Volunteering.. it’s free, it’s fun and it’s fulfilling!
One of the proudest moments I’ve had this year was when I was a volunteer doctor for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. It allowed me to meet new people and engage with different cultures as well as provide a beneficial service.
We’re so lucky, in Queensland there are some great initiatives out there that are desperately in need of volunteers. From being a Bunnings BBQ volunteer, to Christmas gift wrapper for the Leukaemia Foundation, to volunteering for the Cerebral Palsy League’s upcoming show, there’s plenty out there!
Whether it’s an hour of your time, or a weekend, by volunteering you get the opportunity to socialise with new people as well as lending a helping hand. All of which feel very satisfactory and leave a positive impact on mental health.
If you have any concerns or would like to find out more please pop by and see me in clinic.
And what a week it’s been for me! From general medicine to contraceptive coil fittings to filming a new promotional video to lots of cosmetic treatments! 💉
My top tip for this week is to take some time looking after you. Very often in clinic I have patients coming in with burnout or work stress, whilst we can’t always control our workflow, it is possible to make effort spending our free time effectively to benefit our health. This could be as easy as meeting with a few friends or a paddle in the local pool or a trip to the beach 🏊♂️ If you are suffering from burnout or stress don’t bottle it up. Help is out there. Please come by and see me in clinic if you have any concerns or would like more information.
Fancy a Cup of Coffee? ☕️ Recent research has suggested that drinking coffee can have some health benefits such as a lower risk of liver disease and some cancers.
But how much caffeine should you be drinking?
Pregnant ladies should avoid caffeine but if needed have no more than 200mg of caffeine a day. Other adults can have up to 400mg.
How much is in my drink? - 1 mug of filtered coffee 140mg - 1 mug of instant coffee 100mg - 1 mug of tea 75mg - 1 can of cola 40mg - one 250ml can of energy drink 80mg
Come and see me in clinic today for more advice and tips on healthy eating.
Take care & stay healthy 😊
Dr Nora x
Research paper: The BMJ, Coffee consumption and health 2017
It’s National Skin Cancer Action Week. Two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70 and more than 2000 people die of skin cancer each year.
Most skin cancers are preventable by the use of good sun protection:
- slip on sun-protective clothing 👚
- Slop on SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen ✋️
- Slap on a broad brimmed hat 🎩
- Seek shade ⛱
- Slide on sunglasses 🕶
It’s important to stay out of the sun from 11-3pm as that’s when the sun is strongest. If you need to step out make sure you keep exposure to a minimum and use protective gear.
Getting to know your skin and regularly checking your moles is a great way to notice any changes that you can alert to your doctor. Make sure you see your doctor if notice any change in the colour, size, shape of a mole or if they become itchy or bleed.
Skin checks are simple and easy and are a great way to prevent any long term problems.
Let’s join the #SunSmartGeneration with the Cancer Council Australia 😎
