Ochre Health will provide Scottsdale and Bridport residents with enhanced medical services following its acquisition of Scottsdale Doctors Surgery this month.

From 23 April 2018, Scottsdale Doctors Surgery will operate as Ochre Medical Centre Scottsdale, with the continuation of its weekly outreach service to Bridport. The new practice will continue to be staffed by the surgery’s current doctors, including Dr Natalie Burch, Dr Gretchen Stone, Dr Eugene Obanor and registrar, Dr Steven George, with Ochre looking to increase GP numbers and the range of services over time.

Scottsdale Doctors Surgery’s longest serving GP, Dr Natalie Burch, says that ensuring continuity of care for all patients throughout the transition remains the surgery’s top priority.
“We chose to work with Ochre because of their strong rural focus. Ochre already have a strong presence in rural Tasmania and, most importantly, they have never lost sight of their rural origins. With Ochre’s help, we will continue to provide a high level of quality care and attention to our patients, with the long-term goal of building quality rural health services in Scottsdale firmly at the centre of our agenda,” says Dr Burch.

“The most important thing that people need to know is that the changes will be minor. It will be business as usual, but better.”

The importance of a stable medical centre that emphasises continuity of care for the Scottsdale community is paramount, according to Dr Burch, adding that Scottsdale Hospital is staffed by the GP’s at Scottsdale Doctors Surgery. Dr Burch noted that, the decision to join with Ochre would not only provide the surgery’s current doctors with a more consolidated support base, but it would ensure the long-term viability of Scottsdale Hospital.

Ochre Health Chairman and co-founder – and Tasmanian resident – Ross Lamplugh says:

“Ochre Health was formed with the goal of improving the way primary health care is delivered in both rural and urban Australia. The acquisition of Scottsdale Doctors Surgery is another step toward us achieving this objective, while helping us to strengthen our presence in rural north-eastern Tasmania in what is a key region for Ochre.

Dorset Council Lord Mayor, Greg Howard, is equally excited about the transition, as he says that the move will bring enormous healthcare benefits to the small, rural community:

“Scottsdale’s existing surgery has served as a pillar for our community for many years, providing comprehensive medical care to both individuals and their families. We are delighted that Ochre Health Medical Centres will continue to offer the same support to our community. They will build on a number of our existing services, including general practice, vaccinations, mental health and chronic disease management, to ensure our residents receive top-tier medical care.”

Established in 2002, Ochre Health currently manages over 30 medical centres in Australia with over 150 doctors, providing care to 750,000 patients each year and striving to deliver the best health outcomes for their patients and communities.

Ochre Health’s Medical Centre Scottsdale will be located at 2 Fosters Road, Scottsdale, TAS. The practice will be open Monday-Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm and Saturday 9am-11.00am. For more information, or to make an enquiry about the acquisition, visit www.ochrehealth.com.au.

The post Ochre Health acquires Scottsdale Doctors Surgery and Bridport Doctors Surgery appeared first on Ochre Health.

We are proud to announce that Ochre Medical Centre Noosa and Ochre Medical Centre Eumundi have both received the Patients’ Choice Award for 2017 by online appointment booking company HealthEngine.

The award is given each year to the 100 top-performing medical centres (out of 2,500+) as measured by patient feedback.

We are excited to announce that both Eumundi and Noosa have been rated in the top 50 medical centres in the country!  We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff and doctors at Eumundi and Noosa for their hard work and ongoing commitment to improving the health of our communities. These results are a testament to the skill and care of not just our talented doctors, but also the support staff who string it all together to provide a pleasant patient experience.

The post Ochre Medical Centres wins Patients’ Choice Award 2017 appeared first on Ochre Health.

After more than 20 years as a landmark medical centre in the Old Kingston Post Office building, Ochre Medical Centre Kingston is responding to the area’s growth by relocating to a brand new purpose-built premises across the road in Green Square Centre – Kingston’s original heart, and one of the inner south’s premier shopping and entertainment precincts.

From this week, Kingston residents will have improved access to general medical care. The custom-designed practice is located in the same building as a major pharmacy and will also house a suite of allied health providers. Importantly, the new medical centre has significantly increased capacity for doctors and nursing staff, with extra support for those requiring minor procedures and for those with chronic disease. Additionally, the new centre is nestled in the heritage-rich and vibrant Green Square Centre.

The move comes after Ochre Medical Centre Kingston has already witnessed growth in patient visits over the last 12 months. Over the last two years, the centre has expanded to cater for several new GPs with specialties in women’s health and paediatrics, as well as having launched its Skin Clinic in 2017. The clinic provides both skin checks and biopsies for patients after two of its doctors – Dr Glenn Dillon and Dr Pradeep Narayan – undertook additional training in the area.

Ochre Health CEO Dermot Roche says, “By relocating to a larger, state-of-the-art premise, Ochre Health is providing the community with a truly unique medical setting. With additional rooms, a modern lobby, kids play area and the open plan reception area, we are looking forward to offering the Kingston community a highly positive patient experience along with our continued focus on quality clinical care for which the practice is well known.”

Kingston has been identified as one of the most densely populated suburbs of Canberra, with the population of Kingston expected to grow further from 5,535 to 6,363 by 2020. Due to this growth, a plethora of residential and commercial property developments have also emerged, and Ochre is delighted to be there to support the community’s health needs.

The new Ochre Medical Centre Kingston is located at; Level 1, Green Square Centre, 62 Jardine Street, Kingston ACT, 2604. The practice’s phone number and website will remain the same: www.ochrehealth.com.au, (02) 6239 5520.

The post Moving with the times: Kingston medical centre relocating due to patient demand appeared first on Ochre Health.

Ochre Health has added a new doctor to its Bruce team, placing renewed focus on paediatric services and stronger support for children’s health.

Ochre Medical Centre Bruce has recently welcomed Dr Ranga Panagoda, who has arrived on the back of the Bruce practice experiencing a boost in patients over the last six months. His expertise will complement the other services provided by the Bruce practice’s team of 24 GPs and allied health professionals, including six nurses.

Dr Panagoda has worked throughout regional New South Wales and Victoria, and in Canberra Hospital. Dr Panagoda has extensive training and experience in a variety of disciplines including general medicine, surgery, acute medicine and paediatrics, before continuing with his passion for general practice.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Dr Panagoda moved to Australia in 2012 after graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2005. Since moving to Australia, he has undertaken training in skin cancer surgery, mental health, contraception and women’s health, and recently obtained a fellowship of the Royal College of Australian General Practitioners (FRACGP) in 2017.

Passionate about paediatrics, Dr Panagoda completed his Diploma in Paediatrics through Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network in 2015. As the father of a young family himself, Dr Panagoda says he is looking forward to meeting other families in the Bruce community, particularly in relation to providing families with sick children the best possible healthcare experience.

“I’m very excited to be working in Canberra again, and I’m very much looking forward to meeting local patients in the community,” he says. “The centre offers great services for paediatric patients – something that’s very close to my heart.”

Dr Panagoda has also developed a great rapport with senior patients and was especially passionate about improving the quality of life of many older citizens in rural NSW.

“Australia is a great place to live and work, and the rural towns that I have worked in have a strong community spirit. This is one of the reasons I have chosen a career in general practice – I want to have a positive role in my patients’ lives.”

Dr Ranga Panagoda joins Ochre Medical Centre Bruce, Cnr Allawoona Street & Ginninderra Drive, as a General Practitioner, and is available for appointments between 9am-5pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Tel (02) 6180 8500 or visit www.ochrehealth.com.au to book online.

The post Bruce community to benefit from new doctor with Paediatrics appeared first on Ochre Health.

The Wollongong Wolves Football Club is leaving no stone unturned as the team looks to prioritise their health ahead of cementing a spot in the National Premier League (NPL) finals.

With last year’s flu season the largest since the 2009 pandemic year, the Wolves are actively promoting the benefits of keeping fit and healthy throughout the winter months. To ensure they remain at the top of their game this season, members of their senior squad are visiting Ochre Medical Centre Wollongong this week to receive their annual flu shots.

Chris Papakosmas, CEO of Wollongong Wolves FC, said: “All professional athletes make their health their number one priority, and we’re looking to make this a priority for our players – including our juniors. As we near the middle of the footy season – and come into the flu season – looking after the mental and physical health of our players is important. Even our fittest players are at risk of burning out if they don’t prioritise their health.”

“I think it’s fantastic that the Wolves are doing everything they can to look after the physical and emotional health of their players. It’s great being back home on the Illawarra and South Coast, where my football journey began as a junior all those years ago. I loved being part of the club, and I can see it making huge improvements – this is just one of them.”

 Wollongong Wolves provide their five tips for staying on top of their game this season: 

1. Stay well hydrated at all times. It’s crucial to stay hydrated – both before and after physical exercise. While most athletes remember to stay hydrated during a training session, it’s just as important to keep the fluid intake up post training. The Wolves advises its players to always remain hydrated, to ensure that no nasty cramps or strains stop each player from reaching their long-term goals. 

2. Get vaccinated. With the peak flu season typically occurring between June and September, the Wolves are making sure they get vaccinated early this season. This Thursday, the Wolves senior team players, including ex-Socceroo Luke Wilkshire, are getting their free flu jabs from Ochre Medical Centre Wollongong. To help support this initiative, the Wolves and Ochre Health are offering a 33% discount for all Wolves supporters yet to receive their flu shots.

3. Practice good hygiene, even if you’ve got the flu shot. Getting vaccinated doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get the flu, although it greatly reduces the risk. The Wolves advise good hygiene practices even if you’ve been vaccinated, such as washing your hands regularly before handling foot and avoid sharing towels, plates, cups and cutlery – particularly when you’re around fellow team members. This can stop the spread of infection to other vulnerable groups, particularly younger players who might be run down after weeks of intense training. 

5. Take time out for yourself. The Wolves understand the importance of taking time away from football to stay refreshed and energised. During peak season, they recommend their players partake in hobbies to clear their minds. Whether it’s grabbing a book or going to Port Kembla beach, allowing the body and mind to step away from football is what allows every top athlete to remain revitalised and refreshed during their games. 
6. What you do off the field impacts on your performance on the field. The Wolves are avid supporters of football, simply because they love it. However, in order for their players to keep performing at their best, they encourage them to place special emphasis on three key things: nutrition, training and sleep. If these are prioritised, it significantly reduces the athletes’ risk of injury and helps them to stay healthy throughout the winter months.

The post Mind over matter: Wollongong Wolves’ five-step health guide for finals season appeared first on Ochre Health.

Every year, more than 600 Australians end up in hospital emergency rooms very sick, before they find out that they have type 1 diabetes.[1]

Diabetes is a serious complex condition that can affect the entire body and requires daily self-care. When someone has diabetes, their body can’t maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. As a result, insulin – a hormone essential for the conversion of glucose into energy – is no longer produced (type 1) or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body (type 2).

Although type 1 accounts for 10 per cent of all cases of diabetes in Australia, it is one of the most common chronic diseases among children.[2] Of the 3186 Australians newly diagnosed in 2017, half of these were children.[3]

To avoid the increasing number of hospitalisations, particularly among children, Ochre Health explains the importance of early detection ahead of National Diabetes Week from 8-14 July 2018.

What is type 1 diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Symptoms are often life-threatening, leading to fast diagnosis. While it can occur at any age, it usually develops in children and adolescents.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known. As an autoimmune condition, it cannot be prevented, even if you are living a healthy lifestyle.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Unlike type 1 diabetes, which has a rapid onset, type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition – although it is no less serious. In type 2 diabetes, the body resists the normal effects of insulin and, in some cases, gradually loses the capacity to produce insulin. As a result, many people have no symptoms at all. While the causes are unknown, type 2 usually affects adults over the age of 40 years and is associated with both genetic and modifiable lifestyle risk factors, such as weight gain and family history.

What are the 4T’s of type 1 diabetes?

This year, Ochre Health are encouraging the community, families, schools and health professionals to recognise the early warning signs – the 4 T’s of Type 1 diabetes.[4] These are:

• Thirst – are you really thirsty and unable to quench that thirst?
• Toilet – are you going to the toilet regularly?
• Tired – are you feeling more tired than usual?
• Thinner – have you recently lost weight?

What do I do if I think I have symptoms?

If you haven’t done so already, talk to your regular GP. If your doctor thinks that you may have diabetes, you will need to have a blood test. They can also test your urine for high levels of blood acids, known as ketones. Without an ongoing supply of insulin, the body switches to burning fat instead of glucose for energy, producing ketones.

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

Failure to recognise the early symptoms of type 1 diabetes can lead to a potentially life-threatening complication called diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA). In the lead-up to a DKA episode, a person may experience fast breathing, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, severe dehydration and unexplained weight loss. This is a severe complication that requires emergency services immediately.

Living with type 1 diabetes: is there a cure?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes and people living with the condition require insulin replacements every day of their lives.

While living with diabetes can be overwhelming, especially for children, you can successfully manage type 1 diabetes by:

• Learning to control and monitor blood glucose levels regularly (up to 6 times every day as directed by a doctor)
• Staying physically active
• Following a diabetic diet, including getting advice from a dietician with an interest in diabetes
• Maintaining regular health checks with your doctor, including blood pressure and kidney function
• Having a sick-day action plan.

Don’t miss the early warning signs. Book an appointment with your GP for a diabetes check today.

[1] Diabetes Australia. See https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/campaign.

[2] Diabetes Australia. See: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/what-is-diabetes.

[3] Diabetes Australia, National Diabetes Services Scheme 2017, Type 1 Diabetes Statistical Snapshot at 31 March 2017, https://static.diabetesaustralia.com.au/s/fileassets/diabetes-australia/a6bc2b76-18f8-482d-98a4-b41b20cfdb11.pdf.

[4] Diabetes Australia’s 2018 campaign for National Diabetes Week, is: “‘It’s About Time’ we knew the early signs of type 1 diabetes.” See further: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/campaign.

The post Ochre Health’s guide to identifying type 1 diabetes appeared first on Ochre Health.

Zoe Dodge

Originating from Hobart, Huon Valley based medical intern Zoe Dodge’s twin passions for science and caring for people were key drivers in her decision to pursue a career in medicine.

Following college, Zoe initially commenced a Medical Research/Biotechnology degree at the University of Tasmania, completing the first year before deciding to change directions.

“I spent a year studying a Medical Research/Biotechnology degree at UTAS, which I enjoyed – however I wished to combine my interest in science with a stronger element of human contact, and this is what persuaded me to pursue a career in medicine.”

She completed her medical studies at the Hobart Clinical School, where she developed a strong interest in Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She also enjoys procedural work, and is looking forward to experiencing rural GP work for the rich relationships that it involves.

“The strong sense of community and strong element of continuity of care with patients within a small community is appealing with me. I enjoy getting to know my patients and building great doctor-patient relationships, and I believe this is key in small rural communities to achieving optimum health outcomes.”

Zoe is among the third intake of medical interns participating in Ochre Health’s government-funded community internship program in Tasmania. In conjunction with the Huon Valley Health Centre, the 13 week placement will have her spending several months living and working in Southern Tasmania’s beautiful Huon Valley.  A keen horserider and bushwalker, this location will provide her with plenty of distractions in her spare time.

For more information on the internship program, visit http://www.ochrehealth.com.au/news/tasmanian-intern-program/

The post Introducing Ochre’s Huon Intern – Zoe Dodge appeared first on Ochre Health.

Join us at Ochre Medical Centre Bruce for a Heart Health Information session.

The team at Bruce have partnered with the Heart Foundation ACT to provide you with a two hour information session which will include:

• Dr Chris talks heart health checks and GP management plans
• Nurse Ingrid discusses the clinical services that are available through practice nurses
• Robyn from the Heart Foundation will present about lifestyle factors to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, warning signs of heart attack, physical activity and Heart Foundation programs and resources.
• Al Johnson will give an inspirational talk about his personal experience with heart attack, recovery and the changes he made to his lifestyle throughout his experience.
• Q&A with presenters

There is the option to stay between 1.00pm – 2.00pm and have a nurse check your clinical measurements such as weight, height, blood pressure and waist measurement.

Fruit, tea & coffee will be provided and there will be prizes for those who get involved.

We’d love to see you on Thursday September 20th. You are welcome to bring a friend or carer with you.

Contact Ochre Bruce if you have any questions on 6180 8500 or click here to register.

The post Heart Health Info Session – Bruce appeared first on Ochre Health.

Under the Rural Other Medical Practitioners Program (ROMPs), non-Vocationally Registered GPs looking to attain their fellowship are eligible to attract the higher A1 Medicare rebates if they work in areas which fall into one of the following regional classifications:

·         RRMA 4 to 7
·         RRMA 3 with District of Workforce Shortage (DWS)
·         Defined Areas of Consideration (AOC)

This program looks to address both the traditional shortage of doctors in rural and remote region, as well as boosting the numbers of non-VR doctors going on to attain fellowship. However, as part of the Stronger Rural Health Strategy reforms announced in the 2018 budget, the ROMPs program will no longer be accepting new entrants from 1 November 2018.

FAQ

What does this mean for VR (Fellowed) GPs?
Nothing – all changes are to MBS items for non-VR GPs only.

What does this mean for non-VR GPs?
This means that as of the 1st of November 2018, due to changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) all rural non-VR doctors not already entered into the ROMPs pathway will be paid 20% less, and the doctor will need to be accepted into a GP training program to access full Medicare benefits.

What if I’m already entered into the ROMPs program?
Whilst no new entrants will be accepted into the program from the 1st of November, existing participants in the ROMPs program and those who successfully apply prior to 1stof November will have grandfathering arrangements made available to them. This gives them a grace period in which to complete their fellowship whilst still receiving the higher Medicare rebates.

How long do I have to complete my fellowship?
The scheme has been grandfathered for a period of 5 years, with a final deadline of 30 June 2023.

What if I don’t complete my fellowship by the 2023 deadline?
In the event that you haven’t completed your fellowship by the deadline mentioned above, you will move to a lower fee structure (A7) which is 80% of the current A1 rebate.

What other pathways to fellowship are open to non-VR GPs who miss out on entry to ROMPS?
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) have recently announced that as of 1st January 2019, they will be rolling out their new Practice Experience Program (PEP). This program aims to provide a comprehensive training to non VR GPs looking to attain their fellowship, delivered via online modules, in-practice assessment activities and support from medical educators. For more information on PEP, click here.

Still have questions about ROMPs and what this means for you? Get in touch with us here

The post Last call for ROMPs program appeared first on Ochre Health.

Photo: Jane Picket, President of the St Helens Bowls Club, and Nicole Richards, Practice Manager of Ochre Medical Centre St Helens, pictured with St Helens newest defibrillator

A new defibrillator for public access in St Helens will be installed at the St Helens Bowls Club this month.

The donation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) by Ochre Medical Centre St Helens will provide the St Helens Bowls Club with a lifesaving technology that can be used in the event of a cardiac emergency. An AED delivers a controlled shock to any individual experiencing cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival.

Dermot Roche, CEO of Ochre Health, said supporting the St Helens community with this life-saving device is something he is delighted to be associated with: “With more than 20,000 Australians experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year,[1] immediate access to defibrillation at community-based sporting facilities provides a great safety guard in the event it is required.”

“We hope that increasing the availability of defibrillator technologies in smaller, regional communities, such as St Helens, will improve the likelihood of survival for incidents of cardiac arrest.”

The St Helens Bowls Club is very grateful to Dr Janet Cantley and her husband, Terry, for assisting Ochre Health in providing the club with this lifesaving resource. Club President, Jane Picket, said the club’s 80 members are delighted by the news: “We know that defibrillator machines save lives, so I think it’s fantastic that they will now be easily accessible within our venue.

“Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere and to anyone. For many of our residents, access to a defibrillator could be the difference between life and death.”

Jane added: “The addition of a defibrillator is a wonderful asset for our community and for our club. It demonstrates that our doctors at Ochre Medical Centre St Helens really care about our local community and keeping people safe. While we hope we’ll never need to use it, it’s important to have one on hand just in case.”

[1] While there is no national registry of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SDA), The Heart Foundation estimate that 25,000 people suffer cardiac arrest outside of hospital in Australia each year. See further: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/sudden-cardiac-death.

The post Ochre Health grants lifesaving donation to St Helens Bowls Club appeared first on Ochre Health.

As the warmth of spring sets in, Ochre Health warns asthmatics and hay fever sufferers to be on high alert, as the unseasonably dry weather across large areas of rural and regional Australia may trigger an attack.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. During an asthma attack, a person’s muscles around their airways become tight and narrow, swelling up with an increased amount of mucus that they struggle to breathe.[1] Asthma usually develops in childhood, and is one of the most chronic diseases among Australian children.[2]

What causes asthma?

Although the cause of asthma is unknown, it usually develops in people that have experienced a severe respiratory viral infection, or “viral bronchiolitis”, in early life. In already susceptible individuals, respiratory viruses contribute to the onset, progression, and exacerbation of asthma.

What are the common triggers of an asthma attack?

Asthma can flare-up as a response to different triggers in different people, so it’s important to know what allergens – house dust-mites, smoke, pollen, mould, or pets – trigger your asthma, and how to limit your exposure.

Some common triggers include:

• Colds, flu and other respiratory infections
• Smoke from cigarettes, back-burning, and bushfires
• Weather, such as cold air, changes in temperature, and thunderstorms
• Exercise, particularly if physical activity is undertaken in a challenging environment, such as in cold, dry weather or where there are high levels of allergens, pollution, or irritant gases
• Allergy related triggers, such as house dust mites, pollen, mould, and pet allergens from cats or horses

What is ‘thunderstorm asthma’?

Thunderstorm asthma is a unique form of asthma that is triggered by an uncommon combination of high pollen (usually during late spring to early summer) and a certain kind of thunderstorm. Anyone can be affected, even if you don’t have a history of asthma.[3]

The epidemic thunderstorm asthma event that hit Melbourne in November 2016, which was caused by a potent mix of airborne grass pollen, weather conditions and rain, left 10 people killed and saw many others suffer from acute asthma flare-ups.

Why do I need to take extra precautions with my asthma, leading into spring?

In spring, the presence of dust storms and higher pollen counts can trigger hay-fever related allergies, which may mimic or exacerbate asthma. The combination of drought affecting large areas of rural and regional Australia, and the early arrival of the bushfire season, are other factors that could lead to a spike in asthma flare-ups this spring.

What are the four steps of Asthma First Aid?

As most people know of someone affected by asthma, it’s important that not only asthmatics, but their friends, family and work colleagues, learn the four steps of Asthma First Aid:

1. Sit the person comfortably upright
2. Give them four puffs of reliever
3. Wait four minutes
4. If the person is still unable to breathe normally, call an ambulance immediately whilst giving them the reliever every four minutes

If the person is experiencing severe shortness of breath, is getting worse quickly, or their lips are turning blue, call the ambulance immediately and give their reliever every four minutes.

Living with asthma: is there a cure?

While there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled with effective clinical care, appropriate medications, and by following a written Asthma Action Plan. Everyone’s focus should be on PREVENTION and taking quick action to reduce their risks, including:

• Reducing outdoor activities where pollution and pollen levels are high
• Exercising in a place that is warm and humid, and avoiding cold, dry air if possible
• Asking your GP, nurse or pharmacist exactly how to use your inhaler correctly
• Using a space with a puffer to get more medicine into your lungs so it works better
• Maintaining regular health checks with your GP
• Following an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan

Be prepared this spring. Go to www.ochrehealth.com.au and book an appointment with your GP for an updated Asthma Action Plan.

[1] Asthma Australia, ‘What is asthma?’, https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/sa/about-asthma/what-is-asthma.

[2] Asthma Australia, ‘About Asthma: Statistics’, https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/sa/about-asthma/what-is-asthma-/statistics.

[3] National Asthma Council of Australia, ‘Thunderstorm Asthma,’ Feb 2017, https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/sa/about-asthma/resources/onair/2017/feb/thunderstorm-asthma.

The post Ochre Health’s guide to managing asthma this spring appeared first on Ochre Health.

With mental health issues now the most common reason for patient visits, [1] one Australian GP is advocating for a ‘lifestyle medicine’ approach to help people who are suffering from these conditions.

Dr Sam Manger, President of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) and a local GP at Ochre Medical Centre Maleny, Queensland, says his own experience as a GP mirrors the health systems findings in which patient presentation for mental health issues has reached an all-time high.

According to the latest Health of the Nation report, which was released by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners this month, mental health is the most prominent concern facing Australian GPs for the second consecutive year, having surpassed respiratory problems. [2] Doctors are now treating psychological issues, such as depression, mood disorders and anxiety, more than any other condition, with 50 per cent of the 1500 frontline GPs surveyed expressing concern for the future. [3]

Dr Manger says: “There are rising numbers of people experiencing psychological ailments, with major depression disorder now being the leading cause of disability worldwide. [4] When these people don’t know where to turn, their first point of contact is usually a GP.”

“Psychological illness is very complex and we cannot underestimate how many people are suffering from them. They can stem from a myriad of causes, such as early life trauma, domestic violence, bullying, and relationship breakdowns, and can’t be treated lightly,” he said.

Dr Manger also runs a lifestyle metabolic clinic for mental health patients at the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, where he – along with an experienced psychiatric team – are conducting research into the physical and psychological outcomes in those undergoing a lifestyle medicine approach on top of their usual care. He says there is a great opportunity to create evidence-based treatment programs that include lifestyle medicine interventions, which simultaneously improve physical, psychological and social outcomes.

“People with mental illness may be hesitant to present to GPs for help for a variety of reasons, such as feelings of shame, guilt, hopelessness, and embarrassment, or because of a misunderstanding of mental health conditions and the risk factors,” he said.

“For people in these situations, it’s important that they familiarise themselves with lifestyle therapies that can improve their mental health, such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and healthy relationships. When a therapist and patient work together in a shared-management approach, the outcome can be life changing.”

Dr Manger’s lifestyle-based approach to mental illness is crucial for FOUR reasons:  

1. Lifestyle therapies work: healthy diets can help 1 in 3 people with depression. In major depression disorders, 32 per cent of people with moderate to severe depression may get better on a healthy diet alone. [5] In addition, exercise can be just as effective as psychological or pharmacological treatments, [6] which is particularly true for conditions such as depression and anxiety. According to Dr Manger, sleep disorders, social isolation and a lack of vocation are also very common in people with severe mental illness, and improving these areas can have profoundly positive effects.

2. Nutrition, sleep and exercise benefit a patient’s physical health. The same lifestyle therapies – nutrition, exercise, healthy relationships, stress management and quality sleep – can result in reversal of coronary artery disease(CAD), reduction in cardiac arrests and stroke incidences, and significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in people with diabetes. [7] Furthermore, intensive lifestyle treatments can also prevent cancer occurrence and slow progression in patients with dementia. [8]

3. Lifestyle therapies can help improve life expectancy. People with severe mental illness can have a reduction in life expectancy of around 15-20 years. [9] This is largely because of chronic physical disease, such as metabolic and cardiovascular disease, which lifestyle medicine is particularly effective at treating.

4. Mental illness risk factors are similar to chronic disease risk factors. While the cause(s) for mental illnesses are multi-factorial and sometimes unknown, there are certain factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing a mental health disorder, and these are not all too dissimilar from the modifiable risk factors that contribute to chronic diseases – lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, excessive tobacco or alcohol use, lack of social support, environmental factors, and socioeconomic factors, among others.

[1] The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), General Practice: Health of the Nation 2018, September 2018: https://www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Publications/Health-of-the-Nation-2018-Report.pdf.

[2] The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), General Practice: Health of the Nation 2018, September 2018, p. 2: https://www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Publications/Health-of-the-Nation-2018-Report.pdf.

[3] The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), General Practice: Health of the Nation 2018, September 2018, p. 4: https://www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Publications/Health-of-the-Nation-2018-Report.pdf.

[4] World Health Organisation (WHO), ‘Depression,’ 22 March 2018: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression.

[5] Cooney, G., et al., ‘Exercise for Depression,’ JAMA, (Sept 2013): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24026850, and Jacka, F. N., et al., ‘A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvements for adults with major depression (the ‘SMILES’ trail), BMC Medicine 15: 27, (2017): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24026850.

[6] Cooney G. M., et al., ‘Exercise for depression,’ published by Cochrane 12 September 2013: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004366/DEPRESSN_exercise-for-depression.

[7] Ornish, D., et al., ‘Intensive lifestyle changes for reversal of coronary heart disease,’ JAMA 21: 281, (1999): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9863851.

[8] Ornish D., et al., ‘Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of prostate cancer,’ NCBI 174: 3, (2005): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16094059.

[9] The British Medical Journal (BMJ), ‘Life expectancy gap widens between those with mental illness and general population,’ Published 21 May 2013: https://www.bmj.com/press-releases/2013/05/21/life-expectancy-gap-widens-between-those-mental-illness-and-general-popula.

The post Aussie GP advocates a ‘lifestyle medicine’ approach to combating mental illness appeared first on Ochre Health.

With mental health issues now the most common reason for patient visits, [1] one Australian GP is advocating for a ‘lifestyle medicine’ approach to help people who are suffering from these conditions.

Dr Sam Manger, President of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) and a local GP at Ochre Medical Centre Maleny, Queensland, says his own experience as a GP mirrors the health systems findings in which patient presentation for mental health issues has reached an all-time high.

According to the latest Health of the Nation report, which was released by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners this month, mental health is the most prominent concern facing Australian GPs for the second consecutive year, having surpassed respiratory problems. [2] Doctors are now treating psychological issues, such as depression, mood disorders and anxiety, more than any other condition, with 50 per cent of the 1500 frontline GPs surveyed expressing concern for the future. [3]

Dr Manger says: “There are rising numbers of people experiencing psychological ailments, with major depression disorder now being the leading cause of disability worldwide. [4] When these people don’t know where to turn, their first point of contact is usually a GP.”

“Psychological illness is very complex and we cannot underestimate how many people are suffering from them. They can stem from a myriad of causes, such as early life trauma, domestic violence, bullying, and relationship breakdowns, and can’t be treated lightly,” he said.

Dr Manger also runs a lifestyle metabolic clinic for mental health patients at the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, where he – along with an experienced psychiatric team – are conducting research into the physical and psychological outcomes in those undergoing a lifestyle medicine approach on top of their usual care. He says there is a great opportunity to create evidence-based treatment programs that include lifestyle medicine interventions, which simultaneously improve physical, psychological and social outcomes.

“People with mental illness may be hesitant to present to GPs for help for a variety of reasons, such as feelings of shame, guilt, hopelessness, and embarrassment, or because of a misunderstanding of mental health conditions and the risk factors,” he said.

“For people in these situations, it’s important that they familiarise themselves with lifestyle therapies that can improve their mental health, such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and healthy relationships. When a therapist and patient work together in a shared-management approach, the outcome can be life changing.”

Dr Manger’s lifestyle-based approach to mental illness is crucial for FOUR reasons:  

1. Lifestyle therapies work: healthy diets can help 1 in 3 people with depression. In major depression disorders, 32 per cent of people with moderate to severe depression may get better on a healthy diet alone. [5] In addition, exercise can be just as effective as psychological or pharmacological treatments, [6] which is particularly true for conditions such as depression and anxiety. According to Dr Manger, sleep disorders, social isolation and a lack of vocation are also very common in people with severe mental illness, and improving these areas can have profoundly positive effects.

2. Nutrition, sleep and exercise benefit a patient’s physical health. The same lifestyle therapies – nutrition, exercise, healthy relationships, stress management and quality sleep – can result in reversal of coronary artery disease(CAD), reduction in cardiac arrests and stroke incidences, and significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in people with diabetes. [7] Furthermore, intensive lifestyle treatments can also prevent cancer occurrence and slow progression in patients with dementia. [8]

3. Lifestyle therapies can help improve life expectancy. People with severe mental illness can have a reduction in life expectancy of around 15-20 years. [9] This is largely because of chronic physical disease, such as metabolic and cardiovascular disease, which lifestyle medicine is particularly effective at treating.

4. Mental illness risk factors are similar to chronic disease risk factors. While the cause(s) for mental illnesses are multi-factorial and sometimes unknown, there are certain factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing a mental health disorder, and these are not all too dissimilar from the modifiable risk factors that contribute to chronic diseases – lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, excessive tobacco or alcohol use, lack of social support, environmental factors, and socioeconomic factors, among others.

[1] The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), General Practice: Health of the Nation 2018, September 2018: https://www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Publications/Health-of-the-Nation-2018-Report.pdf.

[2] The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), General Practice: Health of the Nation 2018, September 2018, p. 2: https://www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Publications/Health-of-the-Nation-2018-Report.pdf.

[3] The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), General Practice: Health of the Nation 2018, September 2018, p. 4: https://www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/Publications/Health-of-the-Nation-2018-Report.pdf.

[4] World Health Organisation (WHO), ‘Depression,’ 22 March 2018: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression.

[5] Cooney, G., et al., ‘Exercise for Depression,’ JAMA, (Sept 2013): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24026850, and Jacka, F. N., et al., ‘A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvements for adults with major depression (the ‘SMILES’ trail), BMC Medicine 15: 27, (2017): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24026850.

[6] Cooney G. M., et al., ‘Exercise for depression,’ published by Cochrane 12 September 2013: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004366/DEPRESSN_exercise-for-depression.

[7] Ornish, D., et al., ‘Intensive lifestyle changes for reversal of coronary heart disease,’ JAMA 21: 281, (1999): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9863851.

[8] Ornish D., et al., ‘Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of prostate cancer,’ NCBI 174: 3, (2005): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16094059.

[9] The British Medical Journal (BMJ), ‘Life expectancy gap widens between those with mental illness and general population,’ Published 21 May 2013: https://www.bmj.com/press-releases/2013/05/21/life-expectancy-gap-widens-between-those-mental-illness-and-general-popula.

The post Aussie GP advocates a ‘lifestyle medicine’ approach to combating mental illness appeared first on Ochre Health.

Samantha Gibson-Smith

Tasmanian born and bred Samantha Gibson-Smith fancied the idea of studying medicine ever since she was young, but it wasn’t until a close family member fell ill that she knew she “wanted to do something challenging”.

Completing her Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Tasmania last year, Samantha is looking forward to heading down the path of a ruralist general practice career.

Samantha is a “big lifestyle person” and is excited to complete her five-week internship placement in the picturesque Huon Valley: “I’m excited about the different lifestyle that Huon Valley has to offer, compared to my home city of Hobart. I’m looking forward to developing my skill set in a rural setting.”

Samantha lists bushwalking, horse riding, and taking her dog to the beach as a few of her favourite pastimes, and says she is grateful to pursue a career that is known to support a good lifestyle balance.

“One of the biggest appeals of being a GP is the hours, so it’s great that I’m able to enjoy my personal interests alongside my professional life.”

For more information on the internship program, visit http://www.ochrehealth.com.au/news/tasmanian-intern-program/

The post Introducing Ochre’s Huon Intern – Samantha Gibson-Smith appeared first on Ochre Health.

Osteoporosis affects over 1.2 million people in Australia, with a further 6.3 million estimated to be living with low bone density.

 What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a common disease which causes bones to become brittle.  Brittle bones lead to a higher risk of breaks than normal. Osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent disease’ because it usually has no symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. If your body loses vital minerals (such as calcium) quicker than your body can replace them, this will lead to a loss of bone density.

As bones lose their density, even a minor bump or fall can cause a serious fracture. A ‘fracture’ is a complete or partial break in a bone. Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but the most common are the hip, spine and wrist.  Managing your bone health should be a priority as fractures can lead to chronic pain, loss of independence, disability and death.

What are the risk factors?

Anyone with specific risk factors for osteoporosis should see their GP.

Your family and medical history, calcium & vitamin D levels, and lifestyle factors can all impact on your bone health.

How can I prevent it?

It is never too early to take action in order to maintain and improve your bone health. Osteoporosis Australia identifies 3 very important factors for healthy bones that are vital in preventing osteoporosis:

• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Exercise

Know your Bones – Bone Health Assessment Tool

Click here to use Osteoporosis Australia’s bone health assessment tool to assess your bone health and start making the right choices for your bones.

The post World Osteoporosis Day appeared first on Ochre Health.

We are very proud to announce Nishad Gamage of Boggabri as the 2018 winner of the Eric Fisher award.

Dr Nish and Dr Oshi with their daughter.

This award has been established by the RACGP to acknowledge a new Fellow who is committed to the wellbeing and self-care of themselves and their colleagues and acknowledges the biopsychosocial factors that contribute to good health and patient care.  Both Nish and Oshi provide an excellent medical service to the community of Boggabri (population about 1000). They are the whole compliment of resident doctors in a town that includes some large coal mines and a 4 acute bed hospital. They are supported with regular locum cover.

The Eric Fisher award is in honour of the late Dr Eric Fisher, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners from 1986 to 1988. He was a GP in West Wyalong so it is very appropriate that the first award goes to Nish as another rural GP. For more information on Eric Fisher please click here and here.

The Australian sun has a bad reputation, earned many times over. It’s a rare Australian who hasn’t found themselves red, raw, blistered and peeling at some point or other – indeed, many people get burned several times each summer without giving it a passing thought. It’s almost tradition.

It’s this kind of blasé disregard for the sun’s effects which have led to Australia having one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. Not only is our outdoor-loving culture, climate and proximity to the equator a factor in this, but our predominantly fair-skinned population is singularly ill-suited to our sun-drenched country.

Prevention and risk minimization strategies are fundamental to reducing the rates of skin cancer in Australia, and most awareness campaigns are focused on ways to reduce your risk of sustaining the damage which causes cancerous mutations in the first place. But prevention is only one side of the coin when it comes to reducing the number of Australians dying from skin cancer – the other is to improve our rate of detection of skin cancers at an early and treatable stage. Luckily, there are a number of good rules of thumb for identifying when a growth might not be harmless, and merits a trip to your GP.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer (and one of the most common cancers more broadly). It is, however, also one of the least dangerous forms of cancer. It’s a slow growing cancer which typically affects areas of the skin at the highest risk of sun exposure, such as hands, neck, and face. It is characterized as a lumpy growth with a scaly, dry and flaky texture that may ulcerate or heal incompletely.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma, like Basal Cell Carcinoma, appears as a lump of thickened tissue with a scaly, dry appearance. It may bleed easily, or ulcerate, and also grows fairly slowly over an extended period. It is more commonly found in people over the age of 50.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the skin cancer of greatest concern, as it grows comparatively rapidly, and is prone to metastasizing or spreading to other parts of the body quite quickly if not treated in a timely fashion. Of the 2,162 people who died of skin cancer in 2015, 1,520 (70%) of these died from Melanoma, despite the number of diagnoses of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) being much higher.

The ABCDE of Melanoma Detection

Melanoma often begins through either the development of a new growth, or changes occurring to an existing mole. When wondering if a mole needs to be assessed by a doctor, the below acronym provides a good general rule as to what to look for.

A mole should be assessed by a doctor if it meets any of the following criteria:

Asymmetry – has an irregular or asymmetric shape

Border – has a border that is poorly defined or has a notched, irregular appearance

Colour – has a variety of colours or colour variations/blotches within the mole

Diameter – has a diameter that is in excess of the diameter of a pencil

Evolution – has shown signs of recent change such as growth or changes in colour etc

These are good general guidelines for recognizing a mole that will need to be looked at – however, it’s always best practice to have any growth or mole which you have concerns about looked at by a professional at your earliest convenience. If you have a mole that doesn’t look quite right, book an appointment with your GP today. It might save your life!

Emma was born in Melbourne and she moved to Tasmania to study Medicine after high school. She has extended family in Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road, an area of rural Victoria she loves. While she has not visited the Huon Valley, she sees similarities between the two regions in terms of their natural beauty. She is greatly looking forward to discovering and exploring both the Huon Valley and other parts of southern Tasmania during her 13 week intern placement.

Emma chose a career in healthcare in order to work with people in a practical way and give back to the community. The placements she enjoyed most during the clinical years of her medical degree were in rural general practice at Snug Medical Centre and then with the Northern Midlands Medical Services.

Emma says, “I like the relaxed environment of a rural practice, with more time to listen to patients and hear their stories. There are also unique challenges which enable you to develop a broad skillset and you really feel like you are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

“Throughout high school I was involved with my local Surf Life Saving Club, which not only kept me fit, but also enabled me to volunteer alongside a range of community members in a great team environment, including nurses, paramedics and doctors.”

Emma maintains her interest in swimming and running. She also loves drinking coffee and spending time with friends and family.

For more information on the internship program, visit http://www.ochrehealth.com.au/news/tasmanian-intern-program/

We are delighted to announce that Annie Quirk has joined Ochre Health as our new Intern Support Officer.

Based in the Ochre Health Medical Centre in St Helens, Annie’s role includes assisting with onboarding of new interns, organizing regular communications including a quarterly newsletter, scheduling education sessions, handling any travel and accommodation requirements, and facilitating pastoral care as needed. She will also maintain and implement the Ochre Intern Orientation Guide and manage Commonwealth Government and internal reporting requirements.

Annie has a strong background in medical education, including having run the Prevocational General Practice Placement Program with General Practice Training Tasmania.  Like her role with Ochre Health, this program was focused on supporting interns and allowing them to experience General Practice. Annie subsequently moved into practice management and she worked with a number of these doctors as GP Registrars and Fellows in the busy rural and urban practices she managed.
Annie says, “I am excited about the opportunity to support the Tasmanian rural GP interns and RMOs and to renew my relationships within the THS and with the practice managers and other stakeholders across the health system here in Tasmania.”

Away from work, Annie enjoys beach walks and bushwalks with her best mate Remi (a Spoodle dog), as well as yoga and meditation on her deck overlooking Georges Bay in St Helens. She also enjoys regular visits from her two young adult children when they just want to chill with their mum or go off surfing the local breaks.

27^th February 2019 – ‘Boggabri GP centre secures new permanent doctor’ – https://www.nvi.com.au/story/5925903/permanent-doctor-gets-on-board-at-crucial-time-for-medical-practice/

27^th February 2019 – ‘Intern program ripening well in the Apple Isle’ – https://ama.com.au/ausmed/intern-program-ripening-well-apple-isle

27^th February 2019 – ‘One way to make rural internships more attractive’ – http://medicalrepublic.com.au/one-way-make-rural-internships-attractive/19309

23^rd February 2019 – ‘Canberra clubs hit the jackpot with poker machine cuts’ – https://www.canberratimes.com.au/politics/act/canberra-clubs-hit-the-jackpot-with-poker-machine-cuts-20190218-p50yjw.html

20^th February 2019 – ‘Prevention better than treatment for skin cancer’ – https://www.ochrehealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/20.2.19-daily-examiner-incidental.pdf

20^th February 2019 – ‘Young doctors to start internships in remote parts of Tasmania’ – https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5912644/support-for-rural-health/

19^th February 2019 – ‘Lancefield Practice turns 10’ – https://ncreview.com.au/2019/02/19/lancefield-practice-turns-10/

18^th February 2019 – ‘The number of poker machine sin Canberra has been cut dramatically due to a government scheme that pays clubs in cash and incentives to surrender the machines.’ – https://www.ochrehealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18.2.19-abc-news-breakfast.pdf

15^th February 2019 – ‘Lithgow’s Ochre Health receives award for improving health outcomes’ – https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/5889809/lithgows-ochre-health-receives-award-for-improving-health-outcomes/

14^th February 2019 – ‘Bathurst health: New doctors at Ochre Health’ – https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5898549/healthcare-boost-for-city-with-new-registrars-at-ochre-health/

6^th February 2019 – ‘Belconnen locals will now have more treatment options, as the Ochre Health Hub will open in Kippax’ – https://www.ochrehealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/6.2.19-prime-7-canberra.pdf