In NSW, more than 500 children a year are admitted to hospital as a result of poisoning from the products kept at home.

The children most at risk are between the ages 1-5 years.

So what is poisonous to children?

• Medicines
• Batteries
• Insect and weed killers
• Dish-washing detergents
• Eucalyptus and other essential oils
• Laundry products
• Cleaning products
• Iron and Potassium tablets

For any further information, you can contact                                        Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 or
www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au
If you need to contact a GP , visit www.waitaramedical.com.au or call 02 8038 1070

• If you are between the ages of 40-49 years it is a good time to have a full health assessment with your GP.
• Don’t wait for an illness to develop, preventative care is the best health plan to have.
• Take control of your health today.
• You can book an appointment with GP at Waitara Medical

                                                      02 8038 1070
                                             www.waitaramedical.com

Antihistamines

Not all Antihistamines are the same. Some shouldn’t be taken by children and some can adversely interact with other medications.

• Never ‘double up’ on antihistamines
• Do not take a dose sooner than you are supposed to
• Do not take two different types of antihistamines at the same time

To be on the safe side talk to your General Practitioner to see if you are taking the correct antihistamine for your allergy symptoms.

Over the years, high blood pressure increases your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, diabetes, eye disease and other conditions. About 30% of Australians over the age of 25 have high blood pressure. There are known risk factors in developing heart disease and they are

• leading a sedentary lifestyle (with little or no exercise)

• smoking • being overweight

• a diet with a high salt intake

• high blood cholesterol

• a family history of high blood pressure

• high alcohol consumption

Make a commitment to yourself to have regular health checks and your blood pressure monitored for peace of mind. See your GP today. Waitara Family Medical Practice 02 8038 1070 www.waitaramedical.com

The NSW Public Health Act 2010 states that parents must provide an Australian Childhood Immunisation Register history statement, showing their child is up to date with their vaccinations to be enrolled into child care facilities. To find out more or to book in your child today contact your GP. You can contact Waitara Family Medical Practice (Suite 1, 75-77 Pacific Highway, Waitara NSW 2077) at 02 8038 1070 or visit their website www.waitaramedical.com to book an appointment. or visit ACIR at www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/australian-childhood-immunisation-register

Memory Loss and Vitamin B12

Do you know a common cause of memory loss symptoms is Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy brain function.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Memory loss
• Numbness/Tingling of arms & legs
• Difficulty with walking and balance
• Mood changes
• Depression

If you’re concerned about your memory, make an appointment to see your G.P today. You can call Waitara Medical at 02-80381070 to book your appointment with the GP.

If you love the outdoors, love your skin more Australia is recognised as an outdoor loving country, but it’s also known for the harsh sun and high cases of Melanoma. 1,500 people in Australia died from melanoma in 2012, which is four people a day, very sobering statistics. The projected deaths for 2015 were 1,675, which are from 12,960 melanoma cases diagnosed.

Therefore, Wear appropriate sunscreen and clothing and See your GP and have your skin checked regularly.  

Christmas can be a very lonely time of the year for those without family. Whilst others are preparing for the festive season some people can begin to feel isolated and depressed. If you identify with these feelings contact your G.P to discuss options for helping you deal with these emotions. There are also organisations and community groups set up to assist at this time of year. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for the assistance you need. Waitara Family Medical Practice (02) 8038 1070 www.waitaramedical.com.au Beyond Blue support service 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport The Salvation Army 13 72 58 www.salvos.org.au

Holiday Health and Safety Tips

• Hydrate – remember to stay well hydrated during the festive/holiday season.
• Food – to feel at your peak, fresh is best. Get all your vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat. Choose fresh wholefoods
• Alcohol – drink in moderation or be at risk of becoming the guest no one wants to invite over again
• Driving – don’t ever be tempted to drink and drive, it is a no win situation
• Sun – choose a high factor sunscreen and always re-apply after swimming and/or exercising
• Rest – take time to rest up over the holidays. Recharge your batteries and always rest before driving long distances

Be Sun smart   Don’t just apply sunscreen this summer, cover your arms and wear a hat and sunglasses whenever you plan to be outdoors.

See your GP to check your skin or book your appointment at Waitara Medical by calling 0280381070.