New guide: The science of immunisation – common questions answered
The Australian Academy of Science has released a new guide about the science of immunisation to help combat misinformation and uncertainty surrounding vaccines. The guide answers common questions, including: â–º What is immunisation? â–º What is in a vaccine? â–º Who benefits from vaccines? â–º Are vaccines safe? â–º What does the future hold for vaccination? It
Interested in healthy ageing and living well?
GPs, medical specialists, nurses, allied health professionals, representatives from residential aged care facilities and academics are invited to submit interest in joining the Healthy Living Strategy Reference Group. Healthy North Coast is looking for dynamic future-thinking people who want to be part of improving the journey of healthy living and ageing on the North Coast.
Research could revolutionise type 2 diabetes treatment
Healthy North Coast is one of 5 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) participating in the DiRECT-Australia study, with 5 general practices from the Ballina/Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour and Richmond Valley regions involved in the project. Diabetes Australia NSW & ACT have released this media release. New research could revolutionise the way type 2 diabetes is treated in Australia, potentially
New HealthPathway for mild traumatic brain injury
Mild traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Many people recover during the first few days after injury, but some people will experience significant symptoms beyond several months post-injury. HealthPathways Clinical Editor Dr Grace Leung said concussion was an important presentation in general practice. It can result from playing contact sports, falls,
Roland makes no bones about osteoporosis awareness
Roland the skeleton was a hit at Evans Head Medical Centre recently, as he raised awareness of osteoporosis. Practice co-manager Amanda Voss said Roland was a ‘nice distraction’ from COVID-19 and a good talking point. ‘Our goal was to educate staff and identify patients with osteoporosis who had let their treatment lapse, and highlight the
Port Macquarie specialist taking respiratory, sleep referrals
People on the Mid North Coast with respiratory or sleep problems are now able to visit specialist Dr Andrew Burgess in Port Macquarie. Dr Burgess moved to Port Macquarie earlier this year with his family. He participates in the respiratory medicine on-call service at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and consults at Highfields Thoracic and Sleep
Local social media video encourages Aboriginal people to get vaccinated against COVID-19
Healthy North Coast’s Djaan Jarret is back to spread the word about protecting our mob and getting vaccinated against coronavirus. Djaan is a descendant of the Bundjalung, Gumbayngirr, Dunghutti and Wadja Wadja Nations. This social media video has been produced by Healthy North Coast — share and like it today. View the post on Facebook.
Strengthen your core while we get to the core of mental health
Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW) is launching a plank challenge in June to make noise about mental health and start conversations. The Australian charity has been changing lives through surf therapy support programs that address mental health and wellbeing since 2016. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nine Australians die every day by suicide,
COVID-19 vaccines: contraindications, precautions and recommendations
In Australia, Comirnaty (Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine) is the preferred vaccine for adults aged under 50 years and COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is recommended for adults aged 50 years and over. This recommendation is based on: the increasing risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 in older adults (and hence a higher benefit from vaccination), and a potentially
COVID-19 vaccination rollout to aged care residents continues
Residential aged care residents have been among the first people who can choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. On the North Coast, 16 residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have completed their second doses of COVID-19 vaccinations, another 38 RACFs have administered their first doses. Many agencies and people are working together to help all our
New HealthPathway: medical practitioner mental wellbeing
The new Medical Practitioner Mental Health HealthPathways was localised for Mid and North Coast HealthPathways by Dr Hilton Koppe, HealthPathways Clinical Editor. Input into the development was received from multiple clinical subject matter experts, who recommended many of the resources that are included. This pathway has been designed for general practitioners providing mental health care
Haemochromatosis — tricky to say, easy to test, simple to treat, tragic to ignore
Haemochromatosis Australia (HA) is the peak body, providing support for and representing the interests of Australians with hereditary haemochromatosis. HA also provides a range of resources for health professionals on its website including links to the very popular and informative podcast series IronMatters. They have worked with the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) on
