Thinking about having a baby?

Did you know that you should speak to your GP BEFORE you start trying for a baby? Having a discussion with your GP BEFORE you stop contraception and/or 3-6 months prior to trying is ideal.

Being as healthy as possible before you get pregnant increases the chance that things go well for both yourself and your baby. There are many things to be discussed with your doctor before you start trying, to identify any potential problems which may complicate pregnancy so that steps can be taken to manage them prior to pregnancy and ensure you are as healthy as possible to enable good outcomes.

These discussions may surround:
- Personal medical history, surgical history and family history
- Optimising current physical health, mental health and weight
- Reviewing medications, diet and lifestyle – Did you know some medications can cause birth defects?
- Seeing if you are up to date with immunisations and if you may require any to ensure you and your baby are kept safe
- Screening and treatment of any infectious diseases
- Supplements required prior to and during pregnancy eg folic acid and iodine (some women may require additional supplements so speak to your doctor first)
- Discussions about genetic screening

Always speak to your GP to get recommendations that are specific to you and your situation – Don’t rely on what friends or family have told you, as it may not be the most up to date information or may not be appropriate for your situation.

How healthy are your bones?

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones brittle and prone to breakage. It occurs when bones lose calcium quicker than the body can replace it, meaning bones become thin and less dense. Any bone in the body can be affected and so even a small bump or fall can lead to the bones breaking.

There are NO symptoms of osteoporosis and it’s often discovered once a bone has been fractured aka broken.

Maintaining bone health is a MUST for BOTH MEN and WOMEN to prevent loss of independence, chronic pain, disability and even death which can occur as a result of a fracture.

Although women are at greater risk of osteoporosis, men are also at risk. Low calcium intake and low vitamin D levels play a role, but so does family history, one’s medical history and lifestyle factors.

Some tips:
1) Increase calcium intake – adults require 1,000mg per day (1,300mg if over 50).
2) Get adequate vitamin D
3) Exercise regularly including weight bearing exercise which improves bone strength

Whether you are under or over 50,speak to your GP about your individual risks, how to improve your bone health and if you are eligible for screening and treatment for osteoporosis.

Visit Osteoporosis Australia www.osteoporosis.org.au for more info on osteoporosis, risk factors and how you can prevent it.

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