in our state-of-the-art facility which has been open since May 2012. We provide the most up to date vaccines for travellers.

Protecting yourself from diseases present in underdeveloped countries is important. Consulting with the embassy or consulate of the country or counties you plan to visit is a good start to protecting yourself against contracting disease. Conferring with our healthcare professionals is another step in obtaining the correct travel vaccinations. It is recommended that you begin this process at least six weeks before departure. This will give the vaccines time to set to work in your body before you depart.

Hoppers Lane General Practice provides vaccines for Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Vivaxim, Boostrix, and Twinrix. We also provide documentation proof that may be necessary when entering a country. The doctor at Hoppers Lane General Practice are well versed in travel vaccinations and want to keep you healthy on your world travels.

Our clinic is open seven days a week and offers late night, weekend, and public holiday appointments. Our online scheduling system makes it easy for you to schedule an appointment. Contact us today to schedule your travel vaccinations in time for departure. Keeping you healthy is our top priority. Let our family friendly staff ensure you have a safe and healthy adventure.

Are You Looking for a Family Medical Centre or Clinic? Doctors at Hoppers Lane General Practice Offer Quality Medical Services

Many people don’t consider their health unless they are unwell and need to see a doctor, but a family medical centre is not only a place to go to when you are sick. Apart from health services Hoppers Lane General Practice also offer services such as travel vaccinations if you intend to go abroad, medical examinations for licences, permits and pre-employment, and we even have a cosmetic clinic for rejuvenating treatments.

A Visit to a Family Medical Clinic Can Keep You Healthy

With advances in medical science, many of the services modern family doctors offer aim to keep patients healthy throughout their lifetime rather than treat them because they are sick. At Hopper’s Lane General Practice, we devote ourselves to disease prevention which is why we encourage our patients to visit us for a skin cancer check, children to have their vaccinations, and the entire family to regularly have a general medical check-up.

Patients can develop a condition such as asthma, allergies or cystic fibrosis at any age and as they become older, chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis are a risk to their wellbeing. Visiting a family medical practice for a regular check-up can help doctors to find early signs of a chronic health condition so that it is treated and managed in the long-term to prevent damage to a patient’s health.

Having a baby when the time is right is a joy to the entire family. At Hoppers Lane General Practice, we have highly trained shared maternity care doctors who will look after you and your baby throughout your pregnancy, the birth, and paediatric care. For patients who want to postpone pregnancy or who feel they’ve had enough babies, our women’s health clinic offers birth control options, and men can have a vasectomy right here at our family medical practice at an affordable rate.

Although there are indeed times in our lives when we need to see the doctor because of sickness or an injury, at Hoppers Lane General Practice, we have a holistic approach to caring for our patients. We believe in a regular check-up to make sure that you stay healthy throughout your lifetime; for this reason, our family medical centre employs doctors to care for our patients from paediatric visits to geriatric care.

If You are Sick or Have a Medical Emergency, Call Hoppers Lane General Practice

Hoppers Lane General Practice is an excellent family medical clinic when you need treatment for an acute illness or injury. We see patients for everything from a common cold to workman’s injuries, and if your condition requires further treatment or a hospital stay, our practice is across the street from Werribee Mercy Hospital.

We know that you can’t predict when you will be ill or suffer an injury, and even a regular check-up is challenging to schedule during working hours. At Hoppers Lane General Practice, we are open seven days a week, and on weekdays we make after-hours appointments for our patients until 11 pm.

We charge affordable rates and most fees are bulk billed to Medicare. To avoid paying a cash fee, remember to bring your current Medicare card as well as pension or concession cards when you come for your appointment.

It’s quick and easy to book an appointment online or call us at 03 8731 6500 and talk to the receptionist at Hoppers Lane General Practice if you would like to schedule an appointment or have questions about our services.

Dealing with Stress

DEALING WITH STRESS

DEALING WITH STRESS

A little bit of stress in your life is okay. In fact, it is perfectly normal and can be a good thing. It can help increase energy and motivation. Everyone feels stress now and again. It’s a normal response to challenging or dangerous situations.

It is when it shifts into being a constant thing you are dealing with that it becomes an issue. Too much stress can be overwhelming and that isn’t a good feeling. It can affect your quality of life and cause problems with physical and mental health.

There are many different ways to deal with stress just as stress affects everyone differently. The best way to work out how to deal with it for yourself is to understand how it affects you.

A great starting point is to identify what makes you stressed, then take steps to avoid it or reduce the feelings of stress.

Dealing with the symptoms of stress

There are things that you can do that will help you to learn the signs in your body that indicate stress is becoming a problem. Some signs that you may be stressed include:

  • muscle tension
  • headaches
  • poor sleep — or sleeping too much
  • being irritable
  • having a lack of motivation
  • being moody with no other reason
  • not being able to concentrate
  • feeling overwhelmed or anxious
  • relying on alcohol or drugs to cope with situations
  • nervous habits such as biting your nails, picking at your skin or twirling your hair
  • feeling like you can’t cope

There are plenty of strategies that you can use to reduce stress. When you feel yourself getting stressed, it can help to do relaxation techniques. These include such actions as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, tai chi and exercise.

A psychologist or counsellor can help you with other techniques to problem solve, manage your time and cope with life’s problems. You should first speak to your GP who can refer you to someone best suited to help you overcome your stress.

Removing the causes of stress

Understand that everyone is different. What one person finds stressful, another won’t and we all react to situations in our own way. Your reaction will depend on your personality, cultural background and past experiences. The stage of life you are in and what support you have around you can also determine your reaction.

Some common causes of stress are:

  • relationship problems
  • illness
  • conflict
  • death of a family member or friend
  • life pressures from work or study
  • experiencing a traumatic event, including physical or emotional abuse
  • having a baby
  • financial problems
  • losing a job

Many things that cause stress can be altered yet others are beyond our control. Work out what you can control and take steps to make a change.

An example might be:

If you are one of the many Australians who is stressed out by money issues, setting up a budget or consulting a financial adviser might help.

If your stressor is work, then check to see if it would be possible to make changes to your work hours or job duties. If the problem is relationships, take the time to resolve conflicts.

It can help to talk to a friend, doctor or counsellor about removing the causes of stress. Don’t be afraid to ask for support. A good place to start is with your GP, especially if you have a good relationship with them.

Solving problems

Once you have identified the problems that are leading to stress in your life you can do something about it. Try using this structured problem-solving exercise to help you to find solutions.

  1. List the problems that are worrying or distressing you and write them down.
  2. Identify which problem is causing you the most stress and write it down.
  3. Work out all the options to deal with the problem and write them down.
  4. List the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
  5. Identify the best option to deal with the problem.
  6. List the steps you need to carry out this option.
  7. Carry out the option. Afterwards, think about whether it worked and whether you would do this again.

Remember, you don’t have to tackle this alone. There is help available, just reach out.

Menopause, a fresh start?

MENOPAUSE, A FRESH START

MENOPAUSE, A FRESH START

The menopause is sometimes called ‘the change of life’. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life and all sorts of bodily changes occur. At menopause, ovulation no longer occurs and production of some female hormones ceases.

The word “menopause” refers to the last or final menstrual period a woman experiences. When a woman has had no periods for 12 consecutive months she is said to be “postmenopausal”.

Most women become menopausal as a matter of course between the ages of 45 and 55 years. The average age of onset is around 50.

Premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency may occur before the age of 40. This can be due to natural ovarian function ceasing. It may be following surgery to remove the ovaries, or following cancer treatment. Menopause is considered “early” when it occurs between 40 and 45 years.

 

What is peri-menopause (the menopausal transition)?

Peri-menopause refers to the time leading up to menopause. This is when a woman may start experiencing changes in her menstrual periods. These changes can include irregular periods or changes in flow. Cycles can be shorter or longer in length.  Symptoms may also include hot flushes and night sweats. Aches and pains, fatigue or irritability, as well as premenstrual symptoms such as sore breasts an, be common. These changes be asa result of fluctuations in the production of hormones from the ovary. Some women experience menopausal symptoms for 5-10 years before their final menstrual period. There is no way to predict the age at which a woman’s menopausal symptoms will start or how long they will last.

 

Contraception in the peri-menopause

A woman’s fertility declines in her 40s and the risk of pregnancy after the age of 50 years is estimated at less than one per cent. However women may ovulate twice in a cycle and as late as three months before the final period. You are advised to keep using contraception until two years after your last period if you experience the menopause under the age of 50. If you are over 50 you are advised to continue for one year after the last period.

 

Physical symptoms of menopause

Symptoms commonly reported by peri- and post-menopausal women include:

  • hot flushes and night sweats,
  • aches and pains,
  • dry skin,
  • vaginal dryness,
  • loss of libido,
  • urinary frequency,
  • sleeping difficulties

Some women may have unwanted hair growth, thinning of scalp and pubic hair and skin changes. Not everyone finds the symptoms bothersome. Around 60% of women will have some mild symptoms for around 4-8 years. Twenty per cent of women will have no symptoms at all while another 20% will be severely affected, with symptoms continuing into their 60s.

Women live around one third of their lives after menopause. It is important to optimise physical and mental health.

 

Psychological symptoms of menopause

Hormonal changes and sleep deprivation can contribute to mood changes and anxiety. Other symptoms include irritability, forgetfulness, and trouble concentrating or making decisions. Low levels of oestrogen can be associated with lower levels of serotonin, the chemical that regulates mood, emotions and sleep. Depression is not more common at menopause than at other stages of life. However a past history of depression, particularly post-natal depression, and stress during the peri-menopause may make a woman more likely to succumb to mood problems. If you believe this is you talk to your GP, there are things they can do to help with this.

 

How is menopause diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose the menopause based on a woman’s symptoms and changes in menstruation. The diagnosis is obvious where a woman has had her ovaries removed surgically.

It is not necessary to have hormonal tests to “prove” a woman is menopausal. However, a doctor may order tests if there is concern that physical changes are a sign of illness. These can include thyroid disorder, rather than natural ageing, or if spontaneous menopause occurs at an early age.

If you want to confirm your thoughts make an appointment with your GP and chat through your symptoms.

 

How can symptoms be handled?

Being informed about what may happen during the menopause transition is a great starting point.

Women are encouraged to pay attention to their health. Quitting smoking, eating well, exercising regularly and incorporating some relaxation techniques are encouraged. Self-management strategies such as carrying a fan, dressing in layers, always having a cool drink and a facial water spray can be useful. Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol will also reduce flushing.

Some women may find relief from menopausal symptoms with herbal or alternative remedies. Most have not been studied or shown to be of benefit scientifically but some do find relief.

MHT, as patches or tablets, has been demonstrated scientifically to reduce menopausal symptoms. However, for each individual woman its benefits must be weighed against the increased risk of side effects. For younger menopausal women (below the age of 60, or within 10 years of menopause), the latest Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy states, “The dose and duration of MHT should be consistent with treatment goals and safety issues and should be individualized. In women with premature ovarian insufficiency, systemic MHT is recommended at least until the average age of the natural menopause”. Some women may need to continue MHT if symptoms persist, and they should seek their doctor’s advice to weigh up the risks and benefits.

Doctors may prescribe other drugs to relieve symptoms, such as anti-depressants. These have been shown to reduce hot flushes, gabapentin, and clonidine can also be useful.

 

Feeling positive about the menopause

Women may experience physical and emotional changes during menopause but that doesn’t mean life has taken a downhill div. Many women are prompted at this time to ‘take stock’ of their lives and set new goals. The menopause occurs at a time when many women may be juggling roles as mothers, as carers of elderly parents, and as members of the workforce. Experts suggest that creating some ‘me time’ is important to maintain life balance.

Menopause can be seen as a new beginning: it’s a good time to assess lifestyle, health and to make a commitment to strive for continuing ‘wellness’ in the mature years.

If you have any concerns or just want to confirm your symptoms speak to your GP.

 

Top 8 Quit Smoking Tips

Top 8 Quit Smoking Tips

Top 8 Quit Smoking Tips

Okay, so we all know the damage that smoking does to our heart, our lungs and a whole host of other organs, right? We don’t need to be told how much higher our risks of getting cancer are as a smoker, do we? We know our fitness is shot and that our clothes, hair and breath smell like an abandoned ashtray. But quitting can seem so daunting. Almost too hard to bear…

We have pulled together a few ideas on how you can make it easier on yourself. Yeah, no one ever said it was easy but it doesn’t have to be the torturous endeavour that we sometimes think it might be.

With the right support network and pre planning it can be easier than without. Knowing that you have people around to encourage you can make stopping smoking bearable, just!

Tip 1:

Preparation is the key! As with anything the better prepared you are the more successful your outcome is likely to be. You can speak to your Doctor or research options on the internet. You may choose to ask friends or family what they did when they quit. But however you choose make sure you have a plan.

Tip 2:

Nicotine replacement products do prove extremely helpful to some people. This is especially true when used alongside a support network such as Quitline.

 

Tip 3:

Another option for help when quitting smoking is hypnotherapy. There are some that have had some real success with this but d your research. Recommendations are te way to go if this is the path you choose.

Tip 4:

Change your habits. Most people really enjoy a smoke after a meal. Don’t do what you would normally do and then sit craving. Go out for a walk, jump in the shower or do a jigsaw. Something, anything to distract you from your normal behaviour.

 

Tip 5:

Vitamin C is said to be a great aid in quitting. It helps with the cravings and will help to keep you on track.

 

Tip 6:

Throw out all cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters and anything else that might remind you of smoking. Wash your clothes and clean your car to remove the smell of smoke.

If smoking was your way of taking a break or you used cigarettes as rewards for yourself, find alternatives for these activities. Go for a short walk, buy a magazine or have a cup of tea instead of a cigarette.

Tip 7:

Join a gym or a class of some sort. As the weeks go by you will notice how much more able you are in completing the routines. Your fitness levels will increase and so will your motivation.

Tip 8:

Use your Doctor as your most useful resource. They know you and they can provide you with support, encouragement and a reason to go on when you can’t find one! Doctors can help in all sorts of ways. Before you do anything else, why not go along to your GP and have a chat about your plans to quit smoking. They will be able to put you on the path to success!