Merry Christmas

We would like to wish all of our patients a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy 2016. 

Christmas opening hours

Tuesday 24th December 7.30am-3pm

Wednesday 25th December CLOSED

Thursday 26th December CLOSED

Friday 27th December 8am-5.30pm

Saturday 28th December 8am-12pm

Monday 30th December 8am-5.30pm

Tuesday 31st December 7.30am-3pm

Wednesday 1st December CLOSED

Thursday 2nd December 8am-5.30pm

Why is my Doctor Running late

Why is my doctor running late?

Running on time is really important to us. We understand that people have busy lives and coming to the doctor can be a stressful experience.  As a practice we recognise the importance of providing timely highly quality service for our patients and we have designed our bookings system to support this.  Unfortunately in general practice things don't always go to plan!  Part of being a caring and comprehensive family practice means we endeavour to look after emergencies and unwell patients.  If your doctor is running late, please bear with us - your time is important and we will do our best to provide the highest quality care for you and your family.

 

Going to Bali?

Most people who go to Bali let their guard down because it's so familiar and close by. Bali is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and as a result, a very popular destination, full of upscale hotels and resorts., but just because you are staying at a 4 or 5 star location doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider your health prior to departing for your trip. Even in Bali, there can be some serious medical issues that all travellers should be aware of and, when appropriate, take the necessary steps to ensure you have a happy and healthy holiday.

The most common medical issues facing travellers to Bali are related to poor local hygiene, safe water and food, and diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. It is reported that up to 40% of tourists may deal with diarrhoea, so be sure to pack appropriate medication in case your are affected. It is also strongly recommended that travellers are vaccinated against hepatitis A, a viral disease that is transmitted via contaminated food or drinking water. Other highly recommended immunizations include tetanus and diphtheria, as well as typhoid, which is suggested for adventurous travellers who plan to venture “off the beaten path.”

Travellers are also warned to avoid close contact with animals as there have been reports of animal and human rabies in Bali. While immunizations are not necessary, if you are bitten by an animal, you must report to a medical professional immediately for post-exposure treatment. While travellers are recommended to use protection against mosquitoes, the risk of being infected with malaria is very low in Bali, especially in the tourist areas. 

Navigating the treatment of depression

After a diagnosis of depression, you may receive lots of ideas and advice on how to treat it. However, some generally recommended methods may not be effective for you. Here are three commonly suggested treatment methods. Probably the most effective method in the treatment of depression is talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy works well as it stops the cycle of isolation that can occur by encouraging people to confront the beliefs and behaviors that lead to social isolation and depression. The best way to find an effective therapist is to have a doctor refer to a therapist as a credentialed therapist will most likely give you the best support.

A mental health care plan may help make talk therapy more affordable. And ongoing review with your doctor maximises the likelihood of overcoming depression.

Antidepressants can be another effective type of treatment especially when talk therapy has not been effective. However, medication really only works when it is well managed by a physician. This means that you have the correct dosage for your needs as too high or too low a dosage can have problematic side effects. If a medication is not working for you, always consult a doctor before making changes to the dosage of that medication.

Finally, you may have people recommending diet and exercise to help with your depression. While some research suggests that a good diet and fitness routine can help with your depression, there has been very little research about how to use diet and exercise as an intervention to treat your depression. Instead, consider changing your diet and exercise, but use it in addition to talk therapy and/or antidepressants. For further information about these types of treatments consult this link.