Healthy Living

What is a heatwave? A heatwave is when there are more than three days in a row with a temperature above 34 degrees. It often happens during the summer months. It is easy to become overheated and dehydrated during a heatwave. Heatwaves can cause heat-related illnesses, such as: Heat rash:...

What is it? Opioid dependence treatment is treatment for people who are dependent on opioids. Opioids are pain-relieving medications. There are legal and illegal types of opioids. Legal opioids can be bought over the counter or with a prescription. One of the most common illegal opioids is the drug heroin....

What is an influenza immunisation? The influenza (flu) vaccine protects against the flu. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of getting sick with the flu and spreading it. Some people, like those with severe health issues, are more at risk of getting sick from the flu. The flu virus changes...

What is a diabetes kidney screening? High blood sugar levels can damage your kidneys. Undiagnosed kidney damage can lead to serious health issues. You might develop kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to keep you alive. Kidney damage is often ‘silent’. This means that you may not...

What is a diabetes foot screening? Diabetes is not just a disease that affects your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can also cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This puts you at risk of foot infections, ulcers and even amputation. Nerve damage could...

What is chest pain? Chest pain can feel like a dull ache, a sharp stab, or a crushing or burning sensation. You can feel chest pain anywhere from your jaw to your ribs. You should take any case of chest pain seriously, as it can be a sign of a...

What is dialysis? Your kidneys filter the blood in your body. They remove waste products that could harm your vital organs over time. When there are problems with your kidneys, the blood is no longer filtered properly and this can affect your health. Dialysis helps by filtering the blood for...

What happens after a loved one has died? After a loved one has died, your GP may sign a certificate that confirms the death. You cannot make funeral arrangements unless your GP has signed and issued this certificate. The certificate is used by the funeral director, or the person managing...

What is quitting smoking? Smoking is the greatest cause of preventable illness and death in Australia. Around two-thirds of long-term smokers die ahead of their time because they smoke. There are more than 7,000 different chemical compounds in tobacco smoke. Seventy of those compounds are known to cause cancer. If...

What is planning to lose weight? Being overweight or obese can have an impact on your health, but even small amounts of weight loss can make a difference. In fact, losing just five to 10 per cent of your body weight helps to improve your health. If you’re concerned about...