Dr Nora

Cancer Research Awareness Week

Thanks to research we now understand more about how to catch cancer early, what causes it and how best to treat it.

You can do many things to get involved in Cancer Research, from fundraising through races, bake sales or garage sales to raising awareness on social media.

In the UK I was a strong advocate for Cancer Research, completing annual fundraising races. Now in Australia, I am honoured to have been certified by the Australasian College of Dermatologists to actively perform skin cancer checks and removals.

With your continued support for research together WE WILL beat Cancer.

If you have any questions or concerns about cancer or simply need some support, please come by and see me in clinic.

Take care and stay healthy 😊

Dr Nora x

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Today is World Lupus Day.

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body including the skin, joints and organs.

What is an autoimmune disease?

Normally, in our bodies our immune system protects us from bacteria and viruses by producing special proteins to fight these off. In a person who suffers from an autoimmune disease, the immune system isn’t able to tell the difference between a foreign invader and the body’s healthy tissue which can cause inflammation.

At least 5 million people are thought to be affected world wide.

Lupus commonly affects women of child bearing age but can also affect children and men.

Lupus can cause a number of symptoms ranging from a facial rash to debilitating fatigue to joint pain. A common myth is that Lupus is contagious and is similar to HIV. This is not the case at all and often understanding of this complex disease is quite limited.

Diagnosis can sometimes be difficult due to the intermittent nature of symptoms. It is best diagnosed with a number of different medical professionals including the General Practitioner.

There is no current cure for Lupus, however it can be managed successfully with treatment. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing long term organ damage.

World Lupus Day aims to promote the impact that Lupus has on people and in turn bring more resources to end the suffering from this disease.

If you are concerned about Lupus or have any further questions, feel free to pop by and see me in clinic.

Take care and stay healthy 😊

Dr Nora x

Information gathered from worldlupusday.org

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The Government funded Influenza vaccine is now in stock!

Last year was a particularly bad year for influenza with the highest levels of activity since 2009. The ‘Aussie flu’ strain was mutated meaning the vaccine was less effective than hoped for.

This year the vaccine has changed for the better, covering more strains of the flu virus. Now children from the ages of 6 months to under 5 years are being offered the flu vaccine for free as they are thought to be ‘super-spreaders’ in the community.

Along with children, the government also provide free vaccines for other medical groups; - All individuals from 6 months of age with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza

- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy

- All aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people from 15 years and over

- All individuals 65 years and older

Adults aged 65 and over will be offered a higher dose of the flu vaccination as they are most at risk of developing complications from flu.

Please note that the vaccine does not contain live flu virus and cannot cause flu.

However, some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms for up to 48 hours as their immune system responds to the vaccine. While some people may experience mild side effects such as pain, swelling and redness at the injection site, these usually resolve quickly.

Immediate allergic reactions are rare. People who are allergic to egg are no longer excluded from flu vaccines. If you experience any concerning symptoms, please seek medical help.

If you are interested in having your flu vaccine or would like to find out if you’re eligible for the government funded vaccine pop by and see me in clinic.

Take care and stay healthy 😊

Dr Nora x

Information gathered from health.qld.gov.au

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So this is why my patients keep saying I’m busy cooking up a storm..😂 Take care everyone ❤️ Dr Nora x

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