On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 31 I September/October 2019 | Page 17

travelling – but what about the flu? Influenza is the most common vaccine preventable disease that travellers can catch so make sure your seasonal influenza vaccination is up to date. Those over 65 or with chronic health conditions should also be up to date with pneumococcal vacation. Destinations specific vaccinations If you are going to a third world destination you may need to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and typhoid. Hepatitis B vaccination may also be recommended especially if you are receiving health care or are working/ volunteering in the health sector. Some countries require yellow fever vaccination however it is best to discuss with your doctor and there are increased risks of side effects with these vaccinations in the over 65’s. Other vaccinations that may be required depending on your destination and duration of travel may include meningococcal, Japanese encephalitis, cholera and TB. Some of these are only required if you are staying in rural locations in endemic regions. Other travel medications Your doctor may recommend medication to help prevent against malaria, altitude sickness or to treat traveller’s diarrhoea. Following precautions against mosquito bites are essential such as using tropical strength insect repellent, long sleeve clothing and mosquito nets at night. Some regions have other mosquito born illnesses such as dengue and zika so avoiding mozzie bites is important. Take food and water precautions to prevent For more information about vaccinations, the latest travel advice on your destination and tips for staying healthy while overseas; wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/Pages/senior-travellers.aspx Georgia enjoys all aspects of general practice and has been working at Your Family Doctors at Erina for the last 12 years. The practice has lovely new rooms and has a fabulous team of Doctors and Nurses, some of whom are accepting new patients. They pride themselves on delivering good quality health care, with that special personal touch. For more information call 4365 4999, check the website www.yourfamilydoctors.com.au or like them on facebook. Cancer Rehabilitation New spacious location dedicated to Cancer rehabilitation; individual & group prescribed exercise programs. Having trouble things you used to do? Having trouble things you Need to manage your used to do? health better? Need to manage your health better? Having trouble doing things you used to do? Need to manage your health better? A “Better Health ” wellness workshop shares ideas and tools Health ” life’ wellness A “Better “Better Health” to A help you “live your wellness with a workshop shares ideas and workshop shares ideas and tools chronic health condition. to tools help life’ with a to you help “live you your “live your life” all Our free workshops are held chronic health condition. with a chronic over the Coast. health condition. Our free workshops are held all For more information call the free workshops are over Our the Coast. Self Management Support For held more all information call the over the Coast. Ser vice on 4320 9416 or Support Self Management For 9417 more or information call the 4320 email Ser vice on 4320 9416 or Self Management Support Service CCLHD- 4320 9417 or email on 4320 9416 ork or shops@heal 4320 9417 BetterHealthW CCLHD- or email th.ns w.gov.au BetterHealthW ork shops@heal CCLHD-BetterHealthWorkshops th.ns w.gov.au @health.nsw.gov.au traveller’s diarrhoea or gastroenteritis. If you are prone to urinary tract infections or skin infections your doctor may prescribe antibiotics just in case. A good first aid kit is as important as packing your toothbrush! So instead of telling your doctor ‘’by the way I’m off to Africa next week, do I need any travel shots?’’ make travel medicine a priority and plan ahead. We hope you have a great trip full of adventure and fun and good health. Kate Perkins, B.App.Sci (Occupational Therapy) helps people who have undergone surgery and related treatment for cancer gain recovery of strength, movement, and energy. » Lymphoedema monitoring pre/post cancer treatment » Assessment and management of Lymphoedema » Strength After Breast Cancer prescribed exercise program » Scar tissue management – surgical, adhesive scar tissue, cording » Lymph and Scar Taping techniques » Low Level Laser Therapy » Manual Lymph Drainage massage » Compression garment prescription » Patient Education » EPC and Health Fund Claimable Call us on 02 4312 7033 to make an appointment @lymphaticsolutionsau E: [email protected] https://lymphaticsolutions.com.au Clinic Denture Suite 11B ~ 39 Avoca Drive, Kincumber (near Post Office) P 4369 5944 g Lookin ll a r e aft ture n e d your needs Geoffrey Dominguez AdvDipDP(Syd)DipDT(Syd) Dental Prosthetist New injection moulded & suction effective, full & partial dentures Same day repairs & relines Custom fit mouthguards 30+ years experience Professional & caring environment Health fund & DVA approved SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER – ISSUE 31 17