Chronic condition management includes management of:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• COPD
• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis

One of the most frequent ways to remove wax in general practice is by ear irrigation, or syringing as it is commonly known. This procedure cannot be carried out if the person has had any ear surgery, recent infections or a perforation of the ear drum. It is also not advisable to carry out the procedure if the patient has any dizziness problems or very troublesome tinnitus.

During this procedure, the person sits in a chair and the ear is rinsed with warm water from an electronic irrigator. The wax and water is collected in a basin or cup-shaped device which the patient holds under their ear.

Having a Pap smear every two years offers the best chance of preventing cervical cancer.

The Pap smear is a quick and simple test used to check for changes to the cells of the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. A doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from the surface of the cervix and smears them on to a glass slide. The slide is sent to a laboratory for analysis and the results are usually available within 2 weeks.

Most Pap smear results are normal. A small number show changes in the cells of the cervix, mostly minor infections that usually clear up naturally or are easily treated. In a very small number of cases the abnormality persists and if left untreated, may develop into cervical cancer. When detected early, changes to the cells of the cervix can be treated.

The Pap smear is currently the best test available for the prevention of most cases of cervical cancer. All women between the ages of 18 and 70 should have a Pap smear every two years. Women should start having Pap smears between 18 and 20 years of age or one to two years after becoming sexually active.

Many diseases which are a risk to travellers can be prevented by immunisation. You should talk to your doctor about any vaccines or boosters you may need. Some diseases that should be considered are:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Japanese encephalitis
• Meningococcal disease
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Yellow fever
• Cholera
• Measles

Some countries still suffer high rates of infection from diseases that are rare in Australia due to our routine childhood vaccination.

If you were born overseas, and you are returning to visit friends and family, you should still check with your doctor if you need any immunisations.

Your immunity to some diseases may have changed or diminished with time.

Immunisations which are now routine in childhood in Australia should also be considered if travelling to areas where these diseases remain common.

Depending on your age and previous medical history, you may not be protected against diseases such measles or polio.

It is important to schedule a visit to your doctor at least 6-8 weeks before you travel to allow time to complete any vaccination schedule you undertake.

Our Practice Nurses are available to assist with the management of any wounds.

This includes:

• Post Op wound management
• Infected Cuts
• Skin Tears
• Emergency wound management