Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and the formation of small cysts on the ovaries. When a woman has PCOS, her ovaries may not regularly release mature eggs, leading to…
In an ever-changing and evolving world, anxiety is on the rise. The unpredictability of world economics, global wars and the continually growing concern over climate change have left many wondering what the future could look like. It is reasoning like this that makes it easier to understand anxiety and why mental health issues continue to…
Let’s talk about a serious issue that is affecting the health and wellbeing of our country – substance abuse among men. In Australia in 2021, among men, there were 1,069 drug-induced deaths and 1,156 alcohol-induced deaths, according to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare. These are concerning numbers, and it’s important that we take…
In general, when I’ve given the diagnosis of “pneumonia” to a patient, a look of seriousness comes over them. Yet, when I’ve given the diagnosis of a “chest infection” to another, they seem half-expectant. So, the question is, what is the difference? The answer is, sometimes, none. The term “chest infection” really isn’t a technical…
As a GP working in several clinics, I can say that anecdotally, shingles is definitely on the rise. And, it is especially prevalent among elderly people. So, here’s what you should know about shingles. What is the shingles? It’s a reactivation of chickenpox which is a viral (herpes) infection. Chickenpox is usually a childhood infection that…
What is vaping? Vaping is the inhalation of an aerosol created by an e-cigarette or other vaping device. The aerosol is made up of a fine spray of chemicals and small particles. Vaping has been proposed as a healthier alternative to smoking, however with no long-term research yet conducted, this opinion is simply not backed…
6 lessons I’ve learned working in healthcare during the pandemic: 1. When we look back on COVID-19 in the future, the direct health impact may not be what we remember most. Indirect effects on health, as a result of delayed routine and preventive care, overstressed healthcare systems, and the increased mental-health burden, seem more significant. 2. People…
About the New Service Doctor in My Pocket will be consulting COVID-19 positive patients nationally via Telehealth. The Telehealth service ensures clients who are at risk of deteriorating are identified early and are transitioned to higher levels of care. We also manage low risk COVID-19 positive patients who have minimal symptoms and are living in…
Spring is the season for new flowers, animals being born and, unfortunately, a rise in asthma risk. Asthma Australia uses the beginning of September as the time to draw awareness to the increased risk to asthma sufferers. 1 out of every 9 Australians suffers from asthma and 80% of those also deal with the associated problems…
Doctor in My Pocket is proud to be involved with community health providers, Monash Health, SEMPHN, Central Bayside Community Health and Alfred Health to deliver the COVID-19 Positive Pathways Program to manage low risk COVID-19 positive patients who have minimal symptoms and are living in the community. The program provides clinical care, monitoring and support for all people…
GP, Atticus Health William Street While we have been locked down for the last several months, I have noticed in my conversations with patients that a lot of them have been putting off blood tests, screening tests etc. in order to avoid leaving their homes. It is so important, that now that the threat of…
In the early days of Atticus Health, where we began at Carrum, we used to have a walking group, where doctors, patients and other staff of the clinic all went for a walk. Sound crazy. I don’t think so – it was probably some of the best medicine we’ve delivered. Lifestyle Medicine and the whole…
It’s great that so many people have started running during COVID. After all, running can be enjoyable and beneficial to your body. So we did this podcast with our Atticus physio, David Ronan, to tell you what you really to know if you’re starting out with jogging. Hopefully it’ll help you: Avoid injury Run faster…
When I was a kid, often on the weekends we had two choices: Do the weeding Accompany mum to a nursery to check out plants I didn’t know that mum was a “mad gardener” at the time, but on reflection – I think she was/is. She did have a little vase on her kitchen window…
Warning – I’m going to save you from a dolled-up article and write what I know in plain/crass English. Feel free to leave now. As a business owner I’ve had to become “resilient” over the years. And, as a doctor, I would love to help bolster other people’s “resilience”. What is resilience? It’s an unfortunately…
Low back pain is one of the most prevalent health conditions in Australia with roughly 16% of Australians living with chronic back pain and over 80% of us experiencing back pain at some point in our lives. Management of low back pain is difficult and there are many different types of treatment available, however in…
I haven’t written for a while, but when I caught up with a patient of mine recently, I thought I really should. Phil who had just turned 60, came to me last year with body aches and pains, particularly in his joints. He was using a walking stick and could barely get out of a…
This year, I thought it may be worthwhile starting by simply explaining our logo – in part because after some reflection (yes my mid-life crisis) – I think I understand it myself! As many people would know, I’m a father of 5 children and it is said that children teach you more about yourself than…
