Did you know ~99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if detected early!?

Bowel cancer affects women and men, young and old – it does not discriminate!

During the early stages of bowel cancer there can be NO symptoms and this is why screening is so important.

Some symptoms may include:
- Blood in poo or bleeding from the back passage
- A recent, persistent change in usual bowel habit
- A change in the shape or appearance of poo
- Tummy pain or swelling
- Pain or a lump felt in the back passage
- Unexplained tiredness or weight loss

If any of these symptoms are present or persistent for more than 2 weeks, a visit to your GP is vital for further investigation.

For those aged 50-74, they will receive a funded screening test in the mail every 2 years as part of the national Bowel Cancer Screening Program – a simple test that can be done at home which is able to detect blood not visible to the naked eye. A screening test can be organised by contacting the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.

If you or a loved one is concerned in any way, always consult your GP to discuss your individual symptoms or risk.

For more info visit: www.bowelcanceraustralia.org and https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

April is Parkinson’s Disease awareness month.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive condition affecting the brain and a person’s control of their body’s movements. While the exact cause is unknown, it's estimated 2,225 Victorians are diagnosed with PD every year. There is no exact test to diagnose PD and because the symptoms and severity vary greatly, getting a diagnosis can take time.

Every person with PD is affected differently and no 2 people will have the same symptoms or treatment.

Some symptoms include (but not limited to):
- Resting tremor
- Muscle stiffness, sudden inability to move
- Stooped posture
- Shuffling gait
- Trouble sleeping
- Reduced volume of speech
- Small handwriting
- Loss of sense of smell
- Depression, constipation

Whilst PD cannot be cured, a range of treatments are available to manage the symptoms of PD to allow those with PD to live independent and productive lives.

If you are concerned you or a loved one may have symptoms of PD, or are concerned in any way, speak to your GP.

For more info: www.parkinsons.org.au, www.parkinsonsvic.org.au

HEALTH ALERT!

Once again the Victorian Department of Health has issued a warning regarding poisonous mushrooms present around metro Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The death cap and the yellow staining are the most common poisonous mushrooms found in Melbourne and have been responsible for a number of recent deaths.

- Unless you're an expert, do NOT pick or eat wild mushrooms in Victoria.
- Purchasing mushrooms from a greengrocer or store is safest
- Remove mushrooms growing in backyards as soon as possible, especially if you have small children or own a pet.
- If any doubt, DO NOT eat the mushroom.
- Cooking, peeling or drying them does NOT inactivate, nor remove the poison

If ingested, symptoms include: stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage and can cause death within 48hrs.

If you’re concerned that a poisonous mushroom has been consumed, DO NOT wait for symptoms to occur before seeking medical attention.

Contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre IMMEDIATELY 13 11 26 (24/7, Aus wide) and seek medical attention ASAP.

We will be CLOSED over the Easter break and will be re-opening Tuesday the 6th of April.

We wish you all a safe and happy Easter long weekend!

EXCITING NEWS!!

As of today, a Melbourne Pathology collection centre is now located on site within our clinic and will be open 8am-12:30pm Mon-Fri.

139 Warrigal Road, Hughesdale.

(All pathology referrals accepted).

There is a current increase in gastroenteritis ‘gastro’ outbreaks in Victorian childcare centres.

Gastro is commonly caused by a virus that affects the gut to cause diarrhea (runny, watery poo) and sometimes vomiting. Whilst vomiting may be brief (24-48hrs), diarrhoea can last up to 10 days.

If your child has gastro they may not want to eat or drink and may have tummy pain and fever.

The main treatment is to ensure they drink fluids (water, rehydration solution such as Gastrolyte, breastmilk or formula) to replace what they have lost because they can easily become dehydrated. Offer babies and children a drink after every episode of vomiting/diarrhoea. Do NOT give over the counter medicine to stop vomiting or diarrhea as they are often harmful to children.

Babies under 6mo should always be taken to a GP for review if they have gastro as they can quickly become dehydrated.

For children older than 6mo, take them to a GP if:
- They are not drinking
- They can’t keep fluids down
- They have blood in their poo
- Their vomit is green
- They are showing signs of dehydration – for example: few wet nappies or not going to the toilet much, they are lightheaded, dizzy or have dry mouth and lips.
- They have bad stomach pain
- Or if you are worried for any reason!

Remember: gastro is highly infectious, so make sure hands are washed frequently, particularly after feeding and nappy changes to prevent spread throughout the family.

Do not take your child to childcare or school until 48hrs after their last episode of diarrhoea/vomiting. (Same goes for adults!)

If at all concerned, speak to your GP.