Winter is coming – and that means flu season is about to arrive on our coasts. If you’re like most Australians, you might be more focused on bundling up against the upcoming cold; however, it’s more important than ever to get your flu shots in preparation for those long winter months.

Flu shots offer serious protection against a potentially deadly illness, especially in young children and the elderly. It’s estimated that influenza causes about 3,500 deaths, yet only 42 percent of “at risk” groups are vaccinated annually. This is alarming, considering that the flu shot is the single greatest defense against the influenza virus.

Even if you’re not in the “at risk” group of children and elderly, getting a flu shot can be critical for staying happy and healthy this winter. It’s estimated that over 10 percent of workplace absenteeism is associated with the flu; additionally, about 18,000 percent of hospitalisations and 300,000 GP consultations are made each year because of the flu.

That’s a lot of time lost to GP appointments and sick days!

To prepare for the flu season in Australia this year, consider using the following techniques:

• Wash your hands: You know that hand washing is great for preventing germs – and that rule still applies during flu season. Teach your children to wash their hands throughout the day to stop flu germs from spreading.

• Disinfect heavily touched items: Doorknobs, handles, kitchen tables, counters, and other popular areas should be disinfected on a regular basis.

• Focus on a healthy diet: Your immune system needs vitamins and minerals to properly function – give it what it needs by eating a healthy diet filled with veggies, greens, and fruits.

• Get some sleep: Feeling tired and run down makes you especially susceptible to the influenza virus. Get your seven to eight hours per night to give your body the energy it needs to fight off the flu.

• Get your flu shot: The flu shot is the single best line of defense against the flu this winter season. Make sure you get it as soon as those temperatures start dropping!

At Wellcentre Medical Centre in Kingston, we do more than specialize in skin cancer and melanoma detection; we also provide GP services, including administration of the new quadriple vaccine ($15). Don’t let influenza invade your home this upcoming winter – schedule a consultation with a GP at Wellcare Medical Centre in Kingston today.

Skin cancer is on the rise all around the world; in fact, a recent study by an American non-profit showed that cases of melanoma have risen over 800 percent in women ages 18 to 39, while rates for men are at 400 percent. To help combat the rising tides of melanoma, it’s more important than ever for people to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer.

How to Perform a Skin Examination

Early detection is key, especially in Australia, where 30 people are diagnosed with melanoma each day. When caught early, melanoma and other forms of skin cancer can be treated as quickly as possible, leading to higher survival rates.

To perform a skin examination, perform the following steps on a month-to-month basis:

• Examine your nude body from head to toe in front of a mirror; note where you see any moles and skin lesions

• Bend elbows to examine their creases

• Look at the backs of your legs and soles of your feet, as well as in between your toes

• Using a hand mirror, examine the back of your neck and your scalp.

• Finish the exam by using the hand mirror to check your back and buttocks

You may want to take pictures of any moles or skin lesions that look new or have changed shape. Compare these notes during your next self-exam to see if the moles changed shape or color. If you see anything that looks concerning or different, contact Wellcare Medical Centre for a skin cancer check-up right away.

Wellcare Medical Centre: Fighting Back Against Skin Cancer

At Wellcare Medical Centre in Kingston, we specialize in skin cancer and melanoma detection. We use state-of-the-art technology to help diagnose and catch melanoma at its earliest stages. This equipment can be crucial to detecting skin cancer as early as possible, making treatment much more likely to be successful. Our skin cancer management services include:

• Comprehensive head-to-toe skin examination
• Record of all skin lesions
• Sequential monitoring of moles over time
• Surgical excision of skin cancer

Wellcare Medical Centre even provides corporate skin check events for employees.

Contact Wellcare Medical Centre Today

Empower yourself to take a stand against skin cancer. Learn more about early detection for skin cancer by contacting Wellcare Medical Centre in Kingston today. Call Us Today 07 3133 4483 to learn more.

Tag Archives: skin cancer

Preparing for Flu Season in Australia

Why You Need to Give Yourself Skin Cancer Self-Examinations