Heart Research Month raises awareness about the devastating impact heart disease has on families, friends and communities, and the importance of supporting life-saving heart research to find new ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease.

Heart Research Australia supports a centre of excellence that attracts world class and emerging researchers to conduct ground-breaking research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

Heart Research Day is celebrated on the 14 February – the “Day of Hearts” – encouraging everyone to love and take care of their heart.

To learn more or to donate click here:

https://www.heartresearch.com.au/

Childhood Heart Disease (CHD)

Some remember the term “Blue Baby” and “Hole in the Heart Baby” – these are conditions that describe CHD which, in reality, covers a wide range of conditions.

HeartKids is the compass to help navigate the lifetime journey of the 64,000 Australian children, teens and adults affected by congenital heart disease.  Our aim is to help them and their families  to lead the most fulfilling life possible and to reach their personal goals.

We are the voice for all people impacted by congenital heart disease – the largest cause of infant death in Australia.

Our work is focused on our four pillars of Advocacy, Information, Research and Support.

To find out more click on the link below:

https://www.heartkids.org.au/who-we-are/our-purpose

The Edmonton Family Medical Centre has had an increase in patients not attending their booked appointments.

For us to cover our practice costs including reception, nurses and operating costs it is important that all appointments are attended.

For our practice to continue to offer Bulk Billing to our patients it has been necessary to implement the following policy.

Failure to attend an appointment on 3 occasions will incur a non-refundable fee of $55.00 per patient.

Failure to give 2 hours notice when either cancelling or postponing an appointment with any of our Doctors will also incur this non-refundable fee of $55.00 per patient.

An account for this will be sent to you directly. This fee will be payable prior to booking any further appointments.

Be Sun Smart and Skin Cancer Aware

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older. Sunburn has been associated with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Our doctors at the Edmonton Family Medical Center can do a full body skin check or spot check if you have any concerns.

It’s important to get to know your skin, so that you can detect any changes early. The sooner a spot is identified it can be treated, improving your chances of avoiding surgery, potential disfigurement or even death.

Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and keep an eye on changes to existing freckles or moles.

If you click on the link below, it will take you to the Cancer Council site where you can learn how to check your own body, learn about the different types of spots, and much more.

Click here: www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer

Download Cancer Council’s skin cancer identification poster to help identify potential skin cancers.

Contact Cancer Council on: 13 11 20

We would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy New Year

We are open all days except public holidays.

We sadly say goodbye to 3 wonderful staff members in 2019.

Firstly Dr Praga who is only with us for another 2 weeks after completing his 12 months training with us.

Nurse Kiani who is taking maternity leave. However stay tuned for some upcoming baby photos in the new year.

Noah part of our reception staff starts an exciting new career in 2020.

Last week on Friday we had a goodbye breakup lunch. Thank to Dr Praga who supplied us with delicious pizza’s and nurse Helen for bring in homemade pavlova.

We wish you all a fabulous year as you all start you new adventures in 2020.

You never know when you’ll need your first aid kit

BreastScreen Queensland’s Mobile Breast Screening Service will be visiting Edmonton from 6-17 January 2020.

Located next to Balance! Family Practice on Walker Road.

Eligible female patients attend for a FREE breast screen while the Service is in Edmonton. This ‘well woman’ Service provides asymptomatic women aged 50-74 years with the opportunity to have a free mammogram every 2 years. Women in their 40s and those aged over 75 are also able to attend the free Service.

While no doctor’s referral is required to attend for breast screening at our Service, research indicates that a recommendation from a GP or health professional is a significant factor in recruiting women to the BreastScreen Queensland Program. Women with a past history of breast cancer are eligible to re-join our program after they have completed 5 years of follow-up with their specialists.

Click here for brochure: Edmonton Mobile Flyer 2020

Bookings can be made by phoning 13 20 50, or online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au.