The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the organisation that sets the education and practice standards for Australia’s 25 000 GPs, has developed this magazine to bring you accurate, informative and appropriate information about your health. Our magazine will bring you the best up to date, credible information that will help you – and help your GP to help you – to achieve and maintain better health. We will look at a range of topics including diet, exercise, and the usual suspects of alcohol, non-prescription drugs, and smoking, along with a wide range of other health issues.
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Summer issue 2012
The Summer issue of While you're waiting presents some advice on how to stay safe on your travels – as despite all the excitement an overseas trip can bring, there are many risks and dangers to be aware of and prepared for, such as infectious disease, accident or injury . We also look at some dietary issues, such as unhealthy levels of cholesterol in your diet, and how to plan a healthy vegetarian diet by getting adequate amounts of essential nutrients through foods other than meat. Head lice infestations are common in children in Australia, and we talk to two paediatricians about the safe way to manage head lice and stop them from spreading. Also covered are some facts on the importance of introducing folic acid supplements when planning or during a pregnancy and breastfeeding, to help prevent neural defects and problems with the baby's growth and development.
Spring 2011
The Spring issue of While you're
waiting... looks at
altruism in the community and how helping others through volunteering
can be beneficial not only to our physical, but mental health. We chat
to three volunteers about how this work has changed their life for the
better. We also cover some of the seasonal issues that spring and its
increasing warm weather brings, such as hay fever, asthma, the sudden
need to 'get fit' and the benefits of exercise other than weight loss.
Also presented are some childhood issues –bullying and the signs to look
out for, and some facts and tips on how to cater for kids with food
allergies by keeping it safe and fun. Our usual Heart Foundation
approved healthy recipes are also included in the Spring issue of
While you're waiting
Read online PDF version (3.2MB)
Winter 2011
The Winter issue of While you're
waiting… looks at vitamin
D, the risks of not having enough and how to safely boost your
levels
with exposure to sunshine. We also look at the possible link
between
stress and cancer, and how to deal with stress ‘the natural way'.
83% of
Australians consult a GP at least once per year; we discuss how
important it is to build a relationship with your GP. We also
explain
how ‘evidence' influences whether your GP recommends (or doesn't
recommend) a particular treatment. In this issue we also look at
sinus
headache and whether it really is a migraine; and why men need to
be
aware of the risks of osteoporosis. Love wearing high heels? Then
read
this issue to discover the damage they can cause to your health!
Read online PDF version (3.2MB)
Obesity
The Summer issue of While you're waiting
talks about the rising
incidence of obesity in Australia and the challenges this presents, not
only for individuals seeking to lose weight, but also for our health
system. We also discuss arthritis and provide tips on making everyday
tasks easier. Regular Pap testing can save lives and this issue provides
information on Pap tests, cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus,
the cause of cervical cancer. We also discuss chlamydia, a sexually
transmissible infection; the function of lungs and how to keep them
healthy; and provide tips on how to stay healthy and cool this summer.
Read online PDF version (2.9MB)
Men's health
Although GPs can provide advice and support
when it comes to
lifestyle health factors such as drinking, prevention begins with
the individual. The role ofyour GP is to help you understand the
ways in which you can change your lifestyle in order to combat
ill health. We have gone one step further with this notion by
developing the M5 HEALTH ONLINE tool, which is aimed at
getting men to take an active role in focusing on their health
and wellbeing. This tool is designed to engage men with a
personalised experience that includes targeted health information
and interactive risk assessments, coupled with professional
ongoing support and advice.
Read online PDF version (2.7MB)
Climb every mountain
The February issue of While you're
waiting talks about
the ‘Men's Sheds' movement and how these gathering places are important
for the physical and mental wellbeing of men. We also talk to a young
man, diagnosed with debilitating arthritis, who climbed Mount
Kilimanjaro to raise money for Arthritis Australia. Also in this issue
we discuss stroke and the importance of acting fast; what it's like
living with hepatitis C; how to look after your kidneys – and what
exactly they do; and how your GP can help you to give up smoking. We
also profile the amazing work of The Royal Flying Doctor Service and,
for the kids, offer up some great healthy (and tasty) lunch box ideas.
Read online PDF version (2.7MB)
Life in the fast layne
This edition brings you an eclectic mix of
stories,
and a range of advice on diet, exercise and preventive health.
Several well known Australians talk abouthealth issues they
have had in their own lives, and they encourage us all to
act early if we are concerned about our health in any way.
Champion surfer Layne Beachley talks frankly about her battle
with chronic fatigue syndrome and the struggle to maintain
fitness and condition, whilst competing at an international
level. An inspiration to all young sports men and women.
Men's road to healthy living
The first edition focuses on men’s
preventive health in line
with the M5 Project; a dedicated new movement that aims to break down
the barriers that preventAustralian men from going to see a GP. Did you
know that in Australia more than 5 men die every hour from potentially
preventable illnesses? Men die about 5 years younger than women and have
a higher death rate than women from cancer, heart disease, diabetes,
lung disease, accidents and suicide. And guess what? Men are much less
likely to visit a GP than women!