Would you know what to do if someone around you had a cardiac arrest?

Time is of the essence in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. 80% of cardiac arrests happen out of hospital and in our homes.

Shocktober is a campaign highlighting the importance of knowing where Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located and to make sure they are accessible in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.

Today, October 16th is also ‘restart a heart day’…. Every minute without intervention, the chance of surviving decreases by 10%.

Knowing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is lifesaving. It’s important for people of all ages to know how to perform CPR.

Use today as an opportunity to refresh your CPR skills, or to sign up for a CPR course. Also, next time you’re out and about, see if you can spot where AEDs are located in supermarkets and shops. You just don’t know when you might need it (and CPR skills) to save a loved one’s life!

Today is mental health day. Make sure to check in on your friends, family and most importantly, yourself.
Dr Billy was able to comment on some of the data found in regards to medical professionals.
https://www.healthindustryhub.com.au/pharma-biotech-med-tech-medical/new-data-reveals-extent-of-mental-health-impact-on-healthcare-professionals-across-the-country/

Tomorrow, October 10th is world mental health day!

1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness every year however, many don’t seek help in fear of stigma.

This world mental health day, take the opportunity to take actions to support your own mental health and wellbeing, and to support friends and family who are struggling.

This year looking after your mental health and well being has been more important than ever.

Speak with your GP or one of the support lines/sites below for help and to see what you can do to support your own mental health, or to support someone else.

Lifeline 13 11 14 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week)
Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight)
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
Black dog institute www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Butterfly Foundation National Helpline 1800 334 673
Carer support 1800 242 636
Headspace www.headspace.org.au
RUOK www.ruok.org.au
SANE Australia Help Centre 1800 187 263 www.sane.org.au
Suicide call back service 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Qlife 1800 184 527

Mental health and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the mental health of many Victorians.

GP Mental health treatment plans (MHTP) are for patients with mental health conditions who would benefit from a structured approach to the management of their treatment needs. This allows patients to be eligible for up to 10 Medicare rebateable mental health services per calendar year for psychological therapy provided either by a psychologist, psychiatrist or GP.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions – eg Victoria.

This equates to a total of 20 Medicare rebateable sessions.

The Australian Government has allowed this to continue until March 31, 2021.

Patients are required to have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a review with their GP in order to access additional services.

Speak to your GP to discuss whether you would be eligible for these additional sessions if you already have MHTP in place. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns for your mental health and to discuss whether a MHTP is suitable for you.

Listen up ladies...

Seeing your doctor for regular check ups help us to stay healthy and pick up early warning signs of illness or disease. It’s recommended women have a yearly general check up with their GP.

Self checking should be incorporated to every woman’s regular routine. Some things that can be done at home include:

- Skin checks- Regularly check your skin for any new spots or changes to skin blemishes, freckles.
- Breasts- Regular self breast checks to detect any changes in the breast or nipple
- Teeth: Regularly cleaning teeth and drinking fluoridated water can reduce risk of dental decay
- Weight- monitoring and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent chronic diseases

Health checks that can be done with your GP include:
- Cervical screening test – a very important screening test that picks up changes in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer (This test looks for Human Papillomavirus HPV which is known to cause cervical cancer and has replaced the Pap Test)
- Sexually transmitted infection screening
- Pre-pregnancy check ups to discuss any health risks prior to pregnancy
- Heart health checks – Blood pressure, blood tests and weight checks
- Diabetes health checks
- Breast cancer checks – screening mammograms for women aged 50-74
- Bowel cancer checks – faecal occult blood test (FOBT) as part of the bowel cancer screening program for women aged 50-74 and this may include a colonoscopy
- Bone density checks – for osteoporosis
- Eye health check
- Immunisations – for illness prevention

It is important to have regular health checks, even if you feel well and healthy. Seeing your doctor regularly will help you to stay healthy and pick up any early warning signs. Speak to your doctor to see which of the above is most suitable for you.