Would you rather stay well or get sick?
That’s a no-brainer, isn’t it? Nobody wants to be sick.
Staying well involves both short-term and long-term effort. You need to make the most of vaccines and health checks. And you need to develop healthy habits that keep your body strong.
About preventive health care
Preventive health care is focused on keeping you well rather than treating you when you get sick. Of course, we’ll do that when you need it. But we’d rather help you avoid ill-health.
Preventive health care encompasses a few different types of medical support.
Vaccinations
One of the 20th century’s public health triumphs was the introduction of mass vaccination programs, which have protected many children against diseases that previous generations dreaded. One US analysis found that vaccinations had led to a 92% decline in cases and 99% decline in deaths due to diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, and tetanus.These and many other vaccines are provided for free to Australian children as part of the National Immunisation Program. One of the best things you can do for your family’s health is to get your children vaccinated on time.
Similarly, the seasonal flu jab can prevent about 60% of influenza cases. Flu is a debilitating and sometimes dangerous disease that can cause thousands of hospitalisations each year. Everyone in your family over the age of 6 months should get their flu jab each year, ideally in April or May. (This year, WeCare is offering free flu jabs to new patients to celebrate our opening. Book yours here).
And then there’s the COVID vaccine. We strongly encourage all patients to have this jab to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Check your eligibility here.
Healthy lifestyle
Staying healthy in the long term relies on a series of small, daily choices. Would you rather snuggle under the doona or go for a run before work? Would you rather munch on an apple or a chocolate chip cookie? Would you rather de-stress with a glass (or two…or three) of wine or with a few minutes of deep, slow breathing?
Now, we’re not trying to ruin all your fun. There’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself sometimes – if it’s done within an overall healthy lifestyle where you’re usually eating nutritious food, exercising regularly and keeping an eye on your alcohol intake.
The trouble comes when the unhealthy patterns start to take over.
Most of us do not do enough physical activity. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, only 45% of adults meet the physical activity guidelines. When it comes to muscle-strengthening activities, 77% of us are not doing enough.
It makes sense. We drive to work, we sit at our desk all day, we drive home and we relax by sitting on the sofa watching TV before we go to bed and lie down all night.
A sedentary lifestyle weakens your health. It weakens your muscles, bones and immune system and increases your weight. It can affect your metabolism and your hormones. And it’s an underlying cause of many serious diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, osteoporosis and depression.
If you’d like help to develop a healthier lifestyle, then book in for a Wellness Check. In a supportive, non-judgemental consultation, we’ll explore your smoking status, nutrition, alcohol consumption and physical activity levels. We’ll chat about ways to improve your health and support you as you try to make positive changes.
Health assessments
The government funds health assessments for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on an annual basis
- People aged 40-49 with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- People aged over 75
- Heart health.
These are longer appointments with the GP or practice nurse. We may check your height and weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, vision and overall well being. Sometimes these checks pick up the early signs of a health condition meaning we can start treatment before it progresses – known as secondary prevention.
Skin cancer checks
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. A regular skin cancer check helps to spot any concerning changes in your skin. WeCare can not only perform your skin cancer check, but also provide treatment in the form of liquid nitrogen ‘freezing’ therapy or minor surgical procedures, saving you a trip to a different doctor.
Prevention is definitely better than cure. Talk to us today about a vaccination, a health assessment or a skin cancer check. We’d love to help you stay well so you can enjoy life.
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Disclaimer
All information is general in nature. Patients should consider their own personal circumstances and seek a second opinion.
