PRACTICE NEWS

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and an important time for NBCF to highlight why research in this area is so crucial. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 9 people losing their lives to the disease every day.

The only way to stop deaths from breast cancer is by funding research to improve our understanding of how breast cancer originates, grows and spreads so that we can stop it in its tracks. Join us to progress our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.

Why women have more anxiety than men

Women are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety as men, says a 2016 University of Cambridge review of studies. The Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey from 2017-2018 had similar findings: women were more likely than men to experience high levels of psychological distress, anxiety-related conditions and depression.

Why women?

Biology can explain only some of the differences.

Hormonal changes across a woman’s life – during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause – have been linked to anxiety. Women also tend to be more prone to stress and to have different coping mechanisms than men. They are more likely to ruminate about life stressors, say University of Cambridge researchers, which can increase anxiety, while men tend to engage more in active, problem-focused coping.

But there are certain life events that can particularly affect women. Beyond Blue and Jean Hailes have identified a number of factors that can impact women’s mental health, including:

Working outdoors in summer

It’s wise to exercise caution when working in hot weather conditions.

In Australia, we’re blessed with endless sunny days and blue skies, but when the temperature soars it can spell disaster for workers. “Heat is a hazard in many Australian workplaces, whether work is performed indoors or outdoors,” says the Safe Work Australia CEO. “Eliminating the hazard is the first priority for worker safety. Sometimes this may mean cancelling or rescheduling work for when there are cooler conditions.”

There’s Nothing Sweet About Vapes

Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, work by heating a liquid into a vapour or aerosol that’s inhaled into the lungs. There are different types of vaping devices. These include disposable vapes which have a set number of puffs and rechargeable devices, which can be refilled with liquids.

Like tobacco, it’s illegal for children under the age of 18 to buy and use vapes. Research now suggests vaping can harm the developing brain due to their toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals and propylene glycol. Read about the short and long term health impacts on the Queensland Government Vape Truths website.

Cold and Flu Season

Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that causes fever and chills, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat.
The flu can be serious for some people, but if you are otherwise fit and healthy you usually don’t need to see a doctor.
The best way to prevent influenza is to have a flu vaccination every year.
Influenza can be diagnosed through a PCR test or a rapid antigen test (RAT).
You can treat the symptoms of mild flu by resting and drinking plenty of water.