Health Awareness Months

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Where to get information about Endometriosis: 

• https://endometriosisaustralia.org/
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/endometriosis
• https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis

Who can help with management endometriosis:

• GP: Can provide initial evaluations, referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of symptoms.
• Gynecologists: Specialise in women's reproductive health and are often the primary healthcare providers for diagnosing and managing endometriosis.
• Pain Management Specialists: Assist in managing chronic pain associated with endometriosis through various treatments and therapies.
• Surgeons: Perform laparoscopic surgeries to diagnose and treat endometriosis, including excision or removal of endometrial tissue.
• Fertility Specialists: Help address infertility issues related to endometriosis and provide fertility treatments or assisted reproductive technologies.
• Mental Health Professionals: Offer support and counseling to cope with the emotional and psychological impact of living with a chronic condition like endometriosis.
• Pelvic Physiotherapist: Provide exercises and techniques to manage pelvic pain and improve mobility and quality of life. (Visit https://bloomhealthgc.com.au/ for more information)
• Dietitians: Offer dietary advice to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. (Visit https://www.sharniedwyer.com.au/ for more information)

If you have missed our event "Time to talk about Endo", you can access the powerpoint here. 

• Where to get information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
• https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
• https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/what-is-ibs/

Who can help with management of IBS:

• GP: Your first point of contact for healthcare concerns, including IBS. They can diagnose IBS, offer initial treatment, and refer you to specialists if needed.
• Gastroenterologist: A doctor specialising in digestive disorders. They can provide a more in-depth evaluation, perform tests like colonoscopies or endoscopies, and offer specialised treatment options.
• Dietitian: Diet plays a significant role in managing IBS symptoms. They can help develop a personalised diet plan tailored to your specific needs and triggers. (Visit https://www.mynutritionclinic.com.au/ for more information).
• Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Mental health professionals can assist with managing stress, anxiety, or depression, which can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial.
• Gut-Directed Hypnotherapist: This specialised therapist uses hypnosis techniques to help manage IBS symptoms, particularly those related to gut-brain interactions. (Visit https://www.thegutcentre.com/ for more information).
• Pelvic Floor Therapist: For individuals with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction alongside IBS, a pelvic floor therapist can provide specific exercises and therapies to address these issues.

If you have missed our event " Taming the Gut - Your Roadmap to IBS relief ", you can access the information here. 

Where to get information about Macular Degeneration

• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/macular-degeneration
• https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/eye-conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/age-related-macular-degenerationhttps://www.mdfoundation.com.au/

Who can help with management of IBS:

• Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor who specialises in eye and vision care. They can diagnose macular degeneration, prescribe medications, and provide treatments.
• Optometrist: A healthcare professional trained to diagnose, treat, and manage disorders of the visual system, including macular degeneration. They can provide initial diagnosis and refer to specialists if needed.
• Retina specialist: An ophthalmologist who has undergone additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the retina and macula. They are highly specialised in treating macular degeneration.
• Low vision specialist: Optometrists or  orthoptists who specialise in helping people with reduced vision make the most of their remaining sight. They can provide aids, devices, and strategies to maximize vision and quality of life.
• GP: While they may not treat the condition directly, they can coordinate care, provide referrals, and ensure other health issues are managed appropriately alongside macular degeneration.

If you have missed our event "  See a Brighter Future - Learn About Your Macular  ", you can access the information here

Where to get information about  Bowel Cancer 

• https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/
• https://www.ncsr.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/The-NCSR-marks-Bowel-Cancer-Awareness-Month.html
• https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bowel-cancer

Who can help with diagnosis and management of bowel cancer:

• Gastroenterologist: A medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system. Gastroenterologists can perform colonoscopies and other procedures to detect and biopsy suspicious growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum.
• Colorectal surgeon: A surgeon who specialises in surgical procedures involving the colon, rectum, and anus. They perform surgeries such as colectomies (removal of part of or the entire colon) or rectal resections for treating bowel cancer.
• Medical oncologist: A doctor who specialises in using medications (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy) to treat cancer. They manage chemotherapy regimens and coordinate overall cancer treatment plans.
• Radiation oncologist: A doctor who specialises in using radiation therapy to treat cancer. They may be involved in treating rectal cancer specifically, either alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
• Pathologist: A doctor who examines tissue samples (biopsies) under a microscope to diagnose cancer and determine its characteristics. Pathologists play a crucial role in confirming the presence of bowel cancer and identifying its specific type and stage.
• GP: Often the first point of contact, they can initiate screening for bowel cancer and refer patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment if necessary.
• Oncology nurse: Nurses specialised in caring for cancer patients. They provide education, support, and coordinate care throughout treatment.
• Bowel Cancer Screening Test ( faecal immunochemical test (FIT) ): https://shop.bowelcanceraustralia.org/products/bowelscreen-australia-screening-kit?variant=8461310197815

Where to get information about Diabetes 

• Diabetes Australia - diabetesaustralia.com.au
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) - aihw.gov.au
• National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) - ndss.com.au
• Better Health Channel (Victoria) - betterhealth.vic.gov.au
• Healthdirect Australia - healthdirect.gov.au

Who can help with diagnosis and management of Diabetes:

• General Practitioner (GP): General practitioners are often the first point of contact for individuals with diabetes. They conduct initial assessments, diagnose the condition, and provide ongoing management. GPs also refer patients to specialists as needed and monitor overall health, including any associated conditions.
• Endocrinologist: Endocrinologists specialise in hormone-related disorders, including diabetes. They offer advanced management and treatment options for more complex cases, providing expertise in hormone regulation and metabolic health.
• Diabetes Educator: Diabetes educators play a crucial role in helping patients understand their condition. They provide education on diabetes management, including strategies for monitoring blood sugar levels, dietary choices, and lifestyle changes. Their goal is to empower individuals to manage their diabetes effectively.
• Dietitian: Dietitians create personalised meal plans tailored to individual needs and preferences. They offer nutritional advice that helps manage blood sugar levels, ensuring patients understand the impact of different foods on their health.
• Exercise Physiologist: Exercise physiologists design safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with diabetes. They focus on improving fitness levels and overall health while providing guidance on physical activity that suits each person’s specific health conditions.
• Podiatrist: Podiatrists specialise in foot health, which is particularly important for individuals with diabetes. They monitor foot conditions, provide treatment for any complications, and educate patients on proper foot care to prevent issues.
• Pharmacist: Pharmacists assist with medication management, providing advice on diabetes medications and how to use them safely. They can help manage side effects and interactions with other medications.
• Psychologist/Counsellor: Psychologists or counsellors address the emotional and psychological aspects of living with diabetes. They provide support for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, helping individuals cope with the challenges of the condition.

Where to get information about Anxiety  Depression

• Beyond Blue - beyondblue.org.au
• Headspace - headspace.org.au
• Lifeline Australia - lifeline.org.au
• Black Dog Institute - blackdoginstitute.org.au
• Mental Health Australia - mhaustralia.org
• Australian Psychological Society (APS) - psychology.org.au
• SANE Australia - sane.org

Who can help with diagnosis and management of Anxiety and Depression:

• General Practitioner (GP): General practitioners are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing anxiety and depression. They can provide initial assessments, diagnose mental health conditions, and prescribe medications if necessary. GPs also refer patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
• Psychologist: Psychologists specialise in assessing and treating mental health issues through therapy. They use various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), to help individuals manage anxiety and depression.
• Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialising in mental health. They can diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy. They often manage more severe or complex cases. They can also manage hospital in-patients
• Mental Health Nurse: Mental health nurses provide support and care for individuals with mental health issues. They work alongside other health professionals to deliver therapy, education, and medication management.
• Social Worker: Social workers provide emotional support and practical assistance. They can help individuals access community resources and support services, addressing both mental health and social needs.
• Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists help individuals develop skills and strategies to manage daily activities affected by anxiety and depression. They focus on improving overall functioning and quality of life.

Where to get information about Healthy Ageing and 

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) - aihw.gov.au
• Department of Health and Aged Care - health.gov.au
• Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia - cota.org.au
• National Centre for Healthy Ageing - https://www.monash.edu/medicine/national-centre-for-healthy-ageing
• Australian Frailty Network  - https://www.afn.org.au/overview/
• Better Health Channel - betterhealth.vic.gov.au
• Gold Coast PHN -  https://gcphn.org.au/iamnotfrail/

Who can help with diagnosis and management of Frailty and promote Healthy Ageing:

• General Practitioner (GP) - GPs are often the first point of contact for older adults. They conduct health assessments, provide preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate referrals to specialists.
• Geriatrician - Geriatricians are specialists in the care of older adults. They focus on complex health issues related to aging, assessing frailty, and developing comprehensive management plans.
• Physiotherapist - Physiotherapists help older adults improve mobility, strength, and balance through tailored exercise programs, which are essential for maintaining independence and reducing frailty.
• Occupational Therapist - Occupational therapists assist older adults in maintaining daily activities and independence. They provide strategies and modifications to the home environment to enhance safety and quality of life.
• Dietitian - Dietitians offer nutritional advice specifically for older adults, helping to address dietary needs that support healthy aging and manage issues like weight loss or malnutrition. (Dr Hossein Khosravi - https://robinavillagemedical.com.au/about-us)
• Pharmacist - Pharmacists play a key role in medication management for older adults, ensuring safe use of medications and minimising interactions, which is crucial for managing frailty and chronic conditions.
• Social Worker - Social workers provide support in navigating healthcare systems, accessing community resources, and addressing social needs that can impact overall health and well-being in older adults.
• Exercise Physiologist - Exercise physiologists design exercise programs that cater to the specific needs of older adults, focusing on strength, flexibility, and endurance to enhance functional ability and reduce frailty. (Atkins Health  - https://www.atkinshealth.com.au/services/exercise-physiology/)

If you have missed our event "Healthy Ageing - How to make it a reality", you can access the information here