Head and Neck Cancer Awareness
Dr MacLeod talks about the importance of self examination and risk factors for head and neck cancer including smoking, silent reflux, Human Pappilloma Virus (HPV) and radiation therapy. If you experience hoarseness, sore throat, chronic sore throat or see visible sores on the mouth or any swelling around the head or neck contact your doctor.
How much do you understand your skin
Anybody born in Australia has an increased risk of skin cancer due to the hole in the ozone layer above the continent and chronic exposure to UV radiation without proper sun protection. Dr MacLeod discuss NCIS in this podcast which is a tool used to detect skin cancer.
Food Allergies are on the Rise
Food allergies such as peanut, wheat, lactose and soy are on the increase in developed nations. Dr MacLeod discusses the importance of adequate Vitamin D intake as an infant.
Do you have High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is associated with early heart attacks and stroke. Improving your diet, exercise and if necessary taking a medication to normalize cholesterol levels can delay atherosclerotic heart disease and stroke in some patients.
Human Health Issues and Pollution
Dr MacLeod discusses the importance of clean air, water and food to prevent cancer, asthma and respiratory diseases commonly worsened with environmental pollutants.
Top Tips for Men’s Health
Better nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene and obtaining regular health checks will help prevent or manage diseases in their early stages.
Colon and Bowel Cancer Awarenes
Colon and Bowel Cancer is one of the leading causes of death related to cancer in Australia. Almost all deaths are preventable with early detection. Dr MacLeod discusses the importance of early detection, colonoscopies and stool checks for blood not visible to the naked eye in this podcast.
Not Sleeping?
Modern lifestyle with continued exposure to blue light from smart phones and technology devices are interfering with the normal production of melatonin. Dr MacLeod discusses sleep hygiene to manage insomnia.
Queenslanders Have Type II Diabetes
Type II Diabetes is epidemic in the Queensland region. A simple blood test can detect the disease early and help prevent complications such as early heart disease, amputations, blindness and kidney failure. Diet and lifestyle changes can postpone the development of Type II Diabetes.
Looking after your Mental Health
Mental Health related conditions are on the increase with many tools and support groups available to those in need. Mindfulness, meditation, diet, exercise and sleep hygiene are discussed to help empower patients to optimize mental health .
Wound Awareness Week
Wounds if not cared for early with your help, your pharmacist and GP may become chronic ulcerations which can take months to heal, particularly in elderly patients and those with chronic disease such as diabetes.
World Hepatitis Day
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are preventable by vaccination and now there is an easy short term treatment available for Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and C are major causes of liver cancer and failure. Early detection is crucial.
Pain and Pain Management
There are many ways to manage pain. It is important to avoid more than a few weeks of narcotic analgesics such as codeine due to the changes in your brain, causing you to become more hypersensitive to pain. The medicines become far less effective over time and there are many new ways to deal with pain which may require referral to a pain management specialist.
Are you vaccinated for Polio
There has been a resurgence in Polio, especially in war torn areas including Papua New Guinea. It is very important to make sure your vaccinations are up to date and get a Polio booster is you intend on travelling overseas.
Osteoporosis Impacts Nearly 2 Million Australians
Spinal fractures, hip fractures and wrist fractures are commonly seen in people with osteoporosis or lack of calcium in their bone. Adequate vitamin d and calcium intake from food as well as muscle strengthening exercises can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. There are new medications available to make your bones stay strong.
Lifestyle Medicine the Wholistic Approach
At least 80% of illness is due to poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy living. Quality nutrition such as five to seven servings of vegetables per day, reduction in alcohol consumption, stopping all smoking and moderate exercise are a few things you can do to improve your lifestyle.
Dementia Awareness
Dementia is on the decline in the United States, however, is still increasing in Australia. Contributing factors may include poor control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, alcohol excess and smoking.
Keeping Healthy Mentally and Physically
Dr MacLeod discusses some important tips to help you and your family keep healthy mentally and physically.
Stroke Awareness. Understanding the Impact
Many strokes are preventable. If you notice an irregular heartbeat, please arrange an appointment to see your doctor immediately. Atrial fibrillation is treatable and the clotting it causes can be prevented if treatment is initiated early. If you are concerned about experiencing the warning signs of a stroke such as tingling, numbness and slurred speech, please call the ambulance immediately.
The Affects of Aspirin
Aspirin prevents the recurrence of many heart attacks and strokes so if your doctor advises you to take low dose aspirin, keep taking the medication. If you notice blood in your stool or blood while vomiting, call the ambulance immediately.
Environmental Health
Pollution, plastic and environmental contaminants such as mercury, lead and hormone disrupting chemicals including obesogens are placing our future health at risk.
National Osteoporosis Day
Contact your GP to arrange an appointment to check your bone mineral density and meanwhile ensure you consume adequate foods high in calcium and vitamin d. Sardines are a great food rich in both calcium and vitamin d. Weight bearing exercise improves muscle mass and supports bones.