Holiday Health and Safe Celebrations

Every November, Movember encourages men to take charge of their health — growing a moustache, getting active, or simply starting a conversation. Here in Alice Springs, where long work hours, hot weather and remote living can make health easy to put off, it’s a good time to pause and check in — with yourself, your mates, and your GP. Good health isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s about staying connected, active, and aware of how your body and mind are doing. Physical Health: The Power of Prevention Regular check-ups are one of the simplest ways to take control of your health. For many men, preventive care means understanding key health risks such as: • Heart disease • High blood pressure • Diabetes • Prostate and testicular cancer Making small, sustainable changes — like eating more whole foods, being active most days, and keeping up with health checks — can significantly reduce the risk of developing long-term conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. If you haven’t had a routine check-up in a while, now is a great time to book one. Mental Health: Checking In Matters Good health isn’t just about the body — it’s about the mind too. Across Australia, men are encouraged to talk openly about how they’re feeling, especially when things get tough. Whether it’s work stress, family pressures, or just feeling low, reaching out for help can make a real difference. If you or someone you know is struggling: • Lifeline: 13 11 14 • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 • MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 A simple conversation can be the first step toward feeling better. Building Healthy Habits for Life Here in Alice Springs, staying active, eating well, and connecting with others are all part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re walking with friends, playing local sport, or spending time with family, these small daily habits build strong foundations for both physical and mental wellbeing. Whether it’s booking a check-up, checking in on a mate, or just taking a break to focus on your wellbeing — every small step helps build a healthier, stronger Alice Springs community. Your health matters. Take the time to look after it — and each other.

When it comes to looking after our health, most of us wait until something feels wrong before we book a GP visit. But some of the most important checks we can do are the ones that happen when we’re feeling well. What is health screening? Health screening means checking for certain conditions before symptoms appear. The aim is to detect issues early, when they’re easier to treat or even prevent. Screening tests are tailored to your age, gender, and health history. Some are simple conversations with your GP, while others may involve blood tests, imaging, or at-home kits. Common screening programs in Australia Here are some of the national screening programs available: • Bowel cancer screening – A free at-home test for people aged 45–74, sent in the mail every two years. • Breast cancer screening – Free mammograms every two years for women aged 50–74. • Cervical screening – A simple test every five years for people with a cervix aged 25–74. • Lung cancer screening – New program for people aged 50–70 who currently smoke or have recently quit. Outside of these programs, other checks like skin checks, blood pressure, cholesterol, and prostate health are best discussed with your GP. Health checks across life stages • Babies : Regular checks track growth, development, and immunisations, making sure your baby is thriving. • Children : Focus on healthy growth, vision, hearing, teeth, and keeping vaccinations up to date. • Teens : Checks support growth, puberty, mental health, and safe lifestyle choices as independence grows. • Adults : Screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, skin and cancers helps pick up issues early. • Older People : Ongoing checks for heart, bone and cognitive health, medication reviews, and fall prevention support quality of life. Why it’s important Many conditions, including cancers and heart disease, don’t show early warning signs. Screening can: • Detect disease early, when treatment is more effective • Prevent serious complications • Give peace of mind when results are normal Making time for regular checks is one of the simplest ways to protect your future health. What should I do next? If you’re unsure what screenings you’re due for, make an appointment with your GP. They’ll consider your age, family history, and risk factors, and guide you through the options. For more information about health screening programs, visit Healthdirect’s screening page or speak to your GP. Screening isn’t just about preventing illness — it’s about living well. By staying on top of your checks, you’re giving yourself and your family the best chance for a healthy future.

Looking after your health is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself. For women, this means paying attention to both physical and mental wellbeing across every stage of life. Preventive care, regular check-ups and early intervention all play a key role in staying well. Routine Health Checks Preventive health checks help detect issues early, often before symptoms appear. Depending on your age and health history, this may include: Cervical screening for HPV Breast checks and mammograms Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose tests Bone density scans Eye and dental checks Find a full guide to recommended health checks for women here: Healthdirect – Health checks for women . Heart Health Heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “men’s condition”, but it is also one of the leading health risks for women. Symptoms can differ between men and women, with women often experiencing more subtle signs such as shortness of breath, nausea, jaw pain or fatigue. Knowing the warning signs and booking regular check-ups can be lifesaving. Read more: Healthdirect – Heart attack symptoms: males vs females . Reproductive and Hormonal Health From contraception and fertility through to perimenopause and menopause, women’s reproductive health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Common conditions such as endometriosis can impact quality of life and fertility, but support and treatment options are available. Learn more: Healthdirect – Endometriosis and Healthdirect – Perimenopause . Mental Health Matters Women are more likely than men to experience depression and anxiety, particularly during times of hormonal change or life transition. Talking to your GP early is an important step in getting the right support and treatment. Read more: Healthdirect – Depression in women . Taking Action Schedule regular health checks and screenings appropriate to your age and stage of life Speak to your GP if you notice changes in your body or mental health Don’t ignore persistent symptoms such as pain, fatigue or changes in menstrual cycles Remember that looking after your mental health is just as important as caring for your body Your health is worth prioritising. At Bath Street Family Medical Centre, our team is here to support women at every stage of life, with compassion, confidentiality and care. For reliable information on women’s health, visit Healthdirect .

At Bath Street Family Medical Centre, we know that raising healthy kids is one of the most important jobs in the world and we’re here to support families every step of the way.  This month, we’re focusing on Children’s Health & Immunisation, covering everything from vaccine schedules to common childhood illnesses. Why Childhood Immunisation Matters Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, meningococcal and more. It also helps safeguard others in the community, especially those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated. What’s the Difference Between Vaccination and Immunisation? These terms are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same. Vaccination is the process of receiving a vaccine (usually by injection) Immunisation is the process of becoming protected from disease after vaccination Read more on the Healthdirect website. Keeping Track of Your Child’s Vaccines Not sure if your child is up to date? You can easily access their Immunisation History Statement via Medicare and myGov. This record helps ensure your child stays protected at each stage of their development. How to access your records: 👉 Services Australia – Immunisation History Statements What if a Vaccine Has Been Missed? Life gets busy, and sometimes vaccinations fall behind. The good news is it’s usually simple to catch up. Your GP can help develop a safe and effective catch-up plan tailored to your child’s age and needs. Protection Starts Before Birth If you’re expecting, some vaccinations like the flu and whooping cough (dTpa) vaccines are recommended during pregnancy to help protect both you and your baby. Learn more via Healthdirect: Vaccinations and Pregnancy Need Advice? We’re Here to Help. If you have questions about vaccinations, side effects, or how to access your child’s records, our GPs are here to provide guidance based on your child’s individual needs. To book an appointment, contact our friendly team at Bath Street Family Medical Centre today.