News and Updates
Welcome Dr Sarah Humphry, joining our growing team!
We’re excited to welcome Dr Sarah Humphry to our team of specialist GPs at Royal Park Medical.
Sarah undertook her medical training through The University of Western Australia and completed her General Practice training there before working in clinics around Perth.
Sarah has recently moved to Melbourne with her young family and is excited to work with the team at Royal Park Medical to deliver high quality healthcare.
Sarah’s special interests include Women’s and Children’s healthcare for which she has undertaken extra training in, sexual health, mental health, travel health as well as chronic disease management.
Sarah is trained to perform minor procedures including Mirena and Implanon insertion and removal.
Sarah will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some Saturdays.
Movement Solutions Podiatry — opening at Royal Park Medical
MOVEMENT SOLUTIONS PODIATRY will be starting at Royal Park Medical on 24 January 2019. Peter Mulkearns is an experienced podiatrist, bringing his skills to us every Thursday.
Peter is a Graduate of La Trobe University, and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. He prides himself on his ability to work with patients to provide the treatment needed, offering a personal and knowledgeable service that puts the patient first. Peter enjoys all aspects of podiatry and offers a wide range of services. These include nail surgery (ingrown toe nails), callous reduction, removal of corns, plantar wart treatment, ulcer treatment as well as gait analysis, orthotics, sport injury treatment, footwear advice and diabetic care.
Peter also has extensive experience in sports conditioning and rehabilitation having worked full time at numerous AFL clubs – North Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda as well as consulting for the AFL umpiring department.
Phone the RPM reception to book yourself an appointment: (03) 8301 5500.
Travelling this summer?
Long haul travel is a risk factor for developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Reducing your risk of DVT is important. This includes drinking plenty of fluids like water, avoiding diuretics like alcohol and caffeine, regularly moving around the cabin and also doing calf exercises. Some people like to wear compression stockings.
Some travellers are at higher risk. These include those with a past history of thrombosis. However being overweight, pregnant, having a history of cancer or being on certain medications can also increase your likelihood. Your doctor can discuss recommendations specific for your needs. For all your travel needs, see your GP at RPM.
Men’s health in November
Men in Victoria currently enjoy good health by international standards. They have the highest life expectancy of Australian men, and one of the highest in the world. However, compared with women, they have a lower life expectancy with far higher rates of avoidable and premature deaths.
Men are more likely to lead unhealthy lifestyles, have poor understanding of their health, and are less likely to engage with health services. What’s more, men more commonly engage in risk taking behaviours. These behaviours could lead to more frequent injuries and illness from:
– Motor vehicle accidents
– Violence
– Work injuries
– Extreme and contact sports
– Alcohol and drug use
– Sexual relationships
– Travel related infections
Your GP is an outstanding resource and a discussion with your GP could provide you with strategies to manage these risks and minimise harm. The GP is also an excellent alternative to the hospital emergency department for dealing with minor injuries.
www.royalparkmedical.com.au
03 8301 5500
Men’s health in November for Movember
Testicular cancer affects young men (aged 18 to 39) and is the second most common cancer in young men.
Testicular cancer may cause no symptoms at all. The most common symptom is a painless swelling or a lump in a testicle. Less common symptoms include:
– feeling of heaviness and unevenness in the scrotum
– change in the size or shape of the testicle
– ache in the back, lower abdomen, the testicle or scrotum
– enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue.
Some factors that may increase a man’s risk of testicular cancer include:
– undescended testicle as an infant
– having a father or brother who has had testicular cancer.
There is no known link between testicular cancer and injury to the testicles, sporting strains, hot baths or wearing tight clothes.
Tests used to diagnose testicular cancer include:
– an ultrasound and
– blood tests for the tumour markers.
However, the only way to definitely diagnose testicular cancer is by surgical removal of the affected testicle. While many other types of cancers are diagnosed by biopsy (removing a small piece of tissue from the tumour), cutting into a testicle could spread the cancer to other parts of the body. Hence the whole testicle needs to be removed if cancer is strongly suspected.
The survival rate of testicular cancer is high (98%). The best thing you can do for your testicles is to give them a bit of a feel on a regular basis, and if something doesn’t seem right, come and see your GP.
www.royalparkmedical.com.au
03 8301 5500
Men’s Health is our focus in November
Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of death in men. In 2016 it was the 6th highest cause of death in Australia.
Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing disease and the majority of men with low-grade prostate cancer live for many years without symptoms and without it spreading and becoming life-threatening. However, high-grade disease spreads quickly and can be lethal. Appropriate management is key.
What to look out for?
There may be no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. As it progresses into the later stages, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
• Feeling the urgency to urinate and the need to go more frequently
• Difficulty with urinating (such as trouble starting the flow or not being able to urinate at all despite the feeling is there or weak urine flow)
• Discomfort/pain when passing urine
• Finding blood in the urine or semen
• Pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.
These symptoms may not mean you have prostate cancer, but if you experience any of them, go and see your doctor.
www.royalparkmedical.com.au
03 8301 5500
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
There are three types of LARC that are available in Australia:
• a contraceptive implant that is placed under the skin of your arm – it lasts for 3 years (Implanon NXT®)
• an IUD (intra-uterine device). This is a small device that is placed inside your uterus – it lasts for 5 to 10 years depending on the type that is used (Mirena®, Copper IUD)
• a contraceptive injection (DMPA) given every 12 weeks
LARCs will stop you getting pregnant for a number of months or years.
They are inexpensive, reversible and highly effective to prevent pregnancy (as they don’t rely on you to use). They don’t interfere with you having sex and no one knows you have one (unless you tell them!).
You don’t need to go to a hospital to get a LARC – ALL these options are available at Royal Park Medical. See your GP today.
Online bookings at www.royalparkmedical.com.au or call 03 8301 5500
Travelling when Pregnant?
Travel is unlikely to be a problem for a healthy pregnant traveller. However there are some considerations all pregnant women should take into account. This includes trying to avoid non-essential travel to malaria and zika regions, having appropriate travel insurance for you and baby in case they arrive early, and being aware of how you can reduce your risk of thrombosis (blood clots). Some airlines request a support letter from your GP or specialist. In general, travel after 35 weeks gestation is discouraged.
Your GP can discuss your specific travel plans with you.
www.royalparkmedical.com.au
03 8301 5500 — at Royal Park Medical.
We warmly welcome Dr Kate Robins-Browne to the RPM Team!
Kate Robins-Browne holds a medical degree from The University of Melbourne. She pursued general practice because she is interested in building relationships with people over time and seeing how their story unfolds.
She enjoys the diversity of general practice, but is particularly interested in adolescent health, women and children’s health, sexual health and mental health. Kate enjoys working with people to help them define and fulfil their healthcare goals. She can support and guide people who wish to engage in lifestyle change and encourages these steps, along with medical management. She is trained in minor procedures including Implanon insertion and removal, and iron infusions.
In addition, to her fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Kate holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne Department of General Practice. Her research explored ethical aspects of advance care planning and she can support people who wish to consider and complete these plans. Kate continues to engage in research in clinical ethics.
Kate will be available to see patients at RPM on a Monday and Wednesday. Bookings can be made online at www.royalparkmedical.com.au or by calling our friendly reception team on 8301 5500
National Fertility Week
Did you know there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy; therefore for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy the safest option is not to drink. Alcohol can affect the health and development of an unborn baby for life.
www.royalparkmedical.com.au
(03) 8301 5500
Load More