Welcome to Joshua Beckwith our new registrar who will be with us for 12 months.

Josh enjoys all areas of general practice but has a special interest in women's health and paediatrics. He lives locally and really enjoys the lifestyle here on the Bellarine.

Farewell to Veronica who has moved to her next placement and Reshma who has completed her training and is moving closer to home to practice. They have both been a pleasure to have and we wish them well in their future endeavors.

Please ring reception prior to your appointment if you have a fever with a sore throat or shortness of breath and you have travelled overseas in the past month.

Our practice is excited to announce that we’re now using HotDoc for online appointments, recalls and reminders. You can book via our website or download the HotDoc mobile app via the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. The HotDoc app gives you the option to book online, check your appointment history, check your place in queue and receive push notifications.

To download the HotDoc app, click on the buttons below to be taken to your device's app store!

All patients over 70 will soon be receiving a letter offering you the free bone density scan which will identify your risk of osteoporosis.

As part of our ongoing commitment to patient care, we have arranged for a specialist bone density scanning service at our Medical Clinic on the 7th October 2019 for two weeks..

This service is free for you if you are over 70 - it is bulk-billed with no gap. (If you have had a bone density scan elsewhere in the last 12 months, you do not need a scan now.)

It is important to have a bone density scan.

Even if you feel healthy, having a scan is advisable because osteoporosis is common and has no visible symptoms. It affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men.

People with osteoporosis are more likely to break a bone should they fall, which can lead to ongoing health issues. If you find you are at risk, you can take steps to protect yourself through diet and exercise.

Your scan takes just ten minutes.

The scanning service is provided by MeasureUp, who will bring a mobile laboratory to our Medical Clinic. The lab carries a DEXA machine which is a highly-precise type of X-ray. The scan is totally painless and takes just ten minutes. You keep your clothes on and there’s no need to fast.

We do hope you will be able to take advantage of this free healthcare service.

Point Lonsdale Medical Group

Are you overdue for your Pap? Do you need advice on menopause? Do you need advice on fertility, pregnancy or contraception? Point Lonsdale Medical Group runs a Women's Health Clinic on the second Saturday of every month with one of our experienced female GP's. To book an appointment phone 52580888 or BOOK ONLINE . * If the online appointments do not meet your requirements please ring reception.

This free app warns you about the danger of UV

As your sunburn or tan fades, it can be hard to imagine how exactly it has affected your DNA.

Especially as – for most of us – we won’t see the damage come to the surface of our skin for another decade or so.

But what if you could?

That’s the idea behind seeUV, a new app from SunSmart, which uses augmented reality to show you what your skin could look like if you don’t protect it in the sun.

It’s a disturbing reminder of what UV damage can do if we let it add up, especially when you are remember that the more UV damage that adds up, the greater your risk of skin cancer.

seeUV is also a warning tool for current UV levels. Although you can’t see or feel UV, the app uses the current temperature and UV readings to depict the strength of UV rays in your environment – the more red rays dancing across your screen, the greater the UV damage danger at that location – telling you to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.

Check out the app for yourself, free on Google Playand the App Store.

Dr Talia Follett will be running a Womens Health Clinic on the 2nd Saturday of every month.

This clinic will provide a full range of contraceptive advice and options, advice on menopause, reproductive health and preventative health care including pap smears and breast checks.

Please ring reception on 52580888 or book online at pointlonsdalemedical.com.au

We are commencing a weekly Skin Check Clinic on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons at PLMG by our experienced doctors.

The doctor will undertake an extensive skin check to assess for the presence of skin cancer and sun damage, monitor any new or changing lesions, and offer management advice and treatment as required. If suspicious lesions are detected they will either be removed in the clinic or patients may be referred to specialists for excision.

The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better the result. Precancerous changes can be identified, photographed and managed to reduce the risk of skin cancer development. Preventative measures can also be offered.

All our GPs have high quality dermatoscopes to closely examine skin lesions and they can also provide general dermatology care including management of dermatitis, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.

Please ring reception on 52580888 or book online at pointlonsdalemedicalgroup.com.au

Why should I have a Skin Cancer Check?

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia and accounts for approximately 80% of cancers in Australia.

Melanoma skin cancer was the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2013 and it is estimated that it will remain the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2017. It is also the most common cancer in Australians aged 15-44 years overall.

In 2017, it is estimated that 13,941 new cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in Australia (8,392 males and 5,549 females). It is estimated that the risk of an individual being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 17 (1 in 13 males and 1 in 23 females).

The greatest risk factor is sun exposure, but genetics, skin type, gender, and other factors also play a role.

It's important to know your own skin and to know what is normal for you so that you will be able to notice any small changes. Skin cancers are rarely painful and are much more likely to be seen than felt. Developing a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing spots, freckles or moles, can save your life.

The Department of Health and Human Services has commenced delivering epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasts during grass pollen season, 1 October to 31 December.

The forecast predicts the risk of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event for the current day, the next day and the day after that, using a colour coded scale of green (low), orange (moderate) and red (high).

You can also download the VicEmergency app and set up a “watch zone” for your location to receive advice and warnings about potential epidemic thunderstorm asthma events during the grass pollen season.

The VicEmergency app is now available to download from the App Store or Google Play.

What is thunderstorm asthma?

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon and don’t occur every year. In south-east Australia they can happen during grass pollen season from October through December.

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high grass pollen counts and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever this can cause severe asthma symptoms, making it difficult to breath. When a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time, this is known as epidemic thunderstorm asthma. These epidemic thunderstorm asthma events don't happen every year but when they do, they can happen during grass pollen season, which is normally from October through December.

Thunderstorm asthma can affect those with asthma or hay fever - especially people who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever. That’s why it’s important for people with asthma or hay fever to know about thunderstorm asthma and what they can do to help protect themselves during grass pollen season. Even if you don't think you have asthma or hay fever, don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath - check with your GP.

For more information about thunderstorm asthma see the Better Health link below

The shingles vaccine is provided free for people aged 70-79 years under the National Immunisation Program. There is also a five year catch-up program for people aged 71 – 79 years until 31 October 2021. To receive the immunisation make an appointment with reception now.

Herpes-zoster (Shingles)

Herpes-zoster (Shingles) is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. The shingles rash occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus is reactivated in the nerve tissue, causing inflammation of the nerves. Sometimes pain in the affected region can be severe and prolonged. When it lasts more than 3 months it is called post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Other less common complications may include scarring, skin infections, loss of vision or hearing, pneumonia, or neurological complications.

Causes

Once you have had chickenpox, the virus can stay in your nervous system for many years. For reasons that are not fully understood, the virus may become active again and give you shingles. Shingles can spread through direct contact with an uncovered rash. 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime. As a person gets older, the risk of getting shingles and PHN increases.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of shingles can include headache, fever, flu like symptoms and malaise (general feeling of uneasiness). A stinging or burning sensation may appear on the affected area before the appearance of the skin rash (normally within 1-2 days of the initial symptoms).

The rash is commonly on the trunk or body but can also appear on the face or other parts of the body and can be quite painful, causing a tingling or burning sensation. It creates a stripe or belt like pattern on the affected area and is usually limited to one side of the body. The rash forms small blisters which fill with a liquid and burst before the skin crust over and heals.

Although most people recover within a few weeks, some go on to develop chronic nerve pain called post herpectic neuralgia. This may be severe and can sometimes go on for months.

Prevention

Shingles is a vaccine preventable disease. Immunisation against shingles is achieved by a dose of the Zostavax® vaccine which can be given to adults 50 years and over.

National Shingles Vaccination Program

The shingles vaccine is provided free for people aged 70 years under theNational Immunisation Program. There is also a five year catch-up program for people aged 71 – 79 years until 31 October 2021. To receive the immunisation visit your local doctor or vaccination provider. It is important to note that although the vaccine is provided at no cost, a consultation fee may apply.

Routine vaccination of persons aged 70–79 years is expected to obtain the greatest benefits against shingles and its complications. Further information is provided in the online version of The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition.

People who are not eligible to receive the free vaccine are able to purchase the vaccine on the private market.

Vaccinations don’t stop at childhood. Ask your general practitioner or vaccination provider about other vaccines you may be eligible for.

A range of resources, including posters and factsheets on the National Shingles Vaccination Program are available on the

Immunise Australia Publications & Resources website.

VIC Emergency App

Today the Fire Ready App has been replaced by the Vic Emergency app.

The new VicEmergency app provides Victorians with access to warnings and incidents for fires, floods, storms, earthquake, tsunamis and water safety.

The VicEmergency app replaces the FireReady app and is now available to download from the App Store or Google Play.

The VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au has also been upgraded and a new VicEmergency hotline released to ensure Victorians continue to receive the best possible emergency information this summer through a range of sources.

For more information click on the link below

We encourage all our patients to register for My Health Record so their doctor can upload their health information to make it accessible for other healthcare providers. We have brochures at the clinic or ask our reception team to help you register or answer any questions you may have.

Having a My Health Record means your important health information like allergies, current conditions and treatments, medicine details, pathology reports or diagnostic imaging scan reports can be digitally stored in one place. Healthcare providers like doctors, specialists and hospital staff can see these details online from anywhere at any time when they need to, such as in an accident or emergency.

Your doctor and other healthcare providers connected to the system and involved in your healthcare will see your My Health Record unless you have set access controls. You can limit who can see your My Health Record or grant restricted access to doctors, specialists or hospitals.

Your My Health Record contains information:

Medicines you are taking prescribed by your doctorYour Medicare claims historyAny allergies and adverse reactions you may havePast medical historyCurrent medical conditionsYour advance care planning information (this records your wishes about your health care in the event that you are too unwell to communicate

Getting a My Health Record

You can register online for a My Health Record for you or a child at any time.

To register for a My Health Record, we need to verify your identity. To do this you will need to answer some questions relating to your Medicare card or Medicare history, such as the date of birth of people on your Medicare card or information relating to your Medicare or DVA claims history.

If you are registering a child, you must have parental responsibility for them and the child must be listed on your Medicare card. If this is not the case, you will need to apply in writing.

We’ll collect your answers and disclose them to Medicare or DVA (if relevant) to verify your identity. Without your answers, we won't be able to create a My Health Record for you. The information we collect to verify your identity is not retained and we don’t disclose it anyone else. See ourPrivacy Policy for more details.

You can register online

To register online you will need to:

1. Create a myGov account or login to your existing account

2. Verify your identity

3. Set up your My Health Record

4. Registration complete

5. Register or access a My Health Record

Other ways to register

See the reception team at Point Lonsdale Medical Group

In Writing

Complete the following form:

Forms are available on the Resources page.

By Phone

By calling:

1800 723 471

and select option 1 (one). Call charges apply from mobile phones.

In Person

Visit a Service Centre that offers Medicare services.

Iron infusions at Point Lonsdale Medical Group

Iron is an essential element required by the body for its oxygen carrying properties and it plays an important role in many other vital processes in the body.

People with low iron stores can exhibit symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue and lethargy. They may also experience dizziness, light-

headedness and poor concentration.

There are many causes for low iron stores, incorrect diet may be one cause but there are others that should be checked.

An appointment with your doctor is essential for these reasons. Also, before an infusion is performed, a blood tests will be requested to determine the dosage of iron you will receive during the infusion. Ferinject is an intravenous solution that is used in the treatment of iron deficiency conditions and/or iron injections. This solution is used when oral supplements are ineffective or cannot be used. The aim is to replenish iron stores and to correct anaemia.

Please have your script filled and bring the Ferrinject with you to your infusion appointment (It may be worthwhile to check

with your pharmacy that they stock the Ferinject)

Fasting for the procedure is not required and you will be able to drive home post the infusion.

Continue to take your regular medication.

The Ferrinject is administered via an IV cannula, the infusion will take about 30 mins so feel free to bring something to read.

You will be monitored during the procedure by nurses who check your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and breathing rate.

As with all medications, there is a risk of side effects. Ferinject may cause minor side effects although this will not apply to every patient. The most common side effect is headache.

See the home page for todays UV and download the free SunSmart app

The sun protection times are available for locations across Australia via the SunSmart app or at bom.gov.au

Warning UV exposure "adds up"

Data reveals the surprising activities with highest sunburn

A powerful new SunSmart campaign unveiled today warns Victorians that it’s not just tanners who are at risk of skin cancer, as new data shows more adults get sunburned during day-to-day activities around the home than at the iconic summer beach setting.

Data from the 2013–14 National Sun Survey shows over that summer weekends, 50% of Australian adults were sunburnt doing activities around the home, such as gardening and chores, along with other passive recreation activities such as reading or having a BBQ.

The figure dwarfs the 29% of adults who reported getting sunburnt during activities at the beach, lake or pool; and the 21% sunburnt while playing sport or taking part in other active recreation.

The results coincide with the launch of the ‘UV. It all adds up’campaign, which highlights the importance of protecting your skin outdoors this summer and that when it comes to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ‘it all adds up’ and can result in skin cancer.

Filmed here in Victoria, the campaign shows how UV damage keeps adding up every time a person spends time unprotected in the sun. In a shift away from the iconic summer beach scene, the advertisement follows a man taking his dog for a walk, working outdoors and hosting a backyard barbeque. By failing to protect his skin, the man allows UV damage to ‘add up’ – with dire consequences.

Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper said the sunburn data demonstrates that people are spending more time exposed to UV than they think.

“I think people will be surprised by these results. ‘Incidental’ UV exposure is catching people out. It may not occur to people that sun protection is just as important whether you are in the backyard, lying in the park or hanging out at the beach,” Mr Harper said.

Incidental UV damage also shows up in Victorian tanning figures – just 13% of adults had attempted a suntan over summer, but 61% of adults reported having tanned skin.

“After decades of sun protection messaging targeted to the bronzed Aussie, there is high awareness of the health risks associated with tanning. However, with more people getting sunburnt during day-to-day activities (like mowing the lawn or socialising with friends) than by the water, it’s clear that tackling this trend of incidental UV damage is our next challenge,” Mr Harper said.

“Your skin is like a memory bank, it remembers all the time outdoors unprotected – all the sunburns, tans and solarium visits. This is particularly important throughout summer when UV rays hit extreme levels. The damage all adds up and increases your long-term risk of skin cancer.”

Today also marks the beginning of National Skin Cancer Action Week (15–21 November), a joint initiative between Australia’s Cancer Councils and the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

Australasian College of Dermatologists President Chris Baker said skin cancer was by far the most common cancer in Australia, with dermatologists, surgeons and GP’s treating more than 2,000 skin cancers every day.

“The good news about skin cancer is that it can be prevented and, if detected early, can also be successfully treated,” Dr Baker said.

“It’s important to get to know your skin and what looks normal for you. If you notice any changes in size, shape or colour of an existing spot, or the development of a new spot, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.”

Victorians are encouraged to check the sun protection times each day to find out when the UV levels are high enough to damage their skin.

During these times, slip on clothing; slop on SPF30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen; slap on a broad-brimmed hat; seek shade; and slide on sunglasses.

The sun protection times are available for locations across Australia via the SunSmart app or at bom.gov.au