World Continence Week promotes bladder and bowel health. More than 4.8 million Australians experience bladder or bowel control problems. Does bladder leakage stop you doing you doing the things you love: playing with your children or grandchildren, socialising with friends or exercising? Bladder leakage – no matter how light or how common – is not normal and most cases can be cured or better managed. So get your confidence back by speaking with one of our friendly doctors at the Summerdale Medical Practice.

A recent survey conducted by the Continence Foundation revealed that 85 per cent of women with incontinence simply laugh it off, so it’s no surprise this year’s World Continence Week campaign,Incontinence: No laughing matter, urges Australians to take the subject more seriously.

Incontinence can effect both men and women at any age and can cause depression.

Urinary incontinence occurs more commonly in woman. Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause may contribute to urinary incontinence. Weak bladder muscles, over reactive bladder muscles, and nerve damage may also cause urinary incontinence.

Faecal incontinence occurs mostly due to nerve damage. Nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or stroke.

If you are affect by incontinence, there is a free National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) for advice or information on local continence services, or to go to https://www.continence.org.au for more information.

For more reading, click on the links below:
https://www.continence.org.au/news.php/505/incontinence-no-laughing-matter
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes/dxc-20166883
http://www.medicinenet.com/urinary_incontinence_in_women/article.htm

For Patients of Dr Malcolm Tilsley

Dr Malcolm Tilsley is leaving The Summerdale Medical Practice partnership after 30 years.

He will be continuing as a part time assistant.

Patients of Dr Malcolm Tilsley are encouraged to see other doctors of their choice within Summerdale Medical Practice when Dr Tilsley is not available.

World Health Day April 7

Since 1950, each year on April 7^th, the World Health Organisation (WHO) sponsors World Health Day. Each year, the theme for the World Health Day changes, drawing worldwide attention to a subject of major importance. For 2017, the theme for World Health day is “Depression: Let’s Talk”, this aims to rally action to help against depression.

Depression is a condition that affects people of all ages, in any situation, in all countries. It impacts on peoples ability to carry out everyday tasks, the consequences (which sometimes can be devastating) don’t just affect them, but family, friends and the community around them. At worst, depression can lead to self-harm and suicide. Fortunately, depression can be prevented and treated.

WHO aims to better spread the understanding of depression, which can lead to prevention and treatment, and hoping to reduce the “brand” associated with the illness and lead to more people seeking help.

An estimation on 23^rd February 2017, shows that the number of people living with depression has increased by over 18% between 2005 and 2015, with more than 80% of these people suffering with depression, living in low-income and middle-income countries.

If you believe you or someone you know, may be suffering from the symptoms of depression, contact your doctor to make an appointment to seek advice and help. For immediate assistance, contact the services of Beyond Blue or Lifeline.

Beyond Blue

Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Phone: 1300 224 636

Lifeline

Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Phone: 13 11 14

http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2017/en/

FLU SEASON 2017

We wish to advise we have our private FluQuadri Vaccines are now in stock.

These are available to purchase for $15 each for pensioners/healthcare card holders and children under 16 years. It will cost $20 for private patients. The free Government vaccines have not arrived and we have no firm date for their arrival.

Recent evidence suggests protection against influenza may start to decrease from

3-4 months following your vaccination. Early vaccination therefore needs to be balanced against this. You should aim to have the highest level of protection during the winter months (June-August).

Consequently our doctors are advising that the administration of the vaccines should

commence towards the end of April or the beginning of May. If you are travelling overseas you should have the vaccine at least 2 weeks before you go.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE VACCINE?

• Over the age of 65

• Patients with a chronic illness

• Pregnant women

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who are over 6 months and under 5 years plus all who are over 15 years of age

We welcome two new doctors to the practice:

Dr Selena “Billie”Saykao 

and

Dr Eleanor “Elle” Woolveridge.

World AIDS Day is held on December 1 each year. It aims to raise awareness about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS.

World AIDS Day aims to further educate Australians about HIV. This helps reduce the spreading of HIV by encourage prevention strategies.

We here at Summerdale Medical Centre can support people to access testing, treatment and care, as we know that commencing treatment at the early stages of HIV results in better health outcomes and reduces the likelihood of onward transmission.

Show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness and support.

For more information:
The International AIDS Society (AIS): http://www.iasociety.org/
World AIDS Day website: http://www.worldaidsday.org.au/internet/wad/Publishing.nsf/content/home