By Annette Campbell
Have you been to see your GP lately?
We all get busy and time flies by, so chances are that unless you’ve had a particular illness you might not have seen your local doctor for a while. So we decided to check-in with Melbourne-based practicing GP, Dr Vicki Kotsirilos, to discuss some important health issues.
“Your GP does care about you and the number one thing they want you to know is that the doctor-patient relationship is crucial to good health,” says Dr Vicki Kotsirilos, who’s also a spokesperson for The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
“Communication is so important in this relationship; the patient needs to be able to ask questions and have faith in their doctor. If you don’t feel you have a good relationship with a certain doctor, find another one you do feel more comfortable with.
“And if you feel the time spent with your GP is not enough to answer all your questions, your doctor would welcome another appointment to address these questions.”
- You are the one in control of your health
It’s important that patients take control of their own health, and that means making any necessary lifestyle changes to control illness and prevent disease. You’re not powerless.
- Good nutrition plays an important role
Many diseases, such as heart conditions, high cholesterol, obesity, and blood pressure issues are affected by what you eat and in what quantities. So you need to make sure you’re eating healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables; proteins from fish, legumes and low fat meats; and dairy foods for calcium.
- Exercise is vital
As little as a 20-minute walk every day assists many health issues such as depression, osteoporosis and obesity prevention. It also helps you sleep better which is essential for good health.
- Safe sun exposure is great medicine too
Spending just 5-10 minutes outside the hours from 11am to 5pm helps the production of vitamin D as well as melatonin which regulates sleep. But be careful — too much sun increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Stress can contribute to many diseases
A happy mind certainly equals a happy body. Physical symptoms of stress include tummy ache, diarrhoea and headaches. Stress can be caused by issues in your home life or at work, so try to reduce those factors. A strong support network of friends, relaxation, meditation and sleep all help reduce the risk.
- Don’t ignore any signs or symptoms!
So many things that we can all experience at times, can be symptoms of illness — such as headaches, lumps, chest pain, nausea and fatigue. So it’s sometimes hard to know when to go to the doctor. A good gauge is your own level of concern — if you’re worried, go to the GP.
- Have regular health check-ups
From middle-age onwards, try to see your GP at least for a check up, once a year. As soon as a woman is sexually active, she should have a pap test every two years. Many GPs will also do a breast check at the same time. For women aged older than 50, a mammogram is free every two years. Men should have a regular prostate check from the age of 50 — or earlier if there are symptoms. If you are obese, a smoker, or in any other high-risk group, have regular checks with your doctor, at even younger than 45. And if you’re aged between 45-49, ask your doctor about the Medicare rebates available for heart disease, diabetes and cholesterol screening.
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