On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 29 I May/June 2019 | Page 29

ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ blood tests every five years. If you are at high risk of cardiovascular disease, it is recommended that you be tested every year or two. Weight check – Being overweight is a significant risk factor for many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Ask your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement every two years. Bone density – Advancing age is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis. A bone density test helps to determine the health of your bones. Eye check – Eyesight tends to deteriorate with age. If you already wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, you should have your eyes tested every year. Younger adults who don’t wear prescription glasses or contact lenses should have an eye test every two years. Electrocardiogram (ECG) – This is a non-invasive and painless medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. If you are aged over 50 years, your doctor may recommend an ECG test every two to five years, depending on your health and medical history. Bowel cancer check – Bowel cancer is a common cancer and, if detected early, has a good recovery rate. A faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is used to screen for bowel cancer. ƒ ƒ Suitable immunisation – It is recommended that you have a flu vaccination if you: – are over 65 years of age – are pregnant, especially in the last trimester, because your baby will also be protected – have a chronic condition such as severe asthma or diabetes – are worried that you are likely to get the flu and it would impact significantly on you. If you are travelling overseas, please check with your GP if you require any vaccinations etc. For the ladies ƒ ƒ Cervical Screening Test – This is an important screening test to pick up signs of irregularities that could lead to cervical cancer if not treated. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. As of December 2017, the Pap test has been replaced by the Cervical Screening Test, which detects human papillomavirus (HPV). ƒ ƒ Breast cancer health checks – If you notice any breast changes, be sure to visit your GP within the next week. A day trip to remember... Ride the Ferry and have lunch at the Davo! Women aged between 50 and 74 years who have no personal or family history of breast cancer are recommended to have a screening mammogram (breast X-ray) every two years. If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, your doctor can help you to decide how often you need to be screened. Keep healthy and get tested! See your doctor for regular medical check-ups to help you stay healthy and to pick up early warning signs of disease or illness. Article supplied by Mariners Medical www.marinersdoctors.com.au Tuggerah Medical Centre www.tuggerahdoctors.com.au Toukley Family Practice www.toukleydoctors.com.au Warnervale GP Super Clinic www.warnervaledoctors.com.au 4 medical practices delivering ‘high quality health care’ across the Central Coast. Resources: Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au www.healthdirect.gov.au Ferry Trip & Lunch Package ONLY $30 per head Only 2 minutes’ walk from Woy Woy station the M.V Saratoga departs Fisherman’s Wharf Monday to Friday at 10.45am and 12.30pm and on the weekends 9.30am, 10.45am or 12.30pm for a relaxing ride on the beautiful Brisbane Waters. There is an option of a 1 ½ hour COCKATOO ferry cruise departing from 10:15am with return on the regular ferry at 1:15pm or 2:15pm. Inform the Boat Captain and he will ring the club prior to your arrival where the bus will pick you up from Davistown Wharf and bring you to Davistown RSL Club. The bus will then depart the club at either 1.00pm and 2.00pm for your return journey home. Bookings are essential. For more information contact Davistown RSL Club on 4363-0103 and Central Coast Ferries on 0418 63 13 13. Email [email protected] 2 Course Menu – Main & Dessert Minimum of 25 people For your next group booking look no further than Davistown RSL with a wide variety of choices. DAVISTOWN RSL CLUB Highly Commended 2014 Chef’s Table MAY/JUNE 2019 – ISSUE 29 29