Hoppers Lane

Epilepsy comes in a range of conditions and is not just one ‘condition’. In short it is a form of brain disorder which cause convulsive or not convulsive seizures.

There are many types of Epilepsy and many types of seizures.

10% of the population will experience a seizure while 3-4% will go on to be diagnosed with epilepsy.
There are seizures that are not epileptic. These include those that result from diabetes, kinked blood vessels and a range of other health conditions.

Who gets epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a common condition and can develop at any age, regardless of gender or ethnic group. Research suggests that 3-4% of the Australian population will develop epilepsy at some stage. Epilepsy was one time considered a condition that the young suffered from. It was believed that most people experienced their first seizure before the age of 20. However, the over 55 years age group is now recognised as being the most vulnerable group.

What causes epilepsy?

There are many causes of epilepsy, which vary with age. In around 50% of cases, the cause is unknown.

There are a number of causes and these include:

• Structural abnormalities in the developing brain,
• Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis,
• Lack of oxygen to the brain during birth or after a stroke
• Brain injury
• A tumour
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Genetics

 

What is a seizure?

Our thoughts, feelings and actions are controlled by brain cells. These communicate through regular electrical impulses. They travel along the network of nerve cells, called neurons. A seizure occurs when the brains nerve cells misfire. This causes a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. The communication becomes scrambled. Our thoughts, feelings or movements become confused or uncontrolled.\

Seizures can be subtle. They may cause momentary lapses of consciousness, causing sudden loss of body control. Seizures are unpredictable, and may occur every day, or occasionally in a lifetime.

While seizures can be frightening, in most instances they stop without intervention. Once the seizure is over the person gradually regains control. They re-orient themselves to their surroundings, generally without any ill effects.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Epilepsy is not one condition. There are numerous epilepsy syndromes. Each has its own symptoms, seizure types, causes, methods of diagnosis, outcomes and management.

In diagnosing epilepsy, the presence of seizures is often the determining factor. An eyewitness report of the event and the person’s own description of what happened are vital. These can be the doctor’s best diagnostic tools. All the tests the doctor might order are to gather specific data on the kind of seizures experienced.

A neurological examination will be conducted. It will include a test to measure the electrical activity of the brain. This will determine where in the brain the activity that is generating the seizure is happening. Specialised imaging tests may be required, along with blood tests.

Diagnosing epilepsy in a child can be a harrowing experience. Many a parent has observed seizures at home that are not subsequently picked up in hospitals by the most sophisticated scanning. This is a frustrating situation for a parent to be in. Most doctors will now listen to parents and treat them as a primary information source in helping to diagnose their children’s health.

With mobile phone technology, many handsets now have excellent video capabilities. Capturing the event or behaviour when it occurs on video, parents/carers can provide their doctor with recorded evidence to support their observations. Such recordings can be extremely helpful to the doctor when determining a diagnosis.

 

Types of seizures

Generally, seizures fall into two categories: primary generalised seizures and focal seizures. The difference between these two types is in how they begin.

Primary generalised seizures involve the whole brain and involve the whole body.

Focal seizures start in one part of the brain and affect that part of the body controlled by that part of  the brain.

 

The most common seizure types:

Primary Generalised Seizures

There are many types of generalised seizures, some convulsive, others non-convulsive.

Absence seizure

This is a brief, repetitive, non-convulsive event, usually occurring in the young, and involves the whole brain. With this type, the persons awareness and responsiveness are impaired. They simply stare, their eyes might roll back or their eyelids flutter.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between absence seizures and daydreaming. However, absence seizures start suddenly. They cannot be interrupted, last a few seconds, and then stop suddenly and the person goes on with what they were doing. Although these seizures usually last less than 10 seconds, they can occur many times daily, and thus be very disruptive to learning.

 

Atonic seizure

Atonic seizures are generalised seizures that affect muscle tone causing the person to collapse to the ground. The person will usually remain conscious. Often called drop attacks, these seizures can cause head or facial injury. Protective headwear is advisable to avoid constant injury. Recovery is generally quite quick.

 

Myoclonic seizure

Myoclonic seizures are brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles. They usually last no more than a second or two. There can be just one, but sometimes many will occur within a short time.

 

Tonic seizure

The body’s muscle tone is greatly increased and the body, arms, or legs make sudden stiffening movements. These seizures most often occur during sleep. Seizures can occur when the person is awake. Seizure duration is usually less than 20 seconds and consciousness is generally preserved. If appropriate it is advisable for the person to wear a protective helmet to avoid injury.

 

Tonic-clonic seizure

Tonic-clonic seizures generally last 1 to 3 minutes.

During a tonic-clonic seizure a persons body stiffens and they fall to the ground. Air being forced past the vocal cords causes a cry or groan. The tongue or cheek may be bitten, so bloody saliva may come from the mouth. Their limbs then begin to jerk in strong, symmetrical, rhythmic movements. The person may dribble from the mouth, go blue or red in the face, or lose control of their bladder and/or bowel. The seizure generally stops after a few minutes. As consciousness returns the person may be confused, drowsy or irritated. They may have a headache and want to sleep. This drowsiness can last for a number of hours.

This seizure type is the one most people think of when they think of epilepsy.

Although this type of seizure can be frightening to watch, the seizure itself is unlikely to seriously harm the person. They may however vomit or bite their tongue and can sometimes injure themselves if they hit nearby objects as they fall or convulse.

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures start in one part of the brain and affect the part of the body controlled by that part of the brain. The seizure may involve the involuntary movement or stiffening of a limb. A feeling of déjà vu, an unpleasant smell or taste, or sensations in the stomach such as ‘butterflies’ or nausea may also be experienced. The seizure usually lasts less than two minutes.

People can have different levels of consciousness during focal seizures. Sometimes the person remains alert throughout.

Focal seizures can also affect a person’s level of consciousness. The person may appear confused and dazed. They may do strange and repetitive actions. Fiddling with their clothes, making chewing movements or uttering unusual sounds are not unusual.

The seizure usually lasts for one or two minutes. The person may be confused and drowsy for some minutes to several hours afterwards and have no memory of the seizure or the events just before or after. This type of seizure can be mistaken for drug/ alcohol affected behaviour or psychiatric disturbance.

 

Secondarily generalised seizures

Secondarily generalised seizures are so called because they only become generalised after the initial or primary event, a focal seizure, has begun. These occur when a burst of electrical activity in a focal area of the brain spreads throughout the brain. This event can be so brief that the person does not recall or recognise it. The generalised convulsive stage of these seizures usually lasts no more than a 1-3 minutes, similar to primary generalised seizures. Secondarily generalised seizures occur in more than 30% of people with focal seizures.

If you are concerned or have any questions relating to Epilepsy then contact your Doctor.

Caring and family-focused general practice a boon for new locals.

Moving from one area to another is a huge life decision. The need to re-organise so many things you would normally take for granted. One of the biggest decisions you will need to make is what doctor you will register with in your new area.

When Rebecca moved to Hoppers Crossing from Elwood, she needed to choose a doctor for her growing family.

Here’s what Rebecca had to say…

“I had had the same female GP for the 10 years whilst living in Elwood. She was fantastic. But to travel all that way to the doctors was just too much,” she says.

“I wanted to find a female GP – preferably bulk billed – that I could see for all my doctors’ appointments. Someone who I would feel comfortable with in regards to talking about anything health-wise”.

“Through my meetings with the reception and nursing staff at Hoppers Lane, they just love their GP clinic and workplace so much, I wanted to come and check it out. I’m glad I did.”

About Hoppers Lane General Practice

Hoppers Lane currently employs 13 full-time GPs, with a good mix of male and female doctors. These Doctors come with a variety of areas of speciality. This means that whatever your concern you can get booked in with someone who has a really in-depth knowledge in that field.

Open six years now, the vision, from the very beginning, was to create a special practice that focused on the little details.

The Practice Manager is Laura Paton. She says it is this focus on looking after families, from grandparents through to their grandchildren that makes working for Hoppers Lane General Practice so rewarding.

“There is a focus on care, on community, and on family. It makes you want to come to work in the morning”.

“Little extras such as looking after elderly patients (the practice holds morning teas regularly) makes it more fun. Sending cards to the families of newborns and even bereavement cards when a loved one passes are all details employed by Hoppers Lane GP. Follow up calls when things are tough can make all the difference. It is a genuine sentiment that people –including the staff—connect with”.

“I am sure, for our patients, it makes them feel cared for and that is what it is all about. We believe that Palliative care is just as important as medical care”.

Rebecca says she loves not only the location (it’s next to the local Mercy Hospital) but the myriad of health services offered all under one roof.

“Knowing I can do blood tests, manage maternity care with scans at Hoppers Lane GP is great. I can get X-rays and prescriptions, it makes healthcare all that much easier.”

The clinic also has an online booking service to save time. Just log in and select your favourite GP and then select an available time. The online service has logged over 700 online bookings every week since it was set up shortly after the opening six years ago.

“When you arrive at the clinic, there is a computer that you can check-in on and confirm your appointment. Then you just take a seat, knowing you’ll be seeing the doctor you want to see. At previous clinics, I’ve never had access to technology like that,” Rebecca says. “It is a comforting place to return to when you are unwell.”

Hoppers Lane General Practice Clinic, 242 Hoppers Lane, Werribee. Opens 8am-11pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5.30pm weekends and public holidays. Telephone: 8731 6500 or visit hopperslanegp.com.au

 

The line between Botox and fillers can sometimes seem blurred. The differences between the two are not obvious. We have broken down how they differ, and the important questions to ask before considering treatment. Here’s the Botox vs fillers lowdown…

BOTOX:

What is Botox and how does it work? 

Botulinum toxin is a natural, purified protein that is used to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to treat medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botox is the original and best-known brand name and the most tested product on the market. It is the result of decades of research and studies. Botox has been used extensively in medicine. It is the safest product. It is certified in the medical and cosmetic field.

 

What does the treatment involve? 

Botulinum toxin is injected into muscles. It is used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows for a short period of time. It can also be injected into the area around the side of the eyes to improve the look of moderate to severe crow’s feet lines.

As a result of the treatment, although there is no real downtime associated, it is important to know you may experience some slight bruising and swelling. This may occur directly after treatment, due to the needle. This can easily be camouflaged by makeup. There are no long-term side effects of having wrinkle injections. Patients can normally resume their usual activities straight away.

 

Who does this treatment suit?

This treatment can be used on a wide range of patients, and is generally used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Who should avoid this treatment? 

There certain medical conditions where if a patient has any of these we would avoid the use of Botox. These include damaged nerves or muscle complaints. You should disclose this information during your initial consultation. Doing so will help to avoid any complications. Treatment is not advisable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. While there are no clinical studies to show that the injection is harmful to the baby or mother, we advise against having treatment under these circumstances.

What results does the treatment aim to provide? 

The treatment is used to soften the lines caused by facial expressions and can be adjusted to ensure natural results. The duration of results is variable but ranges from 3 to 6 months.

Typically, patients will come into the clinic and point to a specific line that they don’t like. Our practitioners won’t just look at treating this specific line. They will look at how the face looks as a whole (as treating an individual line might make the face look unnatural).

 

What are the key questions to ask before considering a treatment? 

• What qualifications do you have?
• Which brands of products do you use and why?
• Has the product been extensively tested and researched?
• How satisfied are your patients with the results?
• Do you have any examples of before and after pictures you could show me?
• What are the potential side effects?
• What after-care will I be given?

FILLERS:

What are Fillers and how do they work? 

As we age, the natural collagen and elastin in the skin lessens, as cells lose their ability to produce more of their youthful component. The skin becomes dryer, thinner and less able to fix itself. When we are born, we have plentiful amounts of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in our body. As we age this store of HA diminishes, leaving the skin less well supported. Lines and wrinkles develop. Fillers work by by lifting and smoothing folds and wrinkles. They do this through adding subtle volume. Dermal fillers can make a difference to a person’s appearance, giving them a fresher look.

The treatment of wrinkles with dermal filler involves injecting the naturally occurring product (HA) through a tiny needle. The discomfort is minimal and the treatment does not take long to perform. The aesthetic outcomes of treatments with dermal filler are seen immediately after the treatment. Treating wrinkles with dermal filler is fast, leaving no scars.

What does the treatment involve? 

The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes and you can expect to notice the effects for as long as 18 months after treatment. Treatment with fillers is completely reversible. As with any injectable treatment, there can be some slight bruising or swelling. This should not persist much longer than a day, and is easily hidden with makeup.

 

Who would this treatment suit?

Facial fillers can be used on a wide range of patients. They are used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of lines and wrinkles. You may be seeking to add structure and volume to the face. Fillers help to restore the volume loss that naturally begins to occur when we reach our late thirties. They give a fresher, brighter appearance.

Who should avoid this treatment? 

There is no known risk to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but we would advise against having treatment under these circumstances.

What results does the treatment aim to provide? 

The results should be subtle, leaving our friends and family believing that we are simply looking our best. Treatment lasts between 18-24 months.Towards the end of this period the effects begin to gradually reduce. There is no sudden change. When the effects begin to soften, we would ‘top up’ the treatment.

What are the key questions to ask your consultant before considering a treatment? 

• What qualifications do you have?
• Which brands of products do you use and why?
• Has the product been extensively tested and researched?
• How satisfied are your patients with the results?
• Do you have any examples of before and after pictures you could show me?
• What are the potential side effects?
• What after-care will I be given?

Our specialists are on hand to advise and guide you if you are unsure which option to take.

 

 

Did you know that August is all about the Tradie?

These heroes push their bodies to extremes. They do this in order to squeeze into small spaces, bend around corners and stretch to impossible heights.

All this in an attempt to deliver the product or service that we have hired them for. Plumbers, Electricians, Cabinetmakers. All making valuable and irreplaceable contributions to our lives, our standard of living and our wellbeing.

But what damage are these everyday guys doing to their bodies and how can they help reduce these injuries?

 

Fatigue:

A big player in any tradies life is the inability to get that work/life balance right at certain times of the year.

If you work outside there are a few windows of opportunity to rack up the hours and the money to stare away for a (literally) rainy day

Be aware of the hours that you are working and do take care to make sure you get plenty of R & R no matter how tempting to keep going. It is all well and good working 14 hours a day for four weeks straight than being laid up for a week unable to work.

Spring and Autumn are probably the most lucrative times of year for a tradie that works outside. The rain holds off and the sun isn’t too harsh. That doesn’t mean the sun can’t create problems long term. If you work outside you really should get your Skin Health Check undertaken annually. It is a quick and painless exercise which can put your mind at rest for another year!

Aches and Pains:

As bodies get older they are less resilient (as a general rule) and they struggle to repair themselves. It takes longer to get over a knock or a late night! You need to look after your body – it is the only one you get to occupy this time around!

Regular check-ups at your GP will help you identify any potential issues further down the road.

Chiropractors can offer a really valuable service and help keep your back and spine healthy. A healthy spine is really important to maintaining a healthy body.

 

Joint Pain:

Constant movement, squirming around and general contortionist activities are undertaken by many tradies can lead to joint pain.

One of the best ways to avoid this is a fitness regime that allows you to use your joints effectively and with as little strain as possible. Regular visits to the gym not only give you something else to think about but can really help strengthen your joints. This helps in avoiding troubles later in life.

 

Hearing, sight..

Health and Safety are much more aware of the damage that can be done to eyes and ears and tradies are encouraged to take the necessary precautions.

Unfortunately, not everyone does and this can lead to major issues further down the track. You should make sure you get regular checks on your ears and your eyes so that you can identify any issues early enough to do something about it!

 

Dust Inhalation:

Dependant on the environment in which you work this may or may not be an issue for you. There are tests that can be done that can check that your lung functions are not compromised by dust or inhalation of any kind.

Do yourself a favour an organise a full health check and give yourself peace of mind!

 

 

This year’s Diabetes Awareness Week is happening between the 9th and 16th July and we wanted to encourage you to come along and see a Doctor if you are concerned about Diabetes. Below you will find some of the facts:

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin. Type 1 diabetes is not linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise etc. There is no cure and it cannot avoided.

 

Type 1 diabetes:

• Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin

• Represents around 10 per cent of all cases of diabetes and is considered a chronic childhood condition

• Onset is usually abrupt and the symptoms obvious

• Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and blurred vision

• Is managed with insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump.

 

What happens if people with type 1 diabetes don’t receive insulin?

Without insulin the body burns its own fats as a substitute. This then releases chemical substances in the blood. Without ongoing injections of insulin, these chemical substances will accumulate and can be life threatening.

 

What causes type 1 diabetes?

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known. It does have a strong family link and cannot be prevented. We also know that it has nothing to do with lifestyle, although maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important in helping to manage type 1 diabetes.

At this stage nothing can be done to prevent or cure type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms include:

• Being excessively thirsty

• Passing more urine

• Feeling tired and lethargic

• Always feeling hungry

• Having cuts that heal slowly

• Itching, skin infections

• Blurred vision

• Unexplained weight loss

• Mood swings

• Headaches

• Feeling dizzy

• Leg cramps.

These symptoms may occur with no warning. See a doctor if you are struggling with any of these symptoms. Through a simple test, a doctor can find out if they’re the result of type 1 diabetes.

 

Management, care and treatment

Type 1 diabetes is controlled with insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump. While your lifestyle choices didn’t cause type 1 diabetes, the choices you make from here on in can reduce the impact of diabetes-related complications. These include kidney disease, limb amputation and blindness.

 

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and/or gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. We do not know what causes type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Type 2 diabetes also has strong genetic and family related risk factors.

Type 2 diabetes:

• Is diagnosed when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (reduced insulin production) and/or the insulin does not work effectively and/or the cells of the body do not respond to insulin effectively (known as insulin resistance)

• Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes

• Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents and young adults

• Is more likely in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes or from particular ethnic backgrounds

• For some the first sign may be a complication of diabetes such as a heart attack, vision problems or a foot ulcer

• Is managed with a combination of regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight reduction. As type 2 diabetes is often progressive, most people will need oral medications and/or insulin injections in addition to lifestyle changes over time.

 

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes runs in the family. If you have a family member with diabetes, you have a genetic disposition to the condition.

While people may have a strong genetic disposition towards type 2 diabetes, the risk is greatly increased if people display a number of modifiable lifestyle factors. These include high blood pressure and being overweight or obese. Insufficient physical activity, poor diet and the classic ‘apple shape’ body where extra weight is carried around the waist are also indicators.

People are at a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes if they:

• have a family history of diabetes

• are older (over 55 years of age ) – the risk increases as we age

• are over 45 years of age and are overweight

• are over 45 years of age and have high blood pressure

• are over 35 years of age and are from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background

• are over 35 years of age and are from Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background

• are a woman who has given birth to a child over 4.5 kgs (9 lbs), or had gestational diabetes when pregnant, or had a condition known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

 

Symptoms

Many people with type 2 diabetes display no symptoms. As type 2 diabetes is commonly (but not always) diagnosed at a later age, sometimes signs are dismissed as a part of ‘getting older’. By the time type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the complications of diabetes may already be present.

Symptoms include:

• Being overly thirsty

• Passing more urine

• Feeling tired and lethargic

• Always feeling hungry

• Having cuts that heal slowly

• Itching, skin infections

• Blurred vision

• Gradually putting on weight

• Mood swings

• Headaches

• Feeling dizzy

• Leg cramps

 

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes. The condition can be managed through lifestyle modifications and medication however. Type 2 diabetes is progressive and must be managed effectively to prevent complications.

 

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes (sometimes referred to as GDM) is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy only. Most women will no longer have diabetes after the baby is born. However, some women will continue to have high blood glucose levels after delivery. It is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes is the fastest growing type of diabetes in Australia. It affects thousands of pregnant women. Between 12% and 14% of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes and this usually occurs around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. All pregnant women should be tested for gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy (except those women who already have diabetes). Women who have risk factors for gestational diabetes should be tested earlier in their pregnancy.

 

Who is at increased risk of gestational diabetes?

Women at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes include those who:

• Are aged 40 years or over

• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes or a first-degree relative (mother or sister) who has had gestational diabetes

• Are above the healthy weight range

• Have had elevated blood glucose levels in the past

• Are from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds

• Are from a Melanesian, Polynesian, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern or Indian background

• Have had gestational diabetes during previous pregnancies

• Have previously had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

• Have previously given birth to a large baby (weighing more than 4.5kg)

• Are taking some types of anti-psychotic or steroid medications

• Have gained weight too rapidly in the first half of pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can also occur in women with no known risk factors.

 

What to do after being diagnosed?

For many women, being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be distressing. It is important to remember that the majority of women with gestational diabetes have a healthy pregnancy. They will usually go on to have a normal delivery and a healthy baby. The treatment is a healthy eating plan, regular physical activity and monitoring and maintaining blood glucose levels in the target range.

 

Risks of developing type 2 diabetes

While maternal blood glucose levels usually return to normal after birth, there is an increased risk of the woman developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The baby may also be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Depending on your risk factors, you will also need to be tested for type 2 diabetes again every one to three years. Ask your doctor for more information.

If you are concerned or are showing any of the symptoms of Diabetes then go along and visit your doctor. Better safe than sorry!

 

It is extremely common for young children to get an occasional cough, or a cold, even an annual ear infection. We have put together this text on the most common childhood ailments and some tips on how to treat them. If you are in doubt however you should visit your doctor.

Coughs

A cough is a usual symptom quite often connected to the child having a cold. It is normally self limiting and will generally not turn into anything serious. If your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing relatively normally a cough isn’t usually anything to worry about. Keep an eye out for wheezing though as this can be a sign that things are getting more serious.

If your child has a bad cough that won’t go away, see your doctor. Causes of a more serious cough in children can include;

• croup
• whooping cough
• asthma
• pneumonia
• swallowing a foreign object e.g. peanut.

Signs of a more serious cause of a childhood cough can include:

• high temperature
• persistent or unusual cough
• breathlessness at rest or on exertion
• occurring at night
• fatigue and listless or overly tired
• in discomfort

If your child has any of these symptoms then you should take them to the doctor. If he seems to be having trouble breathing, seek medical attention urgently or call an ambulance, even if it’s the middle of the night.

Although it’s upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat. It is a good thing!

Sore throats

Sore throats can be caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Your child’s throat may be dry and sore for a day or two before a cold blooms.

Most sore throats clear up on their own after a few days. If your child has a sore throat for more than 4 days, has a high temperature and is feeling unwell, this is the point to see your doctor. You should also seek medical attention if he is having problems swallowing fluids or saliva.

Colds

It is normal for a child to have up to 8 or more colds per year. This is as a result of hundreds of different cold viruses. Young children have no immunity to any of them as they’ve never had them before. Gradually they build up immunity and get fewer colds.

Most colds get better in 5 to 7 days. Here are some suggestions on how to ease the symptoms in your child:

Increase the amount of fluid he normally drinks.

Saline nose drops can help loosen dried nasal secretions and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask your pharmacist, doctor or early childhood nurse about them.

If your child has a fever, pain or discomfort, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. There are child and infant products that will state on the packet how much you should give children of different ages.

Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading.

Nasal decongestants can make stuffiness worse. Never use them for more than 2 or 3 days.

Ear infections

Ear infections are common in babies and small children. They can be the aftermath of a cold and can sometimes cause a temperature. A child may pull or rub at an ear, but babies can’t always tell where pain is coming from and may just cry and seem uncomfortable.

If your child has an earache but is otherwise well, give them infant or child dose paracetamol or ibuprofen for 12-24 hours. Don’t put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child’s ear unless your doctor advises you to do so. Most ear infections are caused by viruses, which can’t be treated with antibiotics. They will get better by themselves.

After an ear infection your child may have a problem hearing for 2 to 6 weeks. If the problem lasts for any longer than this, ask your doctor for advice.

Don’t forget if you are in any doubt then seek medical attention.

 

As Flu season approaches, some things everyone should know!

The flu is a highly contagious viral infection. It may cause severe illness and life-threatening complications for some. These complications can include pneumonia.

It is spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes. It is estimated that flu contributes to over 3,000 deaths in Australia each year.

The “swine flu” virus – also known as influenza A (H1N1) – emerged in 2009. It was responsible for the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years.  It is now a regular human flu virus that goes around each winter, worldwide. The current seasonal influenza vaccine has been designed to include protection against the swine flu virus.

Do I have the flu?

The most common symptoms of the flu are:

• A sudden appearance of a high fever (38 °C or more)
• A dry cough
• Body aches (particularly affecting the head, lower back and legs)
• A feeling of extreme weakness and tiredness (and not wanting to get out of bed).

Other symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Aching behind the eyes
• No feeling of hunger
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffed nose

Having the flu is more likely if you have been in contact with someone who already has it. You may have had some other type of exposure such as overseas travel to areas where flu outbreaks are occurring.

Whether you have the flu or another kind of virus can only be confirmed by a doctor. He may perform a nose or throat swab in order to verify a diagnosis. The treatment is similar for any ‘flu-like’ illness. A diagnosis is useful in helping health officials track disease patterns and frequency. It may be necessary where complications have developed.

What to expect if you have the flu

Symptoms of the flu hit very fast and can linger for several weeks. A bout of the flu will often follow the same pattern:

Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness. You may also experience a dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose.

Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired or flat with little or no energy.

Day 8: Symptoms decrease. Cough and tiredness may last one to two weeks or more.

What flu complications are most common?

In some cases of the flu, severe illness and complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis can develop. These can result in hospitalisation and in extreme cases, death. The flu may also result in some existing medical conditions becoming worse.

Some people are at higher risk of severe complications associated with the flu. They include:

• pregnant women
• people aged over 65
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• all children younger than five years of age
• anyone with a chronic medical conditions

What medications should I take for the flu?

The flu is a viral infection so antibiotics won’t help at all and should not be taken. They really have no positive affects at all.

Antiviral medications, if started in the first two days after your symptoms start, can shorten the length of your illness. These must be prescribed by a doctor.

Decongestants and simple pain relievers can help you feel better while your body’s immune system fights off the infection.

Follow these tips for buying over-the-counter medication for the flu:

Buy a remedy that treats just one symptom. This will ensure that you are not taking in substances that you do not need, or that may trigger some kind of a reaction.

Read the label and find out: −    whether the active ingredient treats your symptoms −    any possible side effects of the medication − and any possible interactions the medication may have with any other medications you are taking. Be sure to include over-the-counter, prescription, and alternative medicines (for example, herbal medicines) −    if the medication is safe for you to take with any other health conditions you have

If you are unsure if a medication is suitable for you to take, or if you have any other questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest a medication that is appropriate and safe for you to take.

How can I avoid the flu?

Annual immunisation against the flu is strongly recommended for all people from six months of age. Many people in the above groups are eligible for free flu vaccination each year. This is covered under the National Immunisation Program and the Victorian government-funded vaccine program for children aged six months to less than five years.

The vaccine is not 100 percent effective but it does provide a high level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.

Anyone in these at-risk groups with flu-like symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible. They should ask for guidance and consider the advice from their doctor.

Awareness of coeliac disease and the gluten-free diet is growing. There is however still a low level of awareness of the symptoms and the differing effect before diagnosis.

We believe people may also be potentially linking their symptoms to other conditions. They may even be treating them with less importance than they deserve. Creating a stronger link between their symptoms and coeliac disease will help people become more informed. They can then be empowered to have their symptoms investigated and seek a diagnosis.

If you have just been diagnosed…

Upon diagnosis of coeliac disease, there is an array of emotional reactions which are quite normal and may be experienced by many. The diagnosis may come as a great relief as you have been concerned that it was something more serious. Although Coeliac can be serious it also very manageable. You may feel shocked, despair, grief, disbelief or guilt and a little overwhelmed.

Please be aware that you are not alone and there are groups from where you can build a great support network.

Although coeliac disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled with a strict, life-long gluten-free diet. When you first start the gluten-free diet, you tend to focus on what you can’t eat making it quite challenging. As you learn more, you realise that there are so many foods that you can still enjoy.

Your First Week as a diagnosed Coeliac:

• Start your gluten-free diet immediately. Begin by purchasing products that are labelled ‘Gluten Free’, as well as foods that are naturally gluten-free. Once you learn more about reading labels, you’ll be able to confidently choose foods that are gluten free by ingredient.
• Make an appointment with your GP to test for any vitamin or mineral deficiencies and associated conditions.
• All adults diagnosed with coeliac disease should have a bone density scan. Those with a medically diagnosed coeliac disease are entitled to a Medicare rebate for a bone density scan every two years.
• Electrolytes e.g. sodium and potassium which measure kidney function.
• Liver function tests.
• Thyroid function – autoimmune thyroid disease (Graves disease or Hashimotos) can be associated with coeliac disease.
• Fasting blood glucose to check for autoimmune diabetes (type 1 diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA))

Deficiencies in newly diagnosed and untreated coeliac disease can include iron, calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12, folate, magnesium. Supplementation may initially be required to correct any deficiencies.

Your First Gluten-Free Month:

Family members should be screened for active coeliac disease using the coeliac antibody blood test. Immediate family members of someone with coeliac disease have a 1 in 10 chance of also having the condition.

Re-organise your kitchen and pantry. Ensure that your gluten-free food is clearly marked. Other members of your household should understand the necessity of avoiding cross contamination.

Start using an Ingredient List Booklet to identify gluten-free products that are not marked ‘Gluten Free’ but are gluten free by ingredient.

Your First Gluten-Free Year:

The coeliac blood test should be repeated at six and twelve months after the diagnosis, and then annually after that. This test measures the blood antibodies which are usually elevated in those with an untreated coeliac disease. They may remain elevated despite compliance with the gluten-free diet, but should gradually return to normal. Once they do, they can be used as an indicator of gluten exposure.

Learn to look for gluten-free foods when eating out.

Try converting some of your old favourite recipes into gluten-free versions.

Ongoing Coeliac Management

The small bowel biopsy should be repeated 18-24 months post diagnosis to confirm small bowel recovery.

If you need any further information on managing your condition our Doctors are on hand to advise and guide you. Coeliac can be kept under control and the symptoms controlled – it just takes teamwork to do it!