As we get older, many of us become more vulnerable to illness. To reduce this, we would like to invite you to make an appointment to come into the Winston Glades Family Practice for a health check. The federal government has recently introduced a new health check. It is for everyone aged between 45 and 49 who may be at risk of developing a health complaint, like diabetes or heart problems.
The aim of the health check is to help find, prevent or lessen the effect of disease. After all, it is better to avoid disease than treat it. This health check will give us the opportunity to look at your lifestyle and medical/family history to find out if you are at risk.
The health check involves:
- Updating your medical history and looking at your health issues
- Doing tests (such as blood pressure tests), if required
- Follow up of any problems identified
- Advice and information, for example on how to make lifestyle changes to improve your health
If you are currently within the age of 45 and 49 you may have a “risk factor”. This meaning anything that increases your chance of developing a disease, then you are entitled to a health check.
Risk factors may include:
- High blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity
- Extra weight
- Unbalanced diet
- High cholesterol
- Family history of disease (e.g. cancer, glaucoma, heart disease, depression or diabetes)
- Smoking
- High stress levels
- Sun Exposure
When booking your appointment, please ensure to let the reception staff know that it is for a 45-49 Year Old Health Check so they can allocate an appropriate time period for the doctor and our nurse. Also, if you have any friends or family members that would be entitled to such a check, talk to them about it and encourage them to visit their usual doctor.
Health Assessments
A comprehensive annual health check is recommended for all people aged 75 and over and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders aged 55 to identify any health issues and optimise quality of life.
Annual, voluntary health assessments for older Australians provide an opportunity for your doctor at Winston Glades Family Practice to undertake an in-depth assessment of your health. Health assessments cover the patient’s medical, physical, psychological and social function.
What does this health assessment mean to you?
It provides an opportunity for your doctor to take a thorough look at some of the health problems that you may encounter. It is designed to support preventive measures to improve your quality of life. Some of the issues addressed will include:
- Daily activities and how well you can do these
- Your nutritional status
- Risk of falls and injury i.e. review of home safety
- Mood & risk of depression
- Memory capacity
- Vision & hearing levels
- Social interaction and support
- Risk of heart attack, stroke & diabetes
- Bladder & bowel function
- Smoking & alcohol intake
- Immunisation status
- Medications; both prescribed and over the counter
Overall a health assessment is a very valuable activity to enable a comprehensive appraisal of all your health needs and discover any medical problems as well as ask a health professional any relevant questions that relate to your health.