Mother’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in Australia, and there are many ways to celebrate and go beyond.

Spoil your mother on this mother’s day and show her how much you think about her and her life: Every mother deserves to be given extra care & love specially on Mother’s Day. Whichever way you acknowledge your mother or that special woman in your life, what could be a better way to mark her special day than by showing her your support and efforts to improve her health.

ALL HEALTHY WOMEN GET THEIR HEALTH CHECK DURING DIFFERENT STAGES OF THEIR LIFE (Here’s What Every Woman Needs in Her 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s):

In the 20s and 30s

When women are young and active, living the best of their life, getting health checks during their 20s and 30s is nothing but to ensure they safeguard their health. Here are some tests women should definitely consider:

Sexual Health: If you are active sexually in your life it’s better to test for chlamydia through a urine test once in a year. The disease can affect your fertility and also doesn’t display any symptoms which is why it’s necessary to prioritise this at the time of regular health check-ups.

A screening for STI should also be conducted whenever you start a new relationship or when changing your sexual partners.

Cervical Health: The pap smears maybe out but the cervical screening test is in. This screening is recommended for those under 25 and it should be done every five years, that is if the results come out normal. You should do your very first cervical screening two years after your previous diagnostic test.

Reproductive Health: If you plan to give birth, make sure you chat with your GP about some potential issues that could arise. The tests you could be told may include urine and blood tests along with ultrasound scans.

Heart Health: A doctor’s appointment should be taken to test pressure levels every two years if the levels are normal. However, if women are feeling they are on a higher side or if there is a case history considering high force on per unit area as well as cholesterol or stroke, then there is a need for frequent checks together with the GP.

Mental Health: If there are any symptoms like immense anxiety, sadness, or irritability as well as some change in eating or sleeping habits for a while there is a need to get consulted with a GP for a mental state plan.

Eyes and Teeth: If you feel the need, it’s advisable to get a regular check-up at your local doctor or a GP at Pakenham Medical Clinic or an optometrist

In the 40s

As you age it’s most likely that the metabolism will slow and weight gain will become usual as well as harder to change. This is also the time to ideally mark some changes in your cycle as well as heart health along with risk for cancer. Here is an additional list to get checked for:

Heart Health: The Australian Heart Foundation suggests that people take heart medical examinations at the age of 45 (35 for those that belong to the Aboriginal and strait Islander group).

The doctor will check the pressure as well as cholesterol levels. You will also be asked about the lifestyle you lead and any case history to examine your current risk of heart failure or stroke.

Diabetes: Almost everyone needs to get screened for the risk of diabetes by the time they reach 40 years old. The GPs at Pakenham Medical Clinic use a special questionnaire to achieve this. A web version can also be found at the Diabetes Australia website.

Breast Health: In case of any abnormalities associated with breast health such as disorders, discomfort, redness, or any dimpling make sure you see to it that you visit your doctor and undergo a series of monthly self-exams.

Eye Health: For eye health, it’s better to visit a local optometrist to get a glaucoma check.

In the 50s

In the 50s, women are most likely to experience the effects of menopause, affecting the bone density to a certain extent. Some other crucial health checks to undergo may include cancer screening, mammograms and a series of urine tests for evaluating kidney health. A cervical screening every five years should also not be underlooked.

Breast Health: For women aged between 50 to 74 years and who do not have any case or personal history of carcinoma should get mammogram screening every two years. However, if there is a private or case history regarding carcinoma, an alternative screening timeline could be suggested by the doctor.

Bone Density: As the body rewinds the oestrogen production a decrease in bone density is expected. Your GP can let you know if you need to undergo a test for bone density such as DEXA scan.

Kidney Health: Regarding kidney health, it’s better to consult the doctor regarding blood or urine test.

Heart Health: Rather than undergoing tests every two years, the regular tests for force per unit area and cholesterol must be done every year.

Bowel Cancer: As women reach 50, it’s suggested to take faecal occult biopsy (FOBT) following every two years in order to get screened for bowel cancer. There is a National Bowel Cancer Screening Program that dispatches free at-home kits for those over 50 in the post. In case you don’t get it, you can discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.

Eyes and Teeth: The check-ups for eyes and teeth should be increased and done every six months each.

For patients that live close to Pakenham or surrounding areas can visit for a health check-up:

Berwick South, Cranbourne, Pakenham Upper & South, Clyde, Clyde North, Trafalgar, Mount Baw Baw, Nar Nar Goon North, Officer South, Longwarry, Warragul North, Drouin, Drouin West, Narre Warren South & North, Koo Wee Rup, Officer, Berwick, Beaconsfield Upper, Cranbourne East, North, South & West, Doveton, Hallam, Hampton Park, Endeavour Hills, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst.

For online appointments, you can feel free to call us at our Pakenham Medical Clinic. We do bulk billing and are open every day including till late night.

Father’s Day is more than a day to enjoy a meal, day out, fun activity, or gift presents: It’s the ideal and best time to speak or bring it out in discussion with your dad about his health, how much you’d love him to become a health person, and how important it’s to get regular check-ups.

Pakenham Medical Clinic Comprehensive Mens Medical Exam

Pakenham Medical Clinic is targeting comprehensive medical men’s health check-up to improve the physical and sexual performance present during various stages of men’s healthy life.

The check-up addresses lifestyle issues which end in poor health and screens for the primary signs of illness.

The check will involve a comprehensive history of physical symptoms, psychological concerns, social factors, an entire physical examination and relevant tests.

All pathology tests that are ordered will be bulk billed.

The least bit of ages screening for top pressure level, high cholesterol and diabetes will be undertaken.

1 consultation is not enough and is required more after the visit for the whole assessment. Reception of the results of the assorted tests will be ordered.

In addition to the above, there are specific age-related health concerns that may be assessed which include:

18-39 years

Premature ejaculation; seminoma and melanoma; relationship problems; psychological state issues; drug, alcohol and smoking issues; obesity.

40-49 years

Heart disease; high force per unit area and diabetes; low libido; erectile dysfunction; marital and family problems; weight gain, sedentary lifestyle; alcohol excess; smoking and respiratory problems; work stress.

50-64 years

diabetic , prediabetic, chronic or new kidney disease, heart problems; risk of stroke; asthma and lung problems, bowel, prostate and carcinoma detection; erectile and libido problems; unemployment, and redundancy.

65 +years

Ongoing medical problems; increased cancer risk; rehabilitation and maintaining physical and sexual abilities; retirement issues; bereavement; improving psychological state and vitality.

The check-up will be concluded with recommendations – to enhance your health and when the following medical exam should occur. If problems are discovered, appropriate treatment may be offered at the clinic, or the suitable referral will be made with a recommended specialist.

Patients living in surrounding area of Pakenham are also welcome for health check:

Trafalgar,  Drouin West, Drouin, Mount Baw Baw, Longwarry, Trafalgar, Warragul (North) , Beaconsfield Upper, Pakenham Upper, Nar Nar Goon North, Officer, Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon, Officer South, Pakenham South and Koo Wee Rup, Koo Wee Rup, Narre Warren, Narre Warren south, Narre Warren north, Berwick , Berwick south, Clyde , Clyde north, Cranbourne, Cranbourne east, Cranbourne north, Cranbourne south, Cranbourne west, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Hallam, Hampton Park, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst. You can feel free to make an appointment online or call us at Pakenham Medical Clinic, we do bulk billing and are open every day of the year and during late hours.

When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available?

The Phase 1a for COVID-19 will begin on 22nd February, 2021. The particular phase will include those under international arrivals, border and quarantine workers, community health workers, workers under disability and aged care, and those residing in aged and disability care facilities.

The commencement of Phase 1b is scheduled on Monday 22nd March, 2021. The people getting vaccinated under this phase include:

• Adults aged above 70 years.
• Adults belonging to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community aged above 55 years.
• Employed healthcare workers and those not covered under phase 1a.
• High risk workers presently employed (these include fire fighters, police, defence staff, emergency workers, and those working in meat processing).
• People above 18 years having an underlying medical disorder with disability.

When are the remaining people expected to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

As per the Australian Health Department, a five-tier priority list has been defined regarding the roll out of the vaccine.

According to the COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy developed in conjunction with the Australian Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) along with the approval of the National Cabinet there are certain Australians prioritised at high risk of contracting COVID-19. These include Australia’s essential health service workers, workers in quarantine facilities, residents of aged care, and staff.

At the moment, the roll out of the vaccine is in progression. Thus far, more than 253,000 Australians have been vaccinated. For the states and territories as well as Commonwealth, vaccination sites are gradually scaling up as the increased vaccine supply becomes accessible.

The Australian Government targets to get as many people vaccinated for COVID-19 as possible prior to 2021.

What type of COVID-19 vaccines will become available in Australia?

The vaccines currently used by the Australian Health Department are the Pfizer/BioNTech, and the AstraZeneca vaccine (Belonging to University of Oxford).

The vaccines have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and have thus been utilised for phase 1a. The published data, especially by the United Kingdom, indicate a strong support for Australia’s decision in making available the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines.

A significant number of Australians would receive the Australian-made AstraZeneca vaccine, the drive of which is expected to commence on 22nd March, 2021. Thus far, the AstraZeneca vaccine provided has been bought from overseas.

The vaccines require two doses. For the Pfizer vaccine, the doses are given with a 21 day gap in between whereas the doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are offered usually with a gap of 12 weeks in between.

Is there any fee for the COVID-19 vaccine?

The vaccine can be availed free of charge by those who need get vaccinated

Is vaccination mandatory?

No, it’s not mandatory to get vaccinated in Australia even though the Australian Government does support and encourage immunisation.

What’s the process of getting the vaccine?

Vaccines meant for priority groups get delivered via vaccination clinics found in states and territories-run hospital hubs common in rural and urban areas of Australia. Additionally, in order to create vaccines meant for disability and residential senior care staff and inhabitants a specialised in-reach workforce led by the Commonwealth is given the responsibility.

A significant number of patients currently in Phase 1b would require an appointment. This can be done using either the Commonwealth Booking Platform or the booking system given by the provider, followed by a visit to the clinic for vaccination.

Clinics such as respiratory clinics, General Practice clinics as well as Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services would start offering the COVID-19 vaccines starting Phase 1b.

As for the ADF personnel, the Defence would vaccinate them.

What about the safety of the vaccines?

All the vaccines have to pass through different phases of research trials in order to confirm their safety and efficacy. In Australia for the vaccines to be approved for use a rigorous evaluation has to be passed along with other TGA approval processes. This covers assessment of everything from quality to safety and the overall effectiveness of the vaccine.

What is the best way to stay safe from COVID-19?

At the present time, the best thing one can do is strive to keep oneself updated with the important and latest advice as well as stay informed apart from staying COVID-safe. A word of caution has been shared by Prime Minister Scott Morrison stating that everyone will need to follow COVID-safe habits for an extended period of time throughout 2021 or even beyond that.

It is recommended that everyone follows the safety protocols:

• Practicing good hand hygiene.
• Maintaining social distancing.
• Saying home if sick and getting tested on the detection of symptoms
• Installing the COVIDSafe app.

A suggestion from Services Australia also states that all Australians need to verify whether their Medicare contact details are in place and if they’re linked with the myGov account (for those who don’t have one, it can be easily created in a few steps) It can help you to check the statement of your immunisation history.

We care for your health at Pakenham Medical Clinic. Expert Psychologists with Medicare Rebates.We fit in with your schedule, with early appointments, after hours. Call now to Book an Appointment. Phone 5941-6455, or Book online/Walk in to see US at 48 Main street,

Do yourself breast examination, If you wanted to talk a GP, make an appointment with the general practitioners at the Pakenham Medical Clinic, use the button “BOOK NOW!” Phone: 5941-6455