Physical Health

We thought this would be the ideal opportunity to clear up some of the myths of Autism. 50 somethings, unless there is a family member with Autism, probably have very little idea about the condition. The impact it can have on families is huge and we wanted to share some truths about Autism with you.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people behave and interact with the world around them. It can be mild, moderate or severe.

An estimated 1 in 70 people have autism; that’s almost 230,000 Australians. Autism affects almost four times as many boys than girls.

The main features of autism are:

• Difficulty in social interactions and
• Challenges with communication
• Restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests.

As with many medical conditions, there are many myths surrounding Autism. Where something isn’t understood it can often fall foul to the imaginations of the creative!

So, let’s address some of these myths…

Myth – Kids with autism don’t want to make friends

It is clear that in the majority of cases this is not true. Just as with some people who do not have autism, there are those who choose not to form close relationships with others; they keep themselves separated. It is fair to say that the majority of people who are affected by autism do want to make friends do want to socialise.

The challenge for those on the spectrum is that they don’t know how to socialise and that results in them making mistakes. It takes patience and working with the children to help them work out how to do it. The desire is there but because of previous mistakes, it can prove too challenging to try again without feeling anxious or overwhelmed. You must work with their desire to connect and help them to do so.

Myth – Children with autism can’t learn

This myth is absolutely untrue.  Autistic children can learn but they need good teachers. We need to learn how to relate to them and understand that learning can be difficult even without the challenges that Autism presents. It can prove to be a long process and requires persistence and the support of family, friends and teachers.

Myth – Autism is caused by bad parenting

Parents of children with Autism need our support and not berating and being accused of bad parenting. Let’s clear this up. This is absolutely NOT true. The truth is that many parents of Autistic children will accuse themselves of bad parenting because their children are not responding as a child without Autism would. This is, even more, the case where there are siblings.

Myth – Just like Rain Man, people with autism have savant skills

Not everyone can recite the telephone book or tell someone they meet on what day of the week they were born. Some people can do some incredible memory ‘tricks’, but this isn’t something that you see every day.

Many children on the spectrum do share some strengths, such as being visual learners or having a good visual memory. These strengths can be used to help children navigate the world.

As a parent, it is important to feel supported and there are a number of organisations who can help with this. The first step is to visit your GP who can talk you through what is next.

At Hoppers Lane GP we recognise that by the end of January a good number of those New Years Resolutions will have dropped by the wayside.

When the kids are at home it can be very difficult to be ‘me’ centred and so the resolve begins to slip, right?

There are a couple of things you do to strengthen that waning resolve and we have detailed those below for you!

Start small

Make resolutions that you really think that you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week at the gym. This is preferable to jumping in with a resolution of seven days a week! If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yoghurt. This will mean that you see your diet less as a form of punishment!

Change one behaviour at a time 

Unhealthy habits and behaviours develop over the course of time, they don’t just suddenly happen usually. Therefore replacing your unhealthy behaviours with healthy takes time to achieve. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a time. It will be much more achievable if you do!

Talk about it 

Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as a workout class at your gym or a group of co-workers quitting smoking.  We are very lucky that in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne there are a number of very effective support networks and groups in place. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating. Having company along the way also makes you more accountable and therefore less likely to quit.

 

Don’t beat yourself up 

Absolute perfection is not attainable. Remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet. Don’t feel like never stepping into the gym again because you skipped classes for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.
 

Ask for support 

It is sometimes hard to ask for and then accept help from those who care about you. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help. Your Doctor understands you better than most. They are uniquely placed to offer you the support and guidance that you need to stay on track. They understand the connection between the mind and body and can help you to understand too. They can offer strategies as to how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviours. They can help you to fully address emotional issues and increase your chances of success!

Happy New Year! So, how are those resolutions going? Are they still intact? It is estimated that 72% of New Years Resolutions are health-related.

Keeping on track with your health resolutions begins with you. Developing good health habits means you are more likely to enjoy a longer, healthier, happier life. The more they become a habit the more successfully you will maintain these new lifestyle choices.

Getting recommended health checks means you can work with your healthcare team and make success even more likely. It will improve your chances of preventing health problems throughout your life and ensure your resolve stays strong.

A health check is an examination of your current state of health. It can be likened to a service for the body in the same way we service our cars! You take your car to be checked regularly so you should do so with your body too!

The aim of a health check is to help find, prevent or reduce the effect of potential medical situations. It is always better to avoid illness or disease than to treat it.

Having a regular doctor or practice has several advantages. It will help you to build a relationship with your Doctor. This, in turn, means you are more likely to feel comfortable to talk more openly and honestly. Your doctor will get to know you better and understand your health needs and concerns. Having a regular doctor or practice also means that your medical history stays in one place and is more likely to be kept up to date.

What can a health check involve?

A health check generally involves:

• Updating your medical history
• Examining any your health issues or potential problems
• Performing tests if required
• A follow up of any problems that are found
• Advice and information on how to improve your health.

There are different health checks that are recommended at different stages in your life.

Health checks for preconception & pregnancy

Pregnancy is a huge event and can be very demanding on a woman’s body. The preconception period is usually considered to be the three months prior to pregnancy and is vital to ensure the health of your baby.

This is the perfect time to undergo some health checks. Making life changes at this time can help reduce problems during pregnancy and ensure a swift and timely recovery from the delivery.

Some health checks that you might want to consider before pregnancy include:

Pap test

This test can detect changes to cells in the cervix before they develop into cervical cancer. The cervical cancer vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) since 2007 for high school-aged girls. This does not replace the need for Pap tests. The vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing types of HPV. Because of the nature of the Pap test, you may prefer to have this done before you are pregnant, or you may be offered a test in early pregnancy.

Dental check

Regular dental check-ups are important. Poor dental health can affect not only our teeth and gums but also lead to problems like malnutrition and infections. X-rays are not recommended during pregnancy. You may need an X-ray during an oral exam so having a dental check to make sure you catch and fix any problems before you are pregnant is a good idea.

Immunisation status check

Knowing your vaccination status and immunity for common infections when planning a pregnancy is vital. If you don’t have a record of when you last had the necessary immunisations don’t worry. A blood test can show if you are immune to infections that may be harmful to a pregnancy such as rubella, varicella (chickenpox) and influenza.

General health and blood tests

Assessing your overall health before you plan to conceive is important. It can uncover problems you need to resolve before becoming pregnant. You may need blood tests to check for thyroid function, blood glucose levels or for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You may also need a full blood count to check your iron and folate levels. Your doctor can help you determine what checks are suitable for you.

During pregnancy

Several different health checks may be available to you during pregnancy. These include tests for abdominal palpitations and ultrasounds. Maternal serum screening test (MSS) and amniocentesis are others. Check with your doctor or gynaecologist on which tests you might need.

We wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!

 

Christmas is traditionally a time for making merry, drinking too much and eating way in excess of your own body weight! But it doesn’t have to be that way. The main risks to overindulgence can be avoided. You can keep a little healthier than you normally would at this time of year. Simply follow the 12 tips below.

 1. Party wisely

You may have lots of party invitations but do you really have to attend them all? Choose the most important events to attend and only go to these. Your energy levels will remain higher and you won’t be so jaded.

 2. Sign-up for fitness

Maintain your fitness (and health) throughout December by registering for a fitness event in early 2019. This will motivate you to stay active during the party season. Maybe a local boot camp…

3. Exchange drinks for kilometres

Make a deal with yourself before you enjoy a drink with friends. Maybe for every alcoholic drink you consume, you must walk or run one kilometre the following day. A great way to drink less!

 4. Start eating last

 

Research shows eating out with seven or more people will see you eat 50% more than if you had eaten on your own. Solve this problem by being the slowest eater – be the last to start eating and the first to stop.

5.  Reflect and re-evaluate

The end of the year should be a time to reflect on your achievements and to conduct a re-evaluation of your goals. This will give you a sense of self-fulfilment, self-worth and purpose, which are both important for a happy and healthy mind. It will help you stay more on track when tempted to indulge.

6.  Dance the night away

Put on those dancing shoes! Dancing for one hour burns approximately 1200kJ. Parties can be more than enjoying food and alcohol – make it a fun workout with your friends.

7. Be sensible with your weight

December is not the month to focus on weight loss. Focus instead on weight maintenance and trying to eat some healthy foods and you’ll enjoy the festive season without the guilt.

 

8.  Try the slow food revolution

The slow food revolution is about knowing your food – where it has come from and how it is grown. This festive season, head to your local farmers’ markets and stock up on fresh whole foods.

9.  Active catch-up

Nobody said Christmas functions have to revolve around a buffet or a bar. Change your Christmas party to a day of round-robin tennis or even a game of lawn bowls. Get everyone to bring a healthy dish to share.

10.  Downsize the plates

Be like Goldilocks and eat off the smallest plate you can find. Research shows the larger the plate, the more food dished up and the more food eaten. If you’re at a buffet, be sure to keep an eye on the serving utensils, too – a larger serving spoon can see you dish up 15% more food that if you had used a smaller spoon.

11.  Wear tight clothes

Skinny jeans or snug fitting clothes are great in avoiding overeating. It’s extremely uncomfortable sitting and moving in tight clothes when your stomach is almost bursting out. Your waist circumference is also a great indicator of your risk of developing ill health or disease.

12. Get enough sleep

With all the partying and fun pursuits, don’t forget the importance of sleep. Sleep is time for your body to rest and repair, and inadequate sleep can play havoc with your internal body clock. Growing research shows a link between a lack of sleep and weight-gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and an increased risk of accidents. Aim for between 7–8 hours sleep each night.

Enjoy the holiday season but don’t overindulge. If you would like to speak to a GP about any concerns you have then get in touch!

 

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.