Spring 2016
General Practitioners:
Dr Penelope Aligiannis
MBBS, BMedSci(Hons)
Dr Patricia Giles
MBBS,FRACGP
Dr John Ibrahim
MBBS, FRACGP
Dr Michael Hanson
MBBS,FRACGP
Dr Thi Nguyen
MBBS, FRACGP
Practice Nurses:
Mrs Sonia Robinson
Mrs Christen Favelle
Mrs Kate Luppino
Shingles vaccination
Free for those aged 70-79 from 1 Nov 2016
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is
a condition that presents
as a localized blistering
rash. In 75% of cases, it is
accompanied by shooting,
burning or stabbing pain
which can be mild to very
severe. Sometimes the
rash is preceded by prodromal symptoms such as
itching, burning or tingling
in the area that becomes
affected.
It is important to see your
GP early as the sooner medications such as analgesia
and antivirals are commenced the lower the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia—this is ongoing pain
that may last months to
years.
It is estimated that at least
30% of the population will
develop shingles during
Podiatrist:
Mr Anton Ho
BAppSc(Pod)
their lifetime especially
when older.
There is now a vaccine
available, Zostavax, that
can reduce the incidence of shingles by up
to 70%. Vaccination is
recommended for those
aged 60 and over.
From 1st November
2016, the Shingles vaccination will be included
on the National immunization schedule for
those turning 70 years
of age. Thee will also be
a catchup program for
those aged 71 to 79.
For all others the vaccine is still recommended but not covered by
Medicare. The cost of
the vaccine is approx.
$225.
Psychologist:
Ms Racquel Singh
BASocSc, MPsych
Dietitian
Ms Alex Wall
Practice manager
Mrs Kes Steiner
BEng(Civil), MBA
Kes@medplaza.com.au
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 8.30—6.00
Sat
8.30—12.30
Sun & PH closed
AFTER HOURS BULK
BILLED HOME VISITS
Syd. Medical Service
tel 8724 6300
National Home Drs:
tel 13 74 25
In an emergency call 000
MedPlaza skin cancer clinic
Dr Michael Hanson is running the skin cancer clinic and consults patients
Mondays and Fridays.
If you need a skin cancer check or are worried about a lesion, you are welcome to make an appointment with Dr Hanson. No referral is required, private fees apply.
Farewell Dr Bruce
After 4 years at our practice, Dr Joanna Bruce has left after moving away from our
area. She now practices at Maroubra. We wish her all the best at her new practice.
MedPlazaMenai
for updates and news
Stress, Sleep and Wellbeing
Impact of Stress
Prolonged stress can have a negative impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, affecting the immune system,
mental clarity and emotional stability. If left unchecked, the “wear and tear” can lead to more serious effects – including
hypertension, metabolic disturbances, anxiety and depression. Stress can cause irritability, impacting relationships at home
and at work. In this way, stress can be contagious as others pick up on our negative emotions.
Importance of Sleep
Despite its critical importance, sleep has been somewhat of a casualty of our technological, 24x7 society. Studies show
that roughly one-third of people are not getting enough sleep, and many suffer from insomnia (difficulty getting off to
sleep and staying asleep) and other sleep disorders. Yet sleep is crucial to our physical and mental health. Even though
the body rests during sleep, the brain is incredibly active. The brain uses the body’s off-peak time to take care of a range
of very important functions, including cell repair, brain de-tox and immune system maintenance.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, school-age children need from 9-11 hours of sleep per night, teenagers need
8-10 hours and adults need an average of 8 hours. Any sleep loss (even up to 1 hour) accumulates into a sleep debt that
must be repaid. Insufficient sleep has been linked to obesity and other health issues.
During sleep, a process called memory consolidation takes place, whereby new information, such as learning, is transferred into long-term memory, to enable it to be recalled as needed. In other words, memories, and therefore new skills,
are enhanced during sleep. Being able to recall information is fundamental to performance at school and work. Loss of
sleep impairs our ability to focus, to think clearly and to balance our mood.
Studies have also shown that when you are sleep-deprived, you form more memories of negative events in your life than
positive ones, leaving you with a potentially biased memory for past events. People suffering from depression tend to
remember more negative events than positive ones, often leaving them with a sense of failure and regret. There is a
strong link between sleep disturbance and mental illness, including anxiety and depression.
Good Sleep Habits
Maintaining good sleep hygiene can make a huge difference to the quality of your sleep and overall wellbeing:

Maintain regular sleep and wake times in line with normal night and daylight hours. This includes rising at the
same time each day.




Keep your sleep environment technology-free – no electronic devices.
Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and comfortable.
Avoid mental stimulation (especially from electronic devices) before sleep.
Avoid alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. Although alcohol may induce sleepiness, it causes sleep
disruption such as early-morning waking.
Author: Anne Ward
After Hours Care
When our practice is closed patients can access after hours GP through the following:

calling Sydney Medical Services on 8724 6300 directly, this is our after hours deputising service providing bulk
billed home visits to our patients. Their operating hours are 6pm to 8am the following morning weeknights and
from 11am on Sat to 8am Mon on weekends.

calling National Home Doctors on 13 74 25 or booking online at www.homedoctr.com.au , this is also a bulk
billed home visits service operating from 4pm to 8am weekdays and from 11am Sat to 8am Mon.

Calling the after hours GP hotline on 1800 022 222

In an emergency always call 000 and ask for an ambulance or go to a hospital emergency nearest you.
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MedPlaza Menai - Sspring 2016