We are wearing Pink again this October to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

1 in 7 women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. That could be you, a family member or friend.

Breast Cancer can affect men and women, and there are several types of Breast Cancer

Early detection is best to increase chances of a full recovery.  The Breast Screen Bus is in Muswellbrook now, up until the 300th of October. Click here to book an appointment.

We will have printed Breast Cancer Ribbons for $1 each that you can write your loved ones name on which will be then displayed at Brook Medical for the month of October.

Keep an eye out for our October Breast Cancer Awareness Raffle too, tickets on sale soon.

Any money raised this month will go towards Breast Cancer Research.

This month we are bringing awareness Body Image and Eating Disorders by being Body Kind.

Body Image and Eating Disorders can affect males and females. Our thoughts on body image come from media, social beliefs and our upbringing.

At times we experience different feelings about our bodies. and appearance; negative and positive. The way we feel can change how we navigate through our day to day lives.

An eating disorder can develop due to a combination of factors including stress, cultural and family factors and from our body image.

Our Dietitian Kelly from Hunter Nutrition Specialists is here most Mondays and can assist with information on eating for recovery.

If you are concerned about yourself, a family member or friend, book an appointment to discuss this with your Doctor via HotDocs or by calling 65431222

Body Kind is a program run by the Butterfly Foundation.

Positive Tips for Body Image from the Butterfly Foundation:

You are so much more than your appearance.

Avoid making unhelpful comparisons.

Treat your body well, its the only one you get.

Keep yourself media and social media savvy.

Go easy on yourself and your friends.

Have fun with your appearance but don’t let it rule your life.

Surround yourself with people who accept you as you are.

This week is Asthma Awareness week.

According to National Asthma Website, Around 2.8 million (11%) people in Australia were estimated to be living with asthma in 2022.

It is also quite concerning that up to 94% of patients do not use their inhaler device correctly.

Take the Asthma Questionaire

How long has it been since you have had an Asthma Review and do you have an Asthma Action Plan?

We can book you an appointment to have an Asthma Review. Call us on 65431222 or book an appointment on HotDocs

Ronald McDonald House is a home for families with ill or injured children. If you are lucky, you’ll never need to stay there, but for those who do, it provides a safe, warm and friendly environment when families most need it.

At the beginning of every month Ronald McDonald House puts out their wish list – a list of things that they are running short of in the house.

During June and July, with the help of our local community,we put together some baskets for Ronald McDonald House Newcastle.

Thank you to our staff and our wonderful community, we were able to deliver approximately $500 worth of Wish List Items to Ronald McDonald House, Newcastle last week.

All the donation will be used at Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Room.

Picture: Alicia and Layla presenting Morgan and Julie from Ronald McDonald House with Wish List Items

We welcome Dr Mahmuna Wahab.

Dr Wahab has a special interest in general medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, chronic medical disease, mental health, and critical care, and is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to her patients with a warm and friendly approach.

She looks forward to getting to know you and your family and is committed to helping the local community achieve better health outcomes.

She is eager to meet you and provide the best care possible.

Dr Wahab is available for appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Immunisation saves lives. It not only protects you, but your family and your community aswell.

Immunisation helps to eradicate disease. Many infectious diseases have been eradicated or are quite rare now as a result of immunisation.

New diseases develop all the time which is why we must continue to immunise with new vaccines to hopefully eradicate them for our future generations.

Here at Brook Medical Centre, we offer a range of immunisations.

Childhood Immunisation – Clinics are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays between 11am and 12pm.

A Doctor and Nurse are present at these clinics and offer all immunisations on the Immunisation Schedule

Catch up vaccinations can also be done with our nurses via an appointment.

The Flu and Covid vaccines are still available and recommended now if you haven’t had one this year.

For those over 65 in our community it is recommended that you have a Shingles vaccine. This vaccine is also available at Brook Medical Centre.

Travel Vaccinations – book an appointment with your Doctor to discuss travel vaccines. Some of the vaccines required for overseas travel are available for purchase here at Brook Medical Centre.

Our friendly staff can assist with any bookings or enquiries or you can book via HotDocs

International Men’s Health Month is recognised every year June. It is an opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health, and to promote and support the health and well-being of men in our community.

Heart Disease, Prostate cancer, Depression, Colon Cancer and Testicular Cancer are some of the known medical issues men face and this month we will be discussing these medical conditions.

Heart Disease:

On Average men develop heart disease 10 years earlier than women do, and twice as many men compared to women have heart attacks.

This is attributed to smoking, blood pressure, family history, cholesterol and weight.

Prostate Cancer:

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, and it is estimated that one in six males will be diagnosed by the time they are 85.

Early prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms.

Advanced prostate cancer symptoms can include:

frequent urination, pain while urinating, Weak legs or feet, blood in the urine or semen, a weak stream and pain in the back or pelvis

Your Doctor can offer you a PSA blood test to check your prostate.

Depression:

1 in 8 men will experience depression in their life. The signs of depression affect different people in different ways. It can involve changes in the way you think, feel or behave.

Mental health has long been viewed as a topic not to be discussed, especially in men – for some men this is not talking about their feelings, or not showing that they’re upset. This can sometimes make it hard for men to acknowledge that depression is what they may be experiencing.

Your Doctor can help with an issues you may be having and refer you onto our psychologist if required.

Colon Cancer:

1 in 13 men will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime. During the early stages of bowel cancer, people may have no symptoms, which is why screening is so important.

From the age of 45 years, a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) should be done every 2 years.

If you experience any change in bowel habits book an appointment to see one of our Doctors who can then refer you to Dr Clifton Washaya or Dr Sanjay Verma for further investigation if required.

Testicular Cancer:

Testicular cancer is not a common cancer but it is the second most common cancer in young men (aged 20 to 39) excluding non-melanoma skin cancer.

While self examination is important, please book to see your Doctor if any changes are noticed.

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All of the above medical issues and more can be discussed with any Doctor at Brook Medical Centre.

Any male from 18 years of age can book to have a Men’s Health Check done. Call 65431222 or book via HotDocs