News

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 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

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

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

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

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.

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

If you’re trying to have a baby or just thinking about it, it’s never too early to start preparing. Pre-conception health care focuses on things you can do before and between pregnancies to increase the chances of having a healthy baby.

This can include managing any medical conditions, which might affect your health or the health of your baby in and following pregnancy. It also involves reviewing lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol intake.

Some medications including both prescription and over the counter may be harmful to your unborn child.

There may be some vaccinations that are recommended before you become pregnant. Having the correct vaccinations prior to pregnancy can protect your baby from serious health complications.

Plan a visit to your GP at Royal Park Medical for a pre-conception consultation now.

www.royalparkmedical.com.au
(03) 8301 5500

If you have been trying to conceive without success – come speak with your health professional at RPM about what you can do to optimise your chances. (This also includes men!)

Fertility planning ensures the best likelihood for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby at birth.

Book online at www.royalparkmedical.com.au or call our friendly team on 8301 5500.

1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness, yet many don’t seek help because of stigma.

1010 World Mental Health Day

For comprehensive, non-judgmental treatment and support – book online at www.royalparkmedical.com.au or call us on 8301 5500