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In this article Dr. Norman Swan discusses the "alternatives" and their effectiveness. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136023061aeede21b62e624530067" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136023061aeede21b62e624530067" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>There are no alternative cures for Covid-19 and it’s variants. People who are un-vaccinated or anti-vax are burdening the healthcare system and endangering the lives of those with heart disease and cancer.</figcaption></figure> <h5 id="h-anti-vax-vs-vaccine-hesitant">Anti-vax vs Vaccine Hesitant</h5> <p>People who look for alternative cures, fall into two groups. So you’ve got to define them first. You’ve got to define anti-vax here. So some <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/what-do-you-say-to-anti-vaxxers/">people are anti-vax</a> because they think you’re going to put a microchip in your arm, or it’s all 5g, or there’s a plot by the international pharmaceutical industry. </p> <p>People who are vaccine hesitant are worried about side effects from the vaccines. You should be much more worried about side effects from the infection itself. The infection is pretty dreadful if you get a serious version of it. If you’re not vaccinated then you are at a high risk of infection. Regardless of your age. It is commoner if you’re older, but people who are younger, plenty people overseas in young age groups died because of COVID-19. So that’s the first thing to say. </p> <h5>No Alternative Cures and Treatment</h5> <p>The second thing to say is there is zero evidence that hydroxychloroquine has any benefit at all or is an alternative. And it’s been well studied. Ivermectin’s been pretty well studied and is not showing any benefit unfortunately. It would be nice if it had, but it’s got side effects too. </p> <p>There are treatments that have come onto the market such as antiviral treatments and antibody treatments. These treatments can help people if they’re infected, particularly if they’re immune compromised. But you’ve got to take them early on. They’re still not perfect, but they are much better for you than ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine. However, they are still not alternatives to the vaccines.</p> <h5>True impact of Anti-vaxers and Un-Vaccinated</h5> <p>The issue here is this. Un-vaccinated or anti-vaxers, are throwing themselves upon the healthcare system. You are likely to end up in the hospital or the ICU. You will deny other people care who might need it for their heart disease or cancer, even if you have all of these new drugs.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79164</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Infected by Unvaccinated Relatives – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/infected-by-unvaccinated-relatives/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2021 02:24:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[contagious]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coronavirus (COVID-19)]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[unvaccinated]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79168</guid> <description><![CDATA[The risk of being infected for those who are double vaccinated with a booster is very low. Any unlikely infection will have only mild effects.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136010661aeede21bfe8703613367" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136010661aeede21bfe8703613367" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>Those who are fully vexed with two doses and a booster jab are far less likely to get infected than those who are unvaccinated. Even amongst the few fully vaccinated people who catch Covid-19, it’s effect will be very weak. </figcaption></figure> <p>If you’re over 60 and fully vaxxed, your chance of being infected is very low. And by “fully vaxxed” I mean you’ve had your <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/how-important-are-covid-19-vaccine-boosters/">booster </a>if you need it. In other words, six months after your second dose, you’re really well protected against infection. </p> <p>You’ve probably got an 80% reduction in getting infected. This is regardless of whether you had Astra or Pfizer, particularly if you’ve had the booster. If you haven’t had the booster, Astra maybe 60%, Pfizer maybe 80% protective. So that’s a lot of protection. But you could get infected. And if you do get infected, you’re not going to get seriously ill. </p> <p>So whilst it’s a problem that your son doesn’t want to get vaccinated, it’s more of a problem for him. That is because he’s risking becoming seriously infected and ill. Now that we’re up to 90%, 95% coverage with those 16 plus, maybe even 12 plus, there are very few people around with the infection, therefore decresing your likelihood of being infected. </p> <p>In general, the risk of getting infected for vaccinated people to unvaccinated people is really pretty low. The risk is in fact to them themselves.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79168</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Ensuring Bone Health and Longevity – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/ensuring-bone-health-and-longevity/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 05 Dec 2021 02:19:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Arthritis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ligaments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Maintiaing healthy bones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[osteoporosis]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79159</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan describes the particular types of exercises for healthy bones, ligaments and muscles are ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136050961aeede21c890193411394" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136050961aeede21c890193411394" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>Regular moderate exercise including impact exercises and weight bearing exercises are very beneficial for ensuring healthy bones and ligaments and muscles well into your older years.</figcaption></figure> <p>Weakened bones, muscles, and ligaments are not inevitable with ageing. The best way to prevent that is <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/exercise-to-prevent-osteoporosis/">exercise</a>. </p> <p>And I’m talking about weight-bearing exercise, so using gravity. Exercise 45 minutes to an hour most days of the week to a moderate level, which means you can’t have a conversation. You’re too out of breath to have a conversation. That, is moderate exercise. If you can walk round the park with the dog and gossip about your friends and family, that’s not moderate exercise. It might be fun, but it’s not moderate exercise. </p> <p>The other thing that you’ve gotta do is try and actually create impact. So things like Zumba, jumping, jogging are very good for your bones and ligaments. This is because you’re actually not gonna destroy your joints. But that impact actually physically strengthens your bones. So those are the sorts of things that you really need to do <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/osteoporosis-what-it-does-to-your-bones/">to maintain </a>healthy bones, ligaments and muscles. </p> <p>Drugs can help reverse some of the effects of bone thinning with age, but you’re much better to be ahead of the pack and have strong bones to start with.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79159</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Can your practice refuse entry to a patient who has not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19?</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/can-your-practice-refuse-entry-to-a-patient-who-has-not-been-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:11:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79215</guid> <description><![CDATA[Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex according to Avant Mutual – the leading provider of medical indemnity insurance’s website. To help you navigate this issue and minimise the chances of running into a legal problem, they suggest you consider the following issues before you refuse entry to an unvaccinated patient: Step 1: Check […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex according to Avant Mutual – the leading provider of medical indemnity insurance’s website.</p> <p>To help you navigate this issue and minimise the chances of running into a legal problem, they suggest you consider the following issues before you refuse entry to an unvaccinated patient:</p> <p><em>Step 1: Check the public health directions in your state and territory</em></p> <p>State and territory public health directions do not currently prevent a person from entering a medical practice if the person is not vaccinated against COVID-19. </p> <p><em>Step 2: Obligation to treat a patient</em></p> <p>A medical practice does not generally have to allow a person to enter the practice unless it’s an emergency.</p> <p><em>Step 3: Consider whether the decision not to treat the patient may be discriminatory</em></p> <p>You can refuse to allow an unvaccinated patient to enter your practice except when the patient is not vaccinated for a reason such as:</p> <ul><li>the patient’s medical condition</li><li>the patient’s age (for example, because the TGA has not approved vaccination for their age group)</li><li>the patient’s religious beliefs.</li></ul> <p>It can be lawful to discriminate if it is necessary to ensure the health and safety of people in the practice.</p> <p>However, the practice should first consider whether there is another way to provide a service to the patient other than through entry to the practice (for example, via telehealth).</p> <p><em>Step 4: Consider work health and safety issues</em></p> <p>Under work health and safety laws, practices must ensure the health and safety of their workers, patients and others at the workplace.</p> <p>Your practice should undertake a risk assessment in consultation with practice staff to determine whether patient vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary to ensure health and safety in the workplace.</p> <p><em>Step 5: Other factors</em></p> <p>Your practice may wish to consider other factors before deciding to refuse treatment to an unvaccinated patient:</p> <ul><li>the reason the patient is not vaccinated (e.g. the patient intends to be vaccinated but has had difficulties accessing vaccination)</li><li>whether the patient is a new patient or existing patient</li><li>if a doctor elects to terminate the doctor-patient relationship or deny treatment to a patient because the patient is not vaccinated, the patient may make a complaint</li><li>the capacity of the patient to obtain treatment elsewhere (for example, denying treatment at a GP practice versus a specialist practice where there are a limited number of specialists in that area)</li><li>the patient’s need for continuity of care (having regard to factors such as the urgency of care, the value of an ongoing treating relationship etc)</li><li>a doctor’s right to conscientiously object to treating patients who are not vaccinated.</li></ul> <p>For more information visit <a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.avant.org.au%252Fcovid-19%252Fvaccination-faqs%252F&data=04%257C01%257C%257C63284c3bb3f34f8e87ec08d9b54668ee%257C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%257C1%257C0%257C637740136279930999%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000&sdata=oLpjywIkAF2XsyCLkyZrq1agSy3qCWKHgZEOEvSA%252F6c%253D&reserved=0"><strong>https://www.avant.org.au/covid-19/vaccination-faqs/</strong></a> </p> <p>Of course, doctors are expected to comply with the <a href="https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx"><strong>code of conduct</strong></a>, which sets out the expectations of registered medical practitioners in Australia.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79215</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Five ways to say thank you this Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/five-ways-to-say-thank-you-this-christmas/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:05:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79212</guid> <description><![CDATA[2021 has proven to be another busy and challenging year for practice teams across Australia.  As you know, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your hard-working practice team, large or small. Of course, this already happens at practices in many ways.  Here are 5 ways you can say thank you this […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>2021 has proven to be another busy and challenging year for practice teams across Australia. </p> <p>As you know, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your hard-working practice team, large or small. Of course, this already happens at practices in many ways. </p> <p>Here are 5 ways you can say thank you this Christmas:</p> <p>Secret Santa</p> <p>Secret Santa is a fun way of presenting or exchanging gifts. Instead of buying a specific gift for each team member, you can purchase gifts that are suitable for everyone in the team. </p> <p>Gather the team together for a morning or afternoon tea, and during the event, invite each person to select a wrapped gift from Santa’s sack. </p> <p>It’s also a great opportunity to thank each team member in person.</p> <p>Food Hamper</p> <p>A quality food hamper is also a great gift idea to thank a team member. </p> <p>Alternatively, for bigger teams, you could consider buying a couple of large hampers; put them in an appropriate area and ask the team to select a few items from the hamper at their leisure.</p> <p>You could complement this with personalised messages in a Christmas card for each team member, highlighting the important contribution they have made throughout the year.</p> <p>Offsite Get Togethers</p> <p>This is a great opportunity to get together informally, whether it be at a picnic, fun activity or having a meal at a local establishment. </p> <p>For a picnic, the practice management could purchase some of the food and the team could bring a few other items such as drinks.</p> <p>If you are visiting a local establishment, you could consider putting a predetermined amount on the bar for food and/or drinks.</p> <p>A Gift Voucher For An Experience</p> <p>Depending on your budget, a gift voucher for an experience can be a fantastic gift. They can range from a movie voucher and zoo ticket to dinner at a local restaurant. There are also websites that cater for a whole range of experiences such as Red Balloon and Groupon, however these are generally more expensive. </p> <p>Practical Gifts For Work</p> <p>People love practical gifts that they can use at work. Drink bottles, hand creams and beautiful mugs all come to mind. </p> <p>You could also consider gifts that brighten up their workspace such as a peace lily plant.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79212</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Omicron – just when you thought the end might be in sight</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/omicron-just-when-you-thought-the-end-might-be-in-sight/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 04:59:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79208</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dr Norman Swan looks at what we currently know about Omicron. Omicron has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation, and a lot has happened since.  From a variant we had not heard about just a few days ago, it has now spread around the world to over 40 countries. There […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Dr Norman Swan looks at what we currently know about Omicron.</p> <p>Omicron has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation, and a lot has happened since. </p> <p>From a variant we had not heard about just a few days ago, it has now spread around the world to over 40 countries.<br></p> <p>There are three big questions: </p> <ul><li>Does it escape immunity that we have if you’ve been infected before or if you’ve been vaccinated?</li><li>Is it better at spreading than Delta? </li><li>And does it matter? Is the disease worse, milder, the same than what we’ve seen before with previous variants of coronavirus? </li></ul> <p><strong>So, let’s start at the beginning. How effective is immunity?</strong></p> <p>There is a preprint, and that means that it’s a non-peer-reviewed paper, that has come out of South Africa, looking at 2.7 million people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus, prior to the end of August 2021. So, they’ve been largely infected during the periods of the Wuhan virus, the Beta in South Africa, and the Delta, and then they looked at the rate of reinfections in the same group three months after the first one.<br></p> <p>What they are finding is that Omicron has escaped immunity to a significant extent, and it’s about 2.4 times more likely to produce a reinfection in somebody who has got a prior immunity compared to wave one, so in other words the first wave with the ancestral virus. So, there is antibody escape. </p> <p>What we don’t know at the time of writing what this means for people who’ve been vaccinated. </p> <p>Anecdotally it looks as though you can be infected but the vaccines are still ok at preventing serious disease<br></p> <p><strong>So, what about how contagious Omicron is compared to Delta or previous variants?</strong></p> <p>Again, we know the most information from South Africa, which is a very different population. Prior to Omicron, South Africa had their lowest level of COVID-19 that they had ever had in the pandemic. And then it’s gone from about 300 cases on average a week to about 5,000 rolling average at the time of writing, and it’s gone from a 1% positivity rate to about 35% positivity rate in the Gauteng Province.<br></p> <p>You’ve got to tie this in to reinfection because this virus doesn’t actually have to be a lot more contagious than the Delta virus to see a significant surge, because if this virus has escaped immunity to a significant extent, as that study suggested, then the population to the virus looks as though it’s non-immune. So you’ve got a vulnerable population into which it can go, irrespective of whether they’ve been infected before, and perhaps irrespective of whether they have been vaccinated before, and that could cause your surge, pretty much all on its own, if it is just as contagious as Delta. That’s another thing that we don’t know yet.<br></p> <p><strong>How do we interpret what’s happening there in an Australian context?</strong><br></p> <p>That’s an important question for us. We are not that different from the South African population because a very high proportion of people have had COVID-19 or been immunised. In Australia not many of us have had the infection, but a large percentage of us have been immunised, and quite recently, which means that we’ve got a reasonable level of antibodies. So, it’s too early to say, but it could mean that if it gets in, it would still spread, which really brings us to the third question, how much does it really matter? Is it a worse disease?<br></p> <p>At the time of writing there is not much evidence either way. Comforting evidence from South Africa which is that people seem to be in hospital for fewer days than they did with earlier variants, but that could just be a function of previous immunity, not necessarily the mildness of the virus. It could simply be because it’s moving into a population that has experienced COVID-19 before, either through vaccination or through previous infection, and therefore when you get infected with this virus, you don’t get as severe disease. So, it’s not a feature of the virus, it’s a feature of us and our immunity.<br></p> <p>But there are some worrying signs. There’s a spike in admissions of 0- to 4-year-olds in Johannesburg and that’s not well explained. Part of it might be that they are doing COVID testing on kids who are already in hospital for some other reason. Part of it may be a genuine spike in 0- to 4-year-olds, but that is a bit worrying at the moment, at our level of ignorance.<br></p> <p>As to vaccination, it’s still going to be protective against serious disease but we need as high a level of immunity as possible, so it was mildly surprising that they did not change the advice about boosters in Australia. We are still waiting to 6 months and there have been reports that some providers are running the risk of throwing out vaccines and yet people are coming forward for earlier boosters. In addition, Moderna still hasn’t been approved as a booster. </p> <p>Internationally people are saying, well, you really want to get these boosters in so that the antibody response is as high as it can be, so you’ve got the strongest immunity both in antibodies and the T cell response, as we can possibly get.<br></p> <p>The good news is that the Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved provisionally Pfizer for 5- to 11-year-olds, which I suspect will be very welcome for many parents. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79208</post-id> </item> <item> <title>6 ideas for a happy and healthy festive season</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/6-ideas-for-a-happy-and-healthy-festive-season/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[celebrate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[healthy living]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.www.mydr.com.au/?p=43151</guid> <description><![CDATA[It is easy to overindulge with so much holiday food at our fingertips. While this is a natural holiday reaction a little mindfulness can go a long way. Stop eating or drinking the moment you feel full. Overindulgence can cause bloating and sluggishness. Come January, your health and the bathroom scale will thank you.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>To help you to continue enjoying Christmas, we’ve put together 6 ideas on staying fit and healthy without missing out on the celebrations.</p> <h2>1. <strong>Be mindful of your food and drink</strong></h2> <p>It is easy to overindulge with so much holiday food at our fingertips. While this is a natural holiday reaction a little mindfulness can go a long way. Stop eating or drinking the moment you feel full. Overindulgence can cause bloating and sluggishness. Come January, your health and the bathroom scale will thank you.</p> <h2>2. <strong>Breakfast is still king</strong></h2> <p>After all the celebrations of the night before, it can be easy to carry on eating indulgent food when you wake up. However, your best option is a healthy omelet packed with vitamin-filled veggies with high fibre and nutrition. If a cooked breakfast is too much then a good helping of berries and probiotic yoghurt will work wonders on filling you up and cleansing your system.</p> <h2>3. <strong>Keep Moving</strong></h2> <p>Quite often our regular exercise regime goes out the window during the holiday season. But it can be easily incorporated into the holidays, you can go out for a walk, have a competitive game of backyard cricket or have a swim. These other fun activities will keep your heart healthy and burn a few extra calories, not to mention the benefits of vitamin D and the fresh outdoor air.</p> <h2>4. <strong>Stay Hydrated</strong></h2> <p>Water is the gift of nature and it is a miracle worker when it comes to our health and fitness. Staying hydrated keeps our metabolism moving, helps us shed some of the many kilograms we pile on after Christmas dinner. Staying hydrated helps fight the effects of alcohol and keeps our minds alert and awake. Drinking lots of water helps our body deal with the overindulges of Christmas</p> <h2>5. <strong>Enjoy yourself!</strong></h2> <p>The key point for a fun and enjoyable Christmas season is “everything in moderation”. Take the time to enjoy yourself during the holidays and embrace the time you have with friends and family.</p> <h2>6. <strong>Make time for exercise</strong></h2> <p>Do a brainstorm with your friends and family (even your family doctor!), about fun and enjoyable activities you can do as a group (or alone if you want) to help you stay active and fit over the Christmas season.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43151</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Coping with Family Feuds at Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 02:05:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family violence]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43119</guid> <description><![CDATA[Christmas is a time when all our differences come crashing together over dinners and drinks and activities. The Celebration season brings family and friends together who haven’t seen each other in a long time, but it can also re-ignite old arguments and feelings. Whether it’s discussing politics, religion or difference in lifestyle it can be […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <h4><strong>Christmas is a time when all our differences come crashing together over dinners and drinks and activities.</strong></h4> <p>The Celebration season brings family and friends together who haven’t seen each other in a long time, but it can also re-ignite old arguments and feelings. Whether it’s discussing politics, religion or difference in lifestyle it can be a stressful time of the year. It may make you feel like you are slotting back into your old role and start getting treated like a child rather then an adult.</p> <p>Here are a few tips on how to cope when you are home for the holidays:</p> <p>Call a few days before and see what you can do to help.</p> <p>Don’t just turn up a few days before and try and take over. Know who is in charge and be willing to help. If your dietary requirements have changed let the person cooking know well in advance and be considerate in your own planing. </p> <p>Alcohol consumption is another thing to consider, by drinking moderately and being aware of how much you’ve had you can ensure a more pleasant and enjoyable night.</p> <h4><strong>Keeping the Peace at Christmas</strong></h4> <p>Here are some key tips to remember when visiting home for Christmas:</p> <p><strong>Be Aware</strong>: Know what could trigger resentments and don’t bring up subjects that could reignite old arguments.</p> <p><strong>Be Helpful</strong>: be ready to help if it is needed,, try asking in advance what you can do to help and if there is anything specific you can do do or bring over.</p> <p><strong>Be Kind</strong>: Family is family, remember to be kind and rise above whatever someone might say that annoys you. </p> <p><strong>Be Flexible</strong>: With so many different people together, everyone will not always agree with each other in what activities to do or what television programs to watch. Be kind and be flexible. You can always catch up on things later. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43119</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Recovering from Covid-19 – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/recovering-from-covid-19-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:04:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid recovery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79121</guid> <description><![CDATA[For those who are full vaccinated recovering from any covid-19 infection is quicker and easier then those who aren't.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092214661aeede21f314355335355" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092214661aeede21f314355335355" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>Recovering from COVID depends partly on whether you’re vaccinated. </p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/vaccines-for-covid-19-most-studied-in-history-dr-norman-swan/">vaccinated</a>, you tend to get a very mild illness, recovering is pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got quite a few symptoms, you tend to be much better in about a week. And it looks as though the incidence of long COVID is pretty low. </p> <p>Therefore, most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are better and recovering within a few days.</p> <p><strong><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79121</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Consent For a Childs Vaccination – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/consent-for-a-childs-vaccination-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[consent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[parental consent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccination]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79123</guid> <description><![CDATA[Who can consent to a child getting vaccinated for covid-19? what of one parent doesn't agree? ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092199461aeede21fb0b781538983" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092199461aeede21fb0b781538983" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>In general, in most jurisdictions in Australia, you only need one parent or guardian to give consent for a child to have a procedure.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> <p>For more detailed information on this topic please click <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/09/covid-19-vaccine-information-for-teens-and-parents-guardians-covid-19-vaccine-information-for-adolescents-and-parents-or-carers_0.pdf">here</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79123</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss> ' status_code => (int) 200 redirects => (int) 0 error => null method => (int) 9 } $locate = object(SimplePie_Locator) { useragent => 'SimplePie/1.2.1-dev (Feed Parser; 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In this article Dr. Norman Swan discusses the "alternatives" and their effectiveness. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136023061aeede21b62e624530067" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136023061aeede21b62e624530067" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>There are no alternative cures for Covid-19 and it’s variants. People who are un-vaccinated or anti-vax are burdening the healthcare system and endangering the lives of those with heart disease and cancer.</figcaption></figure> <h5 id="h-anti-vax-vs-vaccine-hesitant">Anti-vax vs Vaccine Hesitant</h5> <p>People who look for alternative cures, fall into two groups. So you’ve got to define them first. You’ve got to define anti-vax here. So some <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/what-do-you-say-to-anti-vaxxers/">people are anti-vax</a> because they think you’re going to put a microchip in your arm, or it’s all 5g, or there’s a plot by the international pharmaceutical industry. </p> <p>People who are vaccine hesitant are worried about side effects from the vaccines. You should be much more worried about side effects from the infection itself. The infection is pretty dreadful if you get a serious version of it. If you’re not vaccinated then you are at a high risk of infection. Regardless of your age. It is commoner if you’re older, but people who are younger, plenty people overseas in young age groups died because of COVID-19. So that’s the first thing to say. </p> <h5>No Alternative Cures and Treatment</h5> <p>The second thing to say is there is zero evidence that hydroxychloroquine has any benefit at all or is an alternative. And it’s been well studied. Ivermectin’s been pretty well studied and is not showing any benefit unfortunately. It would be nice if it had, but it’s got side effects too. </p> <p>There are treatments that have come onto the market such as antiviral treatments and antibody treatments. These treatments can help people if they’re infected, particularly if they’re immune compromised. But you’ve got to take them early on. They’re still not perfect, but they are much better for you than ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine. However, they are still not alternatives to the vaccines.</p> <h5>True impact of Anti-vaxers and Un-Vaccinated</h5> <p>The issue here is this. Un-vaccinated or anti-vaxers, are throwing themselves upon the healthcare system. You are likely to end up in the hospital or the ICU. You will deny other people care who might need it for their heart disease or cancer, even if you have all of these new drugs.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79164</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Infected by Unvaccinated Relatives – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/infected-by-unvaccinated-relatives/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2021 02:24:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[contagious]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coronavirus (COVID-19)]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[unvaccinated]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79168</guid> <description><![CDATA[The risk of being infected for those who are double vaccinated with a booster is very low. Any unlikely infection will have only mild effects.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136010661aeede21bfe8703613367" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136010661aeede21bfe8703613367" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>Those who are fully vexed with two doses and a booster jab are far less likely to get infected than those who are unvaccinated. Even amongst the few fully vaccinated people who catch Covid-19, it’s effect will be very weak. </figcaption></figure> <p>If you’re over 60 and fully vaxxed, your chance of being infected is very low. And by “fully vaxxed” I mean you’ve had your <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/how-important-are-covid-19-vaccine-boosters/">booster </a>if you need it. In other words, six months after your second dose, you’re really well protected against infection. </p> <p>You’ve probably got an 80% reduction in getting infected. This is regardless of whether you had Astra or Pfizer, particularly if you’ve had the booster. If you haven’t had the booster, Astra maybe 60%, Pfizer maybe 80% protective. So that’s a lot of protection. But you could get infected. And if you do get infected, you’re not going to get seriously ill. </p> <p>So whilst it’s a problem that your son doesn’t want to get vaccinated, it’s more of a problem for him. That is because he’s risking becoming seriously infected and ill. Now that we’re up to 90%, 95% coverage with those 16 plus, maybe even 12 plus, there are very few people around with the infection, therefore decresing your likelihood of being infected. </p> <p>In general, the risk of getting infected for vaccinated people to unvaccinated people is really pretty low. The risk is in fact to them themselves.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79168</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Ensuring Bone Health and Longevity – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/ensuring-bone-health-and-longevity/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 05 Dec 2021 02:19:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Arthritis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ligaments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Maintiaing healthy bones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[osteoporosis]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79159</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan describes the particular types of exercises for healthy bones, ligaments and muscles are ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136050961aeede21c890193411394" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136050961aeede21c890193411394" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>Regular moderate exercise including impact exercises and weight bearing exercises are very beneficial for ensuring healthy bones and ligaments and muscles well into your older years.</figcaption></figure> <p>Weakened bones, muscles, and ligaments are not inevitable with ageing. The best way to prevent that is <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/exercise-to-prevent-osteoporosis/">exercise</a>. </p> <p>And I’m talking about weight-bearing exercise, so using gravity. Exercise 45 minutes to an hour most days of the week to a moderate level, which means you can’t have a conversation. You’re too out of breath to have a conversation. That, is moderate exercise. If you can walk round the park with the dog and gossip about your friends and family, that’s not moderate exercise. It might be fun, but it’s not moderate exercise. </p> <p>The other thing that you’ve gotta do is try and actually create impact. So things like Zumba, jumping, jogging are very good for your bones and ligaments. This is because you’re actually not gonna destroy your joints. But that impact actually physically strengthens your bones. So those are the sorts of things that you really need to do <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/osteoporosis-what-it-does-to-your-bones/">to maintain </a>healthy bones, ligaments and muscles. </p> <p>Drugs can help reverse some of the effects of bone thinning with age, but you’re much better to be ahead of the pack and have strong bones to start with.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79159</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Can your practice refuse entry to a patient who has not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19?</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/can-your-practice-refuse-entry-to-a-patient-who-has-not-been-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:11:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79215</guid> <description><![CDATA[Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex according to Avant Mutual – the leading provider of medical indemnity insurance’s website. To help you navigate this issue and minimise the chances of running into a legal problem, they suggest you consider the following issues before you refuse entry to an unvaccinated patient: Step 1: Check […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex according to Avant Mutual – the leading provider of medical indemnity insurance’s website.</p> <p>To help you navigate this issue and minimise the chances of running into a legal problem, they suggest you consider the following issues before you refuse entry to an unvaccinated patient:</p> <p><em>Step 1: Check the public health directions in your state and territory</em></p> <p>State and territory public health directions do not currently prevent a person from entering a medical practice if the person is not vaccinated against COVID-19. </p> <p><em>Step 2: Obligation to treat a patient</em></p> <p>A medical practice does not generally have to allow a person to enter the practice unless it’s an emergency.</p> <p><em>Step 3: Consider whether the decision not to treat the patient may be discriminatory</em></p> <p>You can refuse to allow an unvaccinated patient to enter your practice except when the patient is not vaccinated for a reason such as:</p> <ul><li>the patient’s medical condition</li><li>the patient’s age (for example, because the TGA has not approved vaccination for their age group)</li><li>the patient’s religious beliefs.</li></ul> <p>It can be lawful to discriminate if it is necessary to ensure the health and safety of people in the practice.</p> <p>However, the practice should first consider whether there is another way to provide a service to the patient other than through entry to the practice (for example, via telehealth).</p> <p><em>Step 4: Consider work health and safety issues</em></p> <p>Under work health and safety laws, practices must ensure the health and safety of their workers, patients and others at the workplace.</p> <p>Your practice should undertake a risk assessment in consultation with practice staff to determine whether patient vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary to ensure health and safety in the workplace.</p> <p><em>Step 5: Other factors</em></p> <p>Your practice may wish to consider other factors before deciding to refuse treatment to an unvaccinated patient:</p> <ul><li>the reason the patient is not vaccinated (e.g. the patient intends to be vaccinated but has had difficulties accessing vaccination)</li><li>whether the patient is a new patient or existing patient</li><li>if a doctor elects to terminate the doctor-patient relationship or deny treatment to a patient because the patient is not vaccinated, the patient may make a complaint</li><li>the capacity of the patient to obtain treatment elsewhere (for example, denying treatment at a GP practice versus a specialist practice where there are a limited number of specialists in that area)</li><li>the patient’s need for continuity of care (having regard to factors such as the urgency of care, the value of an ongoing treating relationship etc)</li><li>a doctor’s right to conscientiously object to treating patients who are not vaccinated.</li></ul> <p>For more information visit <a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.avant.org.au%252Fcovid-19%252Fvaccination-faqs%252F&data=04%257C01%257C%257C63284c3bb3f34f8e87ec08d9b54668ee%257C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%257C1%257C0%257C637740136279930999%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000&sdata=oLpjywIkAF2XsyCLkyZrq1agSy3qCWKHgZEOEvSA%252F6c%253D&reserved=0"><strong>https://www.avant.org.au/covid-19/vaccination-faqs/</strong></a> </p> <p>Of course, doctors are expected to comply with the <a href="https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx"><strong>code of conduct</strong></a>, which sets out the expectations of registered medical practitioners in Australia.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79215</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Five ways to say thank you this Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/five-ways-to-say-thank-you-this-christmas/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:05:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79212</guid> <description><![CDATA[2021 has proven to be another busy and challenging year for practice teams across Australia.  As you know, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your hard-working practice team, large or small. Of course, this already happens at practices in many ways.  Here are 5 ways you can say thank you this […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>2021 has proven to be another busy and challenging year for practice teams across Australia. </p> <p>As you know, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your hard-working practice team, large or small. Of course, this already happens at practices in many ways. </p> <p>Here are 5 ways you can say thank you this Christmas:</p> <p>Secret Santa</p> <p>Secret Santa is a fun way of presenting or exchanging gifts. Instead of buying a specific gift for each team member, you can purchase gifts that are suitable for everyone in the team. </p> <p>Gather the team together for a morning or afternoon tea, and during the event, invite each person to select a wrapped gift from Santa’s sack. </p> <p>It’s also a great opportunity to thank each team member in person.</p> <p>Food Hamper</p> <p>A quality food hamper is also a great gift idea to thank a team member. </p> <p>Alternatively, for bigger teams, you could consider buying a couple of large hampers; put them in an appropriate area and ask the team to select a few items from the hamper at their leisure.</p> <p>You could complement this with personalised messages in a Christmas card for each team member, highlighting the important contribution they have made throughout the year.</p> <p>Offsite Get Togethers</p> <p>This is a great opportunity to get together informally, whether it be at a picnic, fun activity or having a meal at a local establishment. </p> <p>For a picnic, the practice management could purchase some of the food and the team could bring a few other items such as drinks.</p> <p>If you are visiting a local establishment, you could consider putting a predetermined amount on the bar for food and/or drinks.</p> <p>A Gift Voucher For An Experience</p> <p>Depending on your budget, a gift voucher for an experience can be a fantastic gift. They can range from a movie voucher and zoo ticket to dinner at a local restaurant. There are also websites that cater for a whole range of experiences such as Red Balloon and Groupon, however these are generally more expensive. </p> <p>Practical Gifts For Work</p> <p>People love practical gifts that they can use at work. Drink bottles, hand creams and beautiful mugs all come to mind. </p> <p>You could also consider gifts that brighten up their workspace such as a peace lily plant.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79212</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Omicron – just when you thought the end might be in sight</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/omicron-just-when-you-thought-the-end-might-be-in-sight/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 04:59:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79208</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dr Norman Swan looks at what we currently know about Omicron. Omicron has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation, and a lot has happened since.  From a variant we had not heard about just a few days ago, it has now spread around the world to over 40 countries. There […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Dr Norman Swan looks at what we currently know about Omicron.</p> <p>Omicron has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation, and a lot has happened since. </p> <p>From a variant we had not heard about just a few days ago, it has now spread around the world to over 40 countries.<br></p> <p>There are three big questions: </p> <ul><li>Does it escape immunity that we have if you’ve been infected before or if you’ve been vaccinated?</li><li>Is it better at spreading than Delta? </li><li>And does it matter? Is the disease worse, milder, the same than what we’ve seen before with previous variants of coronavirus? </li></ul> <p><strong>So, let’s start at the beginning. How effective is immunity?</strong></p> <p>There is a preprint, and that means that it’s a non-peer-reviewed paper, that has come out of South Africa, looking at 2.7 million people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus, prior to the end of August 2021. So, they’ve been largely infected during the periods of the Wuhan virus, the Beta in South Africa, and the Delta, and then they looked at the rate of reinfections in the same group three months after the first one.<br></p> <p>What they are finding is that Omicron has escaped immunity to a significant extent, and it’s about 2.4 times more likely to produce a reinfection in somebody who has got a prior immunity compared to wave one, so in other words the first wave with the ancestral virus. So, there is antibody escape. </p> <p>What we don’t know at the time of writing what this means for people who’ve been vaccinated. </p> <p>Anecdotally it looks as though you can be infected but the vaccines are still ok at preventing serious disease<br></p> <p><strong>So, what about how contagious Omicron is compared to Delta or previous variants?</strong></p> <p>Again, we know the most information from South Africa, which is a very different population. Prior to Omicron, South Africa had their lowest level of COVID-19 that they had ever had in the pandemic. And then it’s gone from about 300 cases on average a week to about 5,000 rolling average at the time of writing, and it’s gone from a 1% positivity rate to about 35% positivity rate in the Gauteng Province.<br></p> <p>You’ve got to tie this in to reinfection because this virus doesn’t actually have to be a lot more contagious than the Delta virus to see a significant surge, because if this virus has escaped immunity to a significant extent, as that study suggested, then the population to the virus looks as though it’s non-immune. So you’ve got a vulnerable population into which it can go, irrespective of whether they’ve been infected before, and perhaps irrespective of whether they have been vaccinated before, and that could cause your surge, pretty much all on its own, if it is just as contagious as Delta. That’s another thing that we don’t know yet.<br></p> <p><strong>How do we interpret what’s happening there in an Australian context?</strong><br></p> <p>That’s an important question for us. We are not that different from the South African population because a very high proportion of people have had COVID-19 or been immunised. In Australia not many of us have had the infection, but a large percentage of us have been immunised, and quite recently, which means that we’ve got a reasonable level of antibodies. So, it’s too early to say, but it could mean that if it gets in, it would still spread, which really brings us to the third question, how much does it really matter? Is it a worse disease?<br></p> <p>At the time of writing there is not much evidence either way. Comforting evidence from South Africa which is that people seem to be in hospital for fewer days than they did with earlier variants, but that could just be a function of previous immunity, not necessarily the mildness of the virus. It could simply be because it’s moving into a population that has experienced COVID-19 before, either through vaccination or through previous infection, and therefore when you get infected with this virus, you don’t get as severe disease. So, it’s not a feature of the virus, it’s a feature of us and our immunity.<br></p> <p>But there are some worrying signs. There’s a spike in admissions of 0- to 4-year-olds in Johannesburg and that’s not well explained. Part of it might be that they are doing COVID testing on kids who are already in hospital for some other reason. Part of it may be a genuine spike in 0- to 4-year-olds, but that is a bit worrying at the moment, at our level of ignorance.<br></p> <p>As to vaccination, it’s still going to be protective against serious disease but we need as high a level of immunity as possible, so it was mildly surprising that they did not change the advice about boosters in Australia. We are still waiting to 6 months and there have been reports that some providers are running the risk of throwing out vaccines and yet people are coming forward for earlier boosters. In addition, Moderna still hasn’t been approved as a booster. </p> <p>Internationally people are saying, well, you really want to get these boosters in so that the antibody response is as high as it can be, so you’ve got the strongest immunity both in antibodies and the T cell response, as we can possibly get.<br></p> <p>The good news is that the Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved provisionally Pfizer for 5- to 11-year-olds, which I suspect will be very welcome for many parents. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79208</post-id> </item> <item> <title>6 ideas for a happy and healthy festive season</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/6-ideas-for-a-happy-and-healthy-festive-season/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[celebrate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[healthy living]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.www.mydr.com.au/?p=43151</guid> <description><![CDATA[It is easy to overindulge with so much holiday food at our fingertips. While this is a natural holiday reaction a little mindfulness can go a long way. Stop eating or drinking the moment you feel full. Overindulgence can cause bloating and sluggishness. Come January, your health and the bathroom scale will thank you.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>To help you to continue enjoying Christmas, we’ve put together 6 ideas on staying fit and healthy without missing out on the celebrations.</p> <h2>1. <strong>Be mindful of your food and drink</strong></h2> <p>It is easy to overindulge with so much holiday food at our fingertips. While this is a natural holiday reaction a little mindfulness can go a long way. Stop eating or drinking the moment you feel full. Overindulgence can cause bloating and sluggishness. Come January, your health and the bathroom scale will thank you.</p> <h2>2. <strong>Breakfast is still king</strong></h2> <p>After all the celebrations of the night before, it can be easy to carry on eating indulgent food when you wake up. However, your best option is a healthy omelet packed with vitamin-filled veggies with high fibre and nutrition. If a cooked breakfast is too much then a good helping of berries and probiotic yoghurt will work wonders on filling you up and cleansing your system.</p> <h2>3. <strong>Keep Moving</strong></h2> <p>Quite often our regular exercise regime goes out the window during the holiday season. But it can be easily incorporated into the holidays, you can go out for a walk, have a competitive game of backyard cricket or have a swim. These other fun activities will keep your heart healthy and burn a few extra calories, not to mention the benefits of vitamin D and the fresh outdoor air.</p> <h2>4. <strong>Stay Hydrated</strong></h2> <p>Water is the gift of nature and it is a miracle worker when it comes to our health and fitness. Staying hydrated keeps our metabolism moving, helps us shed some of the many kilograms we pile on after Christmas dinner. Staying hydrated helps fight the effects of alcohol and keeps our minds alert and awake. Drinking lots of water helps our body deal with the overindulges of Christmas</p> <h2>5. <strong>Enjoy yourself!</strong></h2> <p>The key point for a fun and enjoyable Christmas season is “everything in moderation”. Take the time to enjoy yourself during the holidays and embrace the time you have with friends and family.</p> <h2>6. <strong>Make time for exercise</strong></h2> <p>Do a brainstorm with your friends and family (even your family doctor!), about fun and enjoyable activities you can do as a group (or alone if you want) to help you stay active and fit over the Christmas season.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43151</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Coping with Family Feuds at Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 02:05:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family violence]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43119</guid> <description><![CDATA[Christmas is a time when all our differences come crashing together over dinners and drinks and activities. The Celebration season brings family and friends together who haven’t seen each other in a long time, but it can also re-ignite old arguments and feelings. Whether it’s discussing politics, religion or difference in lifestyle it can be […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <h4><strong>Christmas is a time when all our differences come crashing together over dinners and drinks and activities.</strong></h4> <p>The Celebration season brings family and friends together who haven’t seen each other in a long time, but it can also re-ignite old arguments and feelings. Whether it’s discussing politics, religion or difference in lifestyle it can be a stressful time of the year. It may make you feel like you are slotting back into your old role and start getting treated like a child rather then an adult.</p> <p>Here are a few tips on how to cope when you are home for the holidays:</p> <p>Call a few days before and see what you can do to help.</p> <p>Don’t just turn up a few days before and try and take over. Know who is in charge and be willing to help. If your dietary requirements have changed let the person cooking know well in advance and be considerate in your own planing. </p> <p>Alcohol consumption is another thing to consider, by drinking moderately and being aware of how much you’ve had you can ensure a more pleasant and enjoyable night.</p> <h4><strong>Keeping the Peace at Christmas</strong></h4> <p>Here are some key tips to remember when visiting home for Christmas:</p> <p><strong>Be Aware</strong>: Know what could trigger resentments and don’t bring up subjects that could reignite old arguments.</p> <p><strong>Be Helpful</strong>: be ready to help if it is needed,, try asking in advance what you can do to help and if there is anything specific you can do do or bring over.</p> <p><strong>Be Kind</strong>: Family is family, remember to be kind and rise above whatever someone might say that annoys you. </p> <p><strong>Be Flexible</strong>: With so many different people together, everyone will not always agree with each other in what activities to do or what television programs to watch. Be kind and be flexible. You can always catch up on things later. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43119</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Recovering from Covid-19 – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/recovering-from-covid-19-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:04:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid recovery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79121</guid> <description><![CDATA[For those who are full vaccinated recovering from any covid-19 infection is quicker and easier then those who aren't.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092214661aeede21f314355335355" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092214661aeede21f314355335355" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>Recovering from COVID depends partly on whether you’re vaccinated. </p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/vaccines-for-covid-19-most-studied-in-history-dr-norman-swan/">vaccinated</a>, you tend to get a very mild illness, recovering is pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got quite a few symptoms, you tend to be much better in about a week. And it looks as though the incidence of long COVID is pretty low. </p> <p>Therefore, most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are better and recovering within a few days.</p> <p><strong><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79121</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Consent For a Childs Vaccination – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/consent-for-a-childs-vaccination-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[consent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[parental consent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccination]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79123</guid> <description><![CDATA[Who can consent to a child getting vaccinated for covid-19? what of one parent doesn't agree? ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092199461aeede21fb0b781538983" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092199461aeede21fb0b781538983" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>In general, in most jurisdictions in Australia, you only need one parent or guardian to give consent for a child to have a procedure.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> <p>For more detailed information on this topic please click <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/09/covid-19-vaccine-information-for-teens-and-parents-guardians-covid-19-vaccine-information-for-adolescents-and-parents-or-carers_0.pdf">here</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79123</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss> ' status_code => (int) 200 redirects => (int) 0 error => null method => (int) 9 } $locate = null $this = object(SimplePie) { data => array( 'child' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'type' => (int) 128, 'headers' => array( [maximum depth reached] ), 'build' => '20111015034325' ) error => null sanitize => object(SimplePie_Sanitize) {} useragent => 'SimplePie/1.2.1-dev (Feed Parser; 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charset=UTF-8', 'transfer-encoding' => 'chunked', 'connection' => 'keep-alive', 'cf-ray' => '6b9b55ff99236a5a-SYD', 'content-encoding' => 'gzip', 'etag' => 'W/9b169a6747ec5c4b8884986769e9f276', 'last-modified' => 'Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:14:43 GMT', 'link' => '<https://www.mydr.com.au/wp-json/>; rel=https://api.w.org/', 'vary' => 'Accept-Encoding', 'cf-cache-status' => 'DYNAMIC', 'expect-ct' => 'max-age=604800, report-uri=https://report-uri.cloudflare.com/cdn-cgi/beacon/expect-ct', 'ki-edge' => 'v=16.6', 'x-content-type-options' => 'nosniff', 'x-edge-location-klb' => '1', 'x-kinsta-cache' => 'HIT', 'server' => 'cloudflare', 'alt-svc' => 'h3=:443; ma=86400, h3-29=:443; ma=86400, h3-28=:443; ma=86400, h3-27=:443; ma=86400' ) $data = '<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <atom:link href="https://www.mydr.com.au/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <description>Health and Medical Information for Australia</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:14:43 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2</generator> <image> <url>https://www.mydr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-favicon_mydr-32x32.png</url> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">185164398</site> <item> <title>Do Alternative Cures to Covid-19 Exist? – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/do-alternative-cures-to-covid-19-exist-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2021 02:26:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Anti-vaxers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Covid deniers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Covid-19 Vaccines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccine hesitancy]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79164</guid> <description><![CDATA[ALternative cures for Covid-19 does not exist. In this article Dr. Norman Swan discusses the "alternatives" and their effectiveness. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136023061aeede21b62e624530067" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136023061aeede21b62e624530067" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>There are no alternative cures for Covid-19 and it’s variants. People who are un-vaccinated or anti-vax are burdening the healthcare system and endangering the lives of those with heart disease and cancer.</figcaption></figure> <h5 id="h-anti-vax-vs-vaccine-hesitant">Anti-vax vs Vaccine Hesitant</h5> <p>People who look for alternative cures, fall into two groups. So you’ve got to define them first. You’ve got to define anti-vax here. So some <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/what-do-you-say-to-anti-vaxxers/">people are anti-vax</a> because they think you’re going to put a microchip in your arm, or it’s all 5g, or there’s a plot by the international pharmaceutical industry. </p> <p>People who are vaccine hesitant are worried about side effects from the vaccines. You should be much more worried about side effects from the infection itself. The infection is pretty dreadful if you get a serious version of it. If you’re not vaccinated then you are at a high risk of infection. Regardless of your age. It is commoner if you’re older, but people who are younger, plenty people overseas in young age groups died because of COVID-19. So that’s the first thing to say. </p> <h5>No Alternative Cures and Treatment</h5> <p>The second thing to say is there is zero evidence that hydroxychloroquine has any benefit at all or is an alternative. And it’s been well studied. Ivermectin’s been pretty well studied and is not showing any benefit unfortunately. It would be nice if it had, but it’s got side effects too. </p> <p>There are treatments that have come onto the market such as antiviral treatments and antibody treatments. These treatments can help people if they’re infected, particularly if they’re immune compromised. But you’ve got to take them early on. They’re still not perfect, but they are much better for you than ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine. However, they are still not alternatives to the vaccines.</p> <h5>True impact of Anti-vaxers and Un-Vaccinated</h5> <p>The issue here is this. Un-vaccinated or anti-vaxers, are throwing themselves upon the healthcare system. You are likely to end up in the hospital or the ICU. You will deny other people care who might need it for their heart disease or cancer, even if you have all of these new drugs.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79164</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Infected by Unvaccinated Relatives – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/infected-by-unvaccinated-relatives/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2021 02:24:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[contagious]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coronavirus (COVID-19)]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[unvaccinated]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79168</guid> <description><![CDATA[The risk of being infected for those who are double vaccinated with a booster is very low. Any unlikely infection will have only mild effects.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136010661aeede21bfe8703613367" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136010661aeede21bfe8703613367" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>Those who are fully vexed with two doses and a booster jab are far less likely to get infected than those who are unvaccinated. Even amongst the few fully vaccinated people who catch Covid-19, it’s effect will be very weak. </figcaption></figure> <p>If you’re over 60 and fully vaxxed, your chance of being infected is very low. And by “fully vaxxed” I mean you’ve had your <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/how-important-are-covid-19-vaccine-boosters/">booster </a>if you need it. In other words, six months after your second dose, you’re really well protected against infection. </p> <p>You’ve probably got an 80% reduction in getting infected. This is regardless of whether you had Astra or Pfizer, particularly if you’ve had the booster. If you haven’t had the booster, Astra maybe 60%, Pfizer maybe 80% protective. So that’s a lot of protection. But you could get infected. And if you do get infected, you’re not going to get seriously ill. </p> <p>So whilst it’s a problem that your son doesn’t want to get vaccinated, it’s more of a problem for him. That is because he’s risking becoming seriously infected and ill. Now that we’re up to 90%, 95% coverage with those 16 plus, maybe even 12 plus, there are very few people around with the infection, therefore decresing your likelihood of being infected. </p> <p>In general, the risk of getting infected for vaccinated people to unvaccinated people is really pretty low. The risk is in fact to them themselves.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79168</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Ensuring Bone Health and Longevity – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/ensuring-bone-health-and-longevity/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 05 Dec 2021 02:19:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Arthritis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ligaments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Maintiaing healthy bones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[osteoporosis]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79159</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan describes the particular types of exercises for healthy bones, ligaments and muscles are ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136050961aeede21c890193411394" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136050961aeede21c890193411394" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>Regular moderate exercise including impact exercises and weight bearing exercises are very beneficial for ensuring healthy bones and ligaments and muscles well into your older years.</figcaption></figure> <p>Weakened bones, muscles, and ligaments are not inevitable with ageing. The best way to prevent that is <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/exercise-to-prevent-osteoporosis/">exercise</a>. </p> <p>And I’m talking about weight-bearing exercise, so using gravity. Exercise 45 minutes to an hour most days of the week to a moderate level, which means you can’t have a conversation. You’re too out of breath to have a conversation. That, is moderate exercise. If you can walk round the park with the dog and gossip about your friends and family, that’s not moderate exercise. It might be fun, but it’s not moderate exercise. </p> <p>The other thing that you’ve gotta do is try and actually create impact. So things like Zumba, jumping, jogging are very good for your bones and ligaments. This is because you’re actually not gonna destroy your joints. But that impact actually physically strengthens your bones. So those are the sorts of things that you really need to do <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/osteoporosis-what-it-does-to-your-bones/">to maintain </a>healthy bones, ligaments and muscles. </p> <p>Drugs can help reverse some of the effects of bone thinning with age, but you’re much better to be ahead of the pack and have strong bones to start with.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79159</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Can your practice refuse entry to a patient who has not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19?</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/can-your-practice-refuse-entry-to-a-patient-who-has-not-been-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:11:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79215</guid> <description><![CDATA[Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex according to Avant Mutual – the leading provider of medical indemnity insurance’s website. To help you navigate this issue and minimise the chances of running into a legal problem, they suggest you consider the following issues before you refuse entry to an unvaccinated patient: Step 1: Check […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex according to Avant Mutual – the leading provider of medical indemnity insurance’s website.</p> <p>To help you navigate this issue and minimise the chances of running into a legal problem, they suggest you consider the following issues before you refuse entry to an unvaccinated patient:</p> <p><em>Step 1: Check the public health directions in your state and territory</em></p> <p>State and territory public health directions do not currently prevent a person from entering a medical practice if the person is not vaccinated against COVID-19. </p> <p><em>Step 2: Obligation to treat a patient</em></p> <p>A medical practice does not generally have to allow a person to enter the practice unless it’s an emergency.</p> <p><em>Step 3: Consider whether the decision not to treat the patient may be discriminatory</em></p> <p>You can refuse to allow an unvaccinated patient to enter your practice except when the patient is not vaccinated for a reason such as:</p> <ul><li>the patient’s medical condition</li><li>the patient’s age (for example, because the TGA has not approved vaccination for their age group)</li><li>the patient’s religious beliefs.</li></ul> <p>It can be lawful to discriminate if it is necessary to ensure the health and safety of people in the practice.</p> <p>However, the practice should first consider whether there is another way to provide a service to the patient other than through entry to the practice (for example, via telehealth).</p> <p><em>Step 4: Consider work health and safety issues</em></p> <p>Under work health and safety laws, practices must ensure the health and safety of their workers, patients and others at the workplace.</p> <p>Your practice should undertake a risk assessment in consultation with practice staff to determine whether patient vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary to ensure health and safety in the workplace.</p> <p><em>Step 5: Other factors</em></p> <p>Your practice may wish to consider other factors before deciding to refuse treatment to an unvaccinated patient:</p> <ul><li>the reason the patient is not vaccinated (e.g. the patient intends to be vaccinated but has had difficulties accessing vaccination)</li><li>whether the patient is a new patient or existing patient</li><li>if a doctor elects to terminate the doctor-patient relationship or deny treatment to a patient because the patient is not vaccinated, the patient may make a complaint</li><li>the capacity of the patient to obtain treatment elsewhere (for example, denying treatment at a GP practice versus a specialist practice where there are a limited number of specialists in that area)</li><li>the patient’s need for continuity of care (having regard to factors such as the urgency of care, the value of an ongoing treating relationship etc)</li><li>a doctor’s right to conscientiously object to treating patients who are not vaccinated.</li></ul> <p>For more information visit <a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.avant.org.au%252Fcovid-19%252Fvaccination-faqs%252F&data=04%257C01%257C%257C63284c3bb3f34f8e87ec08d9b54668ee%257C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%257C1%257C0%257C637740136279930999%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000&sdata=oLpjywIkAF2XsyCLkyZrq1agSy3qCWKHgZEOEvSA%252F6c%253D&reserved=0"><strong>https://www.avant.org.au/covid-19/vaccination-faqs/</strong></a> </p> <p>Of course, doctors are expected to comply with the <a href="https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx"><strong>code of conduct</strong></a>, which sets out the expectations of registered medical practitioners in Australia.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79215</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Five ways to say thank you this Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/five-ways-to-say-thank-you-this-christmas/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:05:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79212</guid> <description><![CDATA[2021 has proven to be another busy and challenging year for practice teams across Australia.  As you know, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your hard-working practice team, large or small. Of course, this already happens at practices in many ways.  Here are 5 ways you can say thank you this […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>2021 has proven to be another busy and challenging year for practice teams across Australia. </p> <p>As you know, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your hard-working practice team, large or small. Of course, this already happens at practices in many ways. </p> <p>Here are 5 ways you can say thank you this Christmas:</p> <p>Secret Santa</p> <p>Secret Santa is a fun way of presenting or exchanging gifts. Instead of buying a specific gift for each team member, you can purchase gifts that are suitable for everyone in the team. </p> <p>Gather the team together for a morning or afternoon tea, and during the event, invite each person to select a wrapped gift from Santa’s sack. </p> <p>It’s also a great opportunity to thank each team member in person.</p> <p>Food Hamper</p> <p>A quality food hamper is also a great gift idea to thank a team member. </p> <p>Alternatively, for bigger teams, you could consider buying a couple of large hampers; put them in an appropriate area and ask the team to select a few items from the hamper at their leisure.</p> <p>You could complement this with personalised messages in a Christmas card for each team member, highlighting the important contribution they have made throughout the year.</p> <p>Offsite Get Togethers</p> <p>This is a great opportunity to get together informally, whether it be at a picnic, fun activity or having a meal at a local establishment. </p> <p>For a picnic, the practice management could purchase some of the food and the team could bring a few other items such as drinks.</p> <p>If you are visiting a local establishment, you could consider putting a predetermined amount on the bar for food and/or drinks.</p> <p>A Gift Voucher For An Experience</p> <p>Depending on your budget, a gift voucher for an experience can be a fantastic gift. They can range from a movie voucher and zoo ticket to dinner at a local restaurant. There are also websites that cater for a whole range of experiences such as Red Balloon and Groupon, however these are generally more expensive. </p> <p>Practical Gifts For Work</p> <p>People love practical gifts that they can use at work. Drink bottles, hand creams and beautiful mugs all come to mind. </p> <p>You could also consider gifts that brighten up their workspace such as a peace lily plant.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79212</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Omicron – just when you thought the end might be in sight</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/omicron-just-when-you-thought-the-end-might-be-in-sight/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 04:59:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79208</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dr Norman Swan looks at what we currently know about Omicron. Omicron has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation, and a lot has happened since.  From a variant we had not heard about just a few days ago, it has now spread around the world to over 40 countries. There […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Dr Norman Swan looks at what we currently know about Omicron.</p> <p>Omicron has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation, and a lot has happened since. </p> <p>From a variant we had not heard about just a few days ago, it has now spread around the world to over 40 countries.<br></p> <p>There are three big questions: </p> <ul><li>Does it escape immunity that we have if you’ve been infected before or if you’ve been vaccinated?</li><li>Is it better at spreading than Delta? </li><li>And does it matter? Is the disease worse, milder, the same than what we’ve seen before with previous variants of coronavirus? </li></ul> <p><strong>So, let’s start at the beginning. How effective is immunity?</strong></p> <p>There is a preprint, and that means that it’s a non-peer-reviewed paper, that has come out of South Africa, looking at 2.7 million people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus, prior to the end of August 2021. So, they’ve been largely infected during the periods of the Wuhan virus, the Beta in South Africa, and the Delta, and then they looked at the rate of reinfections in the same group three months after the first one.<br></p> <p>What they are finding is that Omicron has escaped immunity to a significant extent, and it’s about 2.4 times more likely to produce a reinfection in somebody who has got a prior immunity compared to wave one, so in other words the first wave with the ancestral virus. So, there is antibody escape. </p> <p>What we don’t know at the time of writing what this means for people who’ve been vaccinated. </p> <p>Anecdotally it looks as though you can be infected but the vaccines are still ok at preventing serious disease<br></p> <p><strong>So, what about how contagious Omicron is compared to Delta or previous variants?</strong></p> <p>Again, we know the most information from South Africa, which is a very different population. Prior to Omicron, South Africa had their lowest level of COVID-19 that they had ever had in the pandemic. And then it’s gone from about 300 cases on average a week to about 5,000 rolling average at the time of writing, and it’s gone from a 1% positivity rate to about 35% positivity rate in the Gauteng Province.<br></p> <p>You’ve got to tie this in to reinfection because this virus doesn’t actually have to be a lot more contagious than the Delta virus to see a significant surge, because if this virus has escaped immunity to a significant extent, as that study suggested, then the population to the virus looks as though it’s non-immune. So you’ve got a vulnerable population into which it can go, irrespective of whether they’ve been infected before, and perhaps irrespective of whether they have been vaccinated before, and that could cause your surge, pretty much all on its own, if it is just as contagious as Delta. That’s another thing that we don’t know yet.<br></p> <p><strong>How do we interpret what’s happening there in an Australian context?</strong><br></p> <p>That’s an important question for us. We are not that different from the South African population because a very high proportion of people have had COVID-19 or been immunised. In Australia not many of us have had the infection, but a large percentage of us have been immunised, and quite recently, which means that we’ve got a reasonable level of antibodies. So, it’s too early to say, but it could mean that if it gets in, it would still spread, which really brings us to the third question, how much does it really matter? Is it a worse disease?<br></p> <p>At the time of writing there is not much evidence either way. Comforting evidence from South Africa which is that people seem to be in hospital for fewer days than they did with earlier variants, but that could just be a function of previous immunity, not necessarily the mildness of the virus. It could simply be because it’s moving into a population that has experienced COVID-19 before, either through vaccination or through previous infection, and therefore when you get infected with this virus, you don’t get as severe disease. So, it’s not a feature of the virus, it’s a feature of us and our immunity.<br></p> <p>But there are some worrying signs. There’s a spike in admissions of 0- to 4-year-olds in Johannesburg and that’s not well explained. Part of it might be that they are doing COVID testing on kids who are already in hospital for some other reason. Part of it may be a genuine spike in 0- to 4-year-olds, but that is a bit worrying at the moment, at our level of ignorance.<br></p> <p>As to vaccination, it’s still going to be protective against serious disease but we need as high a level of immunity as possible, so it was mildly surprising that they did not change the advice about boosters in Australia. We are still waiting to 6 months and there have been reports that some providers are running the risk of throwing out vaccines and yet people are coming forward for earlier boosters. In addition, Moderna still hasn’t been approved as a booster. </p> <p>Internationally people are saying, well, you really want to get these boosters in so that the antibody response is as high as it can be, so you’ve got the strongest immunity both in antibodies and the T cell response, as we can possibly get.<br></p> <p>The good news is that the Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved provisionally Pfizer for 5- to 11-year-olds, which I suspect will be very welcome for many parents. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79208</post-id> </item> <item> <title>6 ideas for a happy and healthy festive season</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/6-ideas-for-a-happy-and-healthy-festive-season/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[celebrate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[healthy living]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.www.mydr.com.au/?p=43151</guid> <description><![CDATA[It is easy to overindulge with so much holiday food at our fingertips. While this is a natural holiday reaction a little mindfulness can go a long way. Stop eating or drinking the moment you feel full. Overindulgence can cause bloating and sluggishness. Come January, your health and the bathroom scale will thank you.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>To help you to continue enjoying Christmas, we’ve put together 6 ideas on staying fit and healthy without missing out on the celebrations.</p> <h2>1. <strong>Be mindful of your food and drink</strong></h2> <p>It is easy to overindulge with so much holiday food at our fingertips. While this is a natural holiday reaction a little mindfulness can go a long way. Stop eating or drinking the moment you feel full. Overindulgence can cause bloating and sluggishness. Come January, your health and the bathroom scale will thank you.</p> <h2>2. <strong>Breakfast is still king</strong></h2> <p>After all the celebrations of the night before, it can be easy to carry on eating indulgent food when you wake up. However, your best option is a healthy omelet packed with vitamin-filled veggies with high fibre and nutrition. If a cooked breakfast is too much then a good helping of berries and probiotic yoghurt will work wonders on filling you up and cleansing your system.</p> <h2>3. <strong>Keep Moving</strong></h2> <p>Quite often our regular exercise regime goes out the window during the holiday season. But it can be easily incorporated into the holidays, you can go out for a walk, have a competitive game of backyard cricket or have a swim. These other fun activities will keep your heart healthy and burn a few extra calories, not to mention the benefits of vitamin D and the fresh outdoor air.</p> <h2>4. <strong>Stay Hydrated</strong></h2> <p>Water is the gift of nature and it is a miracle worker when it comes to our health and fitness. Staying hydrated keeps our metabolism moving, helps us shed some of the many kilograms we pile on after Christmas dinner. Staying hydrated helps fight the effects of alcohol and keeps our minds alert and awake. Drinking lots of water helps our body deal with the overindulges of Christmas</p> <h2>5. <strong>Enjoy yourself!</strong></h2> <p>The key point for a fun and enjoyable Christmas season is “everything in moderation”. Take the time to enjoy yourself during the holidays and embrace the time you have with friends and family.</p> <h2>6. <strong>Make time for exercise</strong></h2> <p>Do a brainstorm with your friends and family (even your family doctor!), about fun and enjoyable activities you can do as a group (or alone if you want) to help you stay active and fit over the Christmas season.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43151</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Coping with Family Feuds at Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 02:05:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family violence]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43119</guid> <description><![CDATA[Christmas is a time when all our differences come crashing together over dinners and drinks and activities. The Celebration season brings family and friends together who haven’t seen each other in a long time, but it can also re-ignite old arguments and feelings. Whether it’s discussing politics, religion or difference in lifestyle it can be […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <h4><strong>Christmas is a time when all our differences come crashing together over dinners and drinks and activities.</strong></h4> <p>The Celebration season brings family and friends together who haven’t seen each other in a long time, but it can also re-ignite old arguments and feelings. Whether it’s discussing politics, religion or difference in lifestyle it can be a stressful time of the year. It may make you feel like you are slotting back into your old role and start getting treated like a child rather then an adult.</p> <p>Here are a few tips on how to cope when you are home for the holidays:</p> <p>Call a few days before and see what you can do to help.</p> <p>Don’t just turn up a few days before and try and take over. Know who is in charge and be willing to help. If your dietary requirements have changed let the person cooking know well in advance and be considerate in your own planing. </p> <p>Alcohol consumption is another thing to consider, by drinking moderately and being aware of how much you’ve had you can ensure a more pleasant and enjoyable night.</p> <h4><strong>Keeping the Peace at Christmas</strong></h4> <p>Here are some key tips to remember when visiting home for Christmas:</p> <p><strong>Be Aware</strong>: Know what could trigger resentments and don’t bring up subjects that could reignite old arguments.</p> <p><strong>Be Helpful</strong>: be ready to help if it is needed,, try asking in advance what you can do to help and if there is anything specific you can do do or bring over.</p> <p><strong>Be Kind</strong>: Family is family, remember to be kind and rise above whatever someone might say that annoys you. </p> <p><strong>Be Flexible</strong>: With so many different people together, everyone will not always agree with each other in what activities to do or what television programs to watch. Be kind and be flexible. You can always catch up on things later. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43119</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Recovering from Covid-19 – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/recovering-from-covid-19-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:04:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid recovery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79121</guid> <description><![CDATA[For those who are full vaccinated recovering from any covid-19 infection is quicker and easier then those who aren't.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092214661aeede21f314355335355" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092214661aeede21f314355335355" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>Recovering from COVID depends partly on whether you’re vaccinated. </p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/vaccines-for-covid-19-most-studied-in-history-dr-norman-swan/">vaccinated</a>, you tend to get a very mild illness, recovering is pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got quite a few symptoms, you tend to be much better in about a week. And it looks as though the incidence of long COVID is pretty low. </p> <p>Therefore, most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are better and recovering within a few days.</p> <p><strong><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79121</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Consent For a Childs Vaccination – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/consent-for-a-childs-vaccination-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[consent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[parental consent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccination]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79123</guid> <description><![CDATA[Who can consent to a child getting vaccinated for covid-19? what of one parent doesn't agree? ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092199461aeede21fb0b781538983" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092199461aeede21fb0b781538983" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>In general, in most jurisdictions in Australia, you only need one parent or guardian to give consent for a child to have a procedure.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> <p>For more detailed information on this topic please click <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/09/covid-19-vaccine-information-for-teens-and-parents-guardians-covid-19-vaccine-information-for-adolescents-and-parents-or-carers_0.pdf">here</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79123</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss> ' $sniffer = object(SimplePie_Content_Type_Sniffer) { file => object(SimplePie_File) {} } $sniffed = 'application/rss+xml' $encodings = array( (int) 0 => 'UTF-8', (int) 7 => 'ISO-8859-1' ) $application_types = array( (int) 0 => 'application/xml', (int) 1 => 'application/xml-dtd', (int) 2 => 'application/xml-external-parsed-entity' ) $text_types = array( (int) 0 => 'text/xml', (int) 1 => 'text/xml-external-parsed-entity' ) $charset = array( (int) 0 => '; charset=UTF-8', (int) 1 => 'UTF-8' ) $encoding = 'UTF-8' $utf8_data = '<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <atom:link href="https://www.mydr.com.au/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <description>Health and Medical Information for Australia</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:14:43 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2</generator> <image> <url>https://www.mydr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-favicon_mydr-32x32.png</url> <title>MyDr.com.au</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">185164398</site> <item> <title>Do Alternative Cures to Covid-19 Exist? – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/do-alternative-cures-to-covid-19-exist-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2021 02:26:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Anti-vaxers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Covid deniers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Covid-19 Vaccines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccine hesitancy]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79164</guid> <description><![CDATA[ALternative cures for Covid-19 does not exist. In this article Dr. Norman Swan discusses the "alternatives" and their effectiveness. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136023061aeede21b62e624530067" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136023061aeede21b62e624530067" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360230?h=cba31f216f&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>There are no alternative cures for Covid-19 and it’s variants. People who are un-vaccinated or anti-vax are burdening the healthcare system and endangering the lives of those with heart disease and cancer.</figcaption></figure> <h5 id="h-anti-vax-vs-vaccine-hesitant">Anti-vax vs Vaccine Hesitant</h5> <p>People who look for alternative cures, fall into two groups. So you’ve got to define them first. You’ve got to define anti-vax here. So some <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/what-do-you-say-to-anti-vaxxers/">people are anti-vax</a> because they think you’re going to put a microchip in your arm, or it’s all 5g, or there’s a plot by the international pharmaceutical industry. </p> <p>People who are vaccine hesitant are worried about side effects from the vaccines. You should be much more worried about side effects from the infection itself. The infection is pretty dreadful if you get a serious version of it. If you’re not vaccinated then you are at a high risk of infection. Regardless of your age. It is commoner if you’re older, but people who are younger, plenty people overseas in young age groups died because of COVID-19. So that’s the first thing to say. </p> <h5>No Alternative Cures and Treatment</h5> <p>The second thing to say is there is zero evidence that hydroxychloroquine has any benefit at all or is an alternative. And it’s been well studied. Ivermectin’s been pretty well studied and is not showing any benefit unfortunately. It would be nice if it had, but it’s got side effects too. </p> <p>There are treatments that have come onto the market such as antiviral treatments and antibody treatments. These treatments can help people if they’re infected, particularly if they’re immune compromised. But you’ve got to take them early on. They’re still not perfect, but they are much better for you than ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine. However, they are still not alternatives to the vaccines.</p> <h5>True impact of Anti-vaxers and Un-Vaccinated</h5> <p>The issue here is this. Un-vaccinated or anti-vaxers, are throwing themselves upon the healthcare system. You are likely to end up in the hospital or the ICU. You will deny other people care who might need it for their heart disease or cancer, even if you have all of these new drugs.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79164</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Infected by Unvaccinated Relatives – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/infected-by-unvaccinated-relatives/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2021 02:24:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[contagious]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coronavirus (COVID-19)]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[unvaccinated]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79168</guid> <description><![CDATA[The risk of being infected for those who are double vaccinated with a booster is very low. Any unlikely infection will have only mild effects.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136010661aeede21bfe8703613367" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136010661aeede21bfe8703613367" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360106?h=d21321ecc5&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>Those who are fully vexed with two doses and a booster jab are far less likely to get infected than those who are unvaccinated. Even amongst the few fully vaccinated people who catch Covid-19, it’s effect will be very weak. </figcaption></figure> <p>If you’re over 60 and fully vaxxed, your chance of being infected is very low. And by “fully vaxxed” I mean you’ve had your <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/how-important-are-covid-19-vaccine-boosters/">booster </a>if you need it. In other words, six months after your second dose, you’re really well protected against infection. </p> <p>You’ve probably got an 80% reduction in getting infected. This is regardless of whether you had Astra or Pfizer, particularly if you’ve had the booster. If you haven’t had the booster, Astra maybe 60%, Pfizer maybe 80% protective. So that’s a lot of protection. But you could get infected. And if you do get infected, you’re not going to get seriously ill. </p> <p>So whilst it’s a problem that your son doesn’t want to get vaccinated, it’s more of a problem for him. That is because he’s risking becoming seriously infected and ill. Now that we’re up to 90%, 95% coverage with those 16 plus, maybe even 12 plus, there are very few people around with the infection, therefore decresing your likelihood of being infected. </p> <p>In general, the risk of getting infected for vaccinated people to unvaccinated people is really pretty low. The risk is in fact to them themselves.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79168</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Ensuring Bone Health and Longevity – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/ensuring-bone-health-and-longevity/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 05 Dec 2021 02:19:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Arthritis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ligaments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Maintiaing healthy bones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[osteoporosis]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79159</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan describes the particular types of exercises for healthy bones, ligaments and muscles are ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65136050961aeede21c890193411394" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65136050961aeede21c890193411394" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/651360509?h=421ec40587&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div><figcaption>Regular moderate exercise including impact exercises and weight bearing exercises are very beneficial for ensuring healthy bones and ligaments and muscles well into your older years.</figcaption></figure> <p>Weakened bones, muscles, and ligaments are not inevitable with ageing. The best way to prevent that is <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/exercise-to-prevent-osteoporosis/">exercise</a>. </p> <p>And I’m talking about weight-bearing exercise, so using gravity. Exercise 45 minutes to an hour most days of the week to a moderate level, which means you can’t have a conversation. You’re too out of breath to have a conversation. That, is moderate exercise. If you can walk round the park with the dog and gossip about your friends and family, that’s not moderate exercise. It might be fun, but it’s not moderate exercise. </p> <p>The other thing that you’ve gotta do is try and actually create impact. So things like Zumba, jumping, jogging are very good for your bones and ligaments. This is because you’re actually not gonna destroy your joints. But that impact actually physically strengthens your bones. So those are the sorts of things that you really need to do <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/osteoporosis-what-it-does-to-your-bones/">to maintain </a>healthy bones, ligaments and muscles. </p> <p>Drugs can help reverse some of the effects of bone thinning with age, but you’re much better to be ahead of the pack and have strong bones to start with.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79159</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Can your practice refuse entry to a patient who has not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19?</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/can-your-practice-refuse-entry-to-a-patient-who-has-not-been-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:11:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79215</guid> <description><![CDATA[Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex according to Avant Mutual – the leading provider of medical indemnity insurance’s website. To help you navigate this issue and minimise the chances of running into a legal problem, they suggest you consider the following issues before you refuse entry to an unvaccinated patient: Step 1: Check […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex according to Avant Mutual – the leading provider of medical indemnity insurance’s website.</p> <p>To help you navigate this issue and minimise the chances of running into a legal problem, they suggest you consider the following issues before you refuse entry to an unvaccinated patient:</p> <p><em>Step 1: Check the public health directions in your state and territory</em></p> <p>State and territory public health directions do not currently prevent a person from entering a medical practice if the person is not vaccinated against COVID-19. </p> <p><em>Step 2: Obligation to treat a patient</em></p> <p>A medical practice does not generally have to allow a person to enter the practice unless it’s an emergency.</p> <p><em>Step 3: Consider whether the decision not to treat the patient may be discriminatory</em></p> <p>You can refuse to allow an unvaccinated patient to enter your practice except when the patient is not vaccinated for a reason such as:</p> <ul><li>the patient’s medical condition</li><li>the patient’s age (for example, because the TGA has not approved vaccination for their age group)</li><li>the patient’s religious beliefs.</li></ul> <p>It can be lawful to discriminate if it is necessary to ensure the health and safety of people in the practice.</p> <p>However, the practice should first consider whether there is another way to provide a service to the patient other than through entry to the practice (for example, via telehealth).</p> <p><em>Step 4: Consider work health and safety issues</em></p> <p>Under work health and safety laws, practices must ensure the health and safety of their workers, patients and others at the workplace.</p> <p>Your practice should undertake a risk assessment in consultation with practice staff to determine whether patient vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary to ensure health and safety in the workplace.</p> <p><em>Step 5: Other factors</em></p> <p>Your practice may wish to consider other factors before deciding to refuse treatment to an unvaccinated patient:</p> <ul><li>the reason the patient is not vaccinated (e.g. the patient intends to be vaccinated but has had difficulties accessing vaccination)</li><li>whether the patient is a new patient or existing patient</li><li>if a doctor elects to terminate the doctor-patient relationship or deny treatment to a patient because the patient is not vaccinated, the patient may make a complaint</li><li>the capacity of the patient to obtain treatment elsewhere (for example, denying treatment at a GP practice versus a specialist practice where there are a limited number of specialists in that area)</li><li>the patient’s need for continuity of care (having regard to factors such as the urgency of care, the value of an ongoing treating relationship etc)</li><li>a doctor’s right to conscientiously object to treating patients who are not vaccinated.</li></ul> <p>For more information visit <a href="https://apac01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.avant.org.au%252Fcovid-19%252Fvaccination-faqs%252F&data=04%257C01%257C%257C63284c3bb3f34f8e87ec08d9b54668ee%257C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%257C1%257C0%257C637740136279930999%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000&sdata=oLpjywIkAF2XsyCLkyZrq1agSy3qCWKHgZEOEvSA%252F6c%253D&reserved=0"><strong>https://www.avant.org.au/covid-19/vaccination-faqs/</strong></a> </p> <p>Of course, doctors are expected to comply with the <a href="https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx"><strong>code of conduct</strong></a>, which sets out the expectations of registered medical practitioners in Australia.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79215</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Five ways to say thank you this Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/five-ways-to-say-thank-you-this-christmas/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:05:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79212</guid> <description><![CDATA[2021 has proven to be another busy and challenging year for practice teams across Australia.  As you know, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your hard-working practice team, large or small. Of course, this already happens at practices in many ways.  Here are 5 ways you can say thank you this […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>2021 has proven to be another busy and challenging year for practice teams across Australia. </p> <p>As you know, Christmas is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your hard-working practice team, large or small. Of course, this already happens at practices in many ways. </p> <p>Here are 5 ways you can say thank you this Christmas:</p> <p>Secret Santa</p> <p>Secret Santa is a fun way of presenting or exchanging gifts. Instead of buying a specific gift for each team member, you can purchase gifts that are suitable for everyone in the team. </p> <p>Gather the team together for a morning or afternoon tea, and during the event, invite each person to select a wrapped gift from Santa’s sack. </p> <p>It’s also a great opportunity to thank each team member in person.</p> <p>Food Hamper</p> <p>A quality food hamper is also a great gift idea to thank a team member. </p> <p>Alternatively, for bigger teams, you could consider buying a couple of large hampers; put them in an appropriate area and ask the team to select a few items from the hamper at their leisure.</p> <p>You could complement this with personalised messages in a Christmas card for each team member, highlighting the important contribution they have made throughout the year.</p> <p>Offsite Get Togethers</p> <p>This is a great opportunity to get together informally, whether it be at a picnic, fun activity or having a meal at a local establishment. </p> <p>For a picnic, the practice management could purchase some of the food and the team could bring a few other items such as drinks.</p> <p>If you are visiting a local establishment, you could consider putting a predetermined amount on the bar for food and/or drinks.</p> <p>A Gift Voucher For An Experience</p> <p>Depending on your budget, a gift voucher for an experience can be a fantastic gift. They can range from a movie voucher and zoo ticket to dinner at a local restaurant. There are also websites that cater for a whole range of experiences such as Red Balloon and Groupon, however these are generally more expensive. </p> <p>Practical Gifts For Work</p> <p>People love practical gifts that they can use at work. Drink bottles, hand creams and beautiful mugs all come to mind. </p> <p>You could also consider gifts that brighten up their workspace such as a peace lily plant.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79212</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Omicron – just when you thought the end might be in sight</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/omicron-just-when-you-thought-the-end-might-be-in-sight/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2021 04:59:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Practice Connect]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79208</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dr Norman Swan looks at what we currently know about Omicron. Omicron has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation, and a lot has happened since.  From a variant we had not heard about just a few days ago, it has now spread around the world to over 40 countries. There […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Dr Norman Swan looks at what we currently know about Omicron.</p> <p>Omicron has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation, and a lot has happened since. </p> <p>From a variant we had not heard about just a few days ago, it has now spread around the world to over 40 countries.<br></p> <p>There are three big questions: </p> <ul><li>Does it escape immunity that we have if you’ve been infected before or if you’ve been vaccinated?</li><li>Is it better at spreading than Delta? </li><li>And does it matter? Is the disease worse, milder, the same than what we’ve seen before with previous variants of coronavirus? </li></ul> <p><strong>So, let’s start at the beginning. How effective is immunity?</strong></p> <p>There is a preprint, and that means that it’s a non-peer-reviewed paper, that has come out of South Africa, looking at 2.7 million people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus, prior to the end of August 2021. So, they’ve been largely infected during the periods of the Wuhan virus, the Beta in South Africa, and the Delta, and then they looked at the rate of reinfections in the same group three months after the first one.<br></p> <p>What they are finding is that Omicron has escaped immunity to a significant extent, and it’s about 2.4 times more likely to produce a reinfection in somebody who has got a prior immunity compared to wave one, so in other words the first wave with the ancestral virus. So, there is antibody escape. </p> <p>What we don’t know at the time of writing what this means for people who’ve been vaccinated. </p> <p>Anecdotally it looks as though you can be infected but the vaccines are still ok at preventing serious disease<br></p> <p><strong>So, what about how contagious Omicron is compared to Delta or previous variants?</strong></p> <p>Again, we know the most information from South Africa, which is a very different population. Prior to Omicron, South Africa had their lowest level of COVID-19 that they had ever had in the pandemic. And then it’s gone from about 300 cases on average a week to about 5,000 rolling average at the time of writing, and it’s gone from a 1% positivity rate to about 35% positivity rate in the Gauteng Province.<br></p> <p>You’ve got to tie this in to reinfection because this virus doesn’t actually have to be a lot more contagious than the Delta virus to see a significant surge, because if this virus has escaped immunity to a significant extent, as that study suggested, then the population to the virus looks as though it’s non-immune. So you’ve got a vulnerable population into which it can go, irrespective of whether they’ve been infected before, and perhaps irrespective of whether they have been vaccinated before, and that could cause your surge, pretty much all on its own, if it is just as contagious as Delta. That’s another thing that we don’t know yet.<br></p> <p><strong>How do we interpret what’s happening there in an Australian context?</strong><br></p> <p>That’s an important question for us. We are not that different from the South African population because a very high proportion of people have had COVID-19 or been immunised. In Australia not many of us have had the infection, but a large percentage of us have been immunised, and quite recently, which means that we’ve got a reasonable level of antibodies. So, it’s too early to say, but it could mean that if it gets in, it would still spread, which really brings us to the third question, how much does it really matter? Is it a worse disease?<br></p> <p>At the time of writing there is not much evidence either way. Comforting evidence from South Africa which is that people seem to be in hospital for fewer days than they did with earlier variants, but that could just be a function of previous immunity, not necessarily the mildness of the virus. It could simply be because it’s moving into a population that has experienced COVID-19 before, either through vaccination or through previous infection, and therefore when you get infected with this virus, you don’t get as severe disease. So, it’s not a feature of the virus, it’s a feature of us and our immunity.<br></p> <p>But there are some worrying signs. There’s a spike in admissions of 0- to 4-year-olds in Johannesburg and that’s not well explained. Part of it might be that they are doing COVID testing on kids who are already in hospital for some other reason. Part of it may be a genuine spike in 0- to 4-year-olds, but that is a bit worrying at the moment, at our level of ignorance.<br></p> <p>As to vaccination, it’s still going to be protective against serious disease but we need as high a level of immunity as possible, so it was mildly surprising that they did not change the advice about boosters in Australia. We are still waiting to 6 months and there have been reports that some providers are running the risk of throwing out vaccines and yet people are coming forward for earlier boosters. In addition, Moderna still hasn’t been approved as a booster. </p> <p>Internationally people are saying, well, you really want to get these boosters in so that the antibody response is as high as it can be, so you’ve got the strongest immunity both in antibodies and the T cell response, as we can possibly get.<br></p> <p>The good news is that the Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved provisionally Pfizer for 5- to 11-year-olds, which I suspect will be very welcome for many parents. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79208</post-id> </item> <item> <title>6 ideas for a happy and healthy festive season</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/6-ideas-for-a-happy-and-healthy-festive-season/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 23:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[celebrate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[healthy living]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.www.mydr.com.au/?p=43151</guid> <description><![CDATA[It is easy to overindulge with so much holiday food at our fingertips. While this is a natural holiday reaction a little mindfulness can go a long way. Stop eating or drinking the moment you feel full. Overindulgence can cause bloating and sluggishness. Come January, your health and the bathroom scale will thank you.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>To help you to continue enjoying Christmas, we’ve put together 6 ideas on staying fit and healthy without missing out on the celebrations.</p> <h2>1. <strong>Be mindful of your food and drink</strong></h2> <p>It is easy to overindulge with so much holiday food at our fingertips. While this is a natural holiday reaction a little mindfulness can go a long way. Stop eating or drinking the moment you feel full. Overindulgence can cause bloating and sluggishness. Come January, your health and the bathroom scale will thank you.</p> <h2>2. <strong>Breakfast is still king</strong></h2> <p>After all the celebrations of the night before, it can be easy to carry on eating indulgent food when you wake up. However, your best option is a healthy omelet packed with vitamin-filled veggies with high fibre and nutrition. If a cooked breakfast is too much then a good helping of berries and probiotic yoghurt will work wonders on filling you up and cleansing your system.</p> <h2>3. <strong>Keep Moving</strong></h2> <p>Quite often our regular exercise regime goes out the window during the holiday season. But it can be easily incorporated into the holidays, you can go out for a walk, have a competitive game of backyard cricket or have a swim. These other fun activities will keep your heart healthy and burn a few extra calories, not to mention the benefits of vitamin D and the fresh outdoor air.</p> <h2>4. <strong>Stay Hydrated</strong></h2> <p>Water is the gift of nature and it is a miracle worker when it comes to our health and fitness. Staying hydrated keeps our metabolism moving, helps us shed some of the many kilograms we pile on after Christmas dinner. Staying hydrated helps fight the effects of alcohol and keeps our minds alert and awake. Drinking lots of water helps our body deal with the overindulges of Christmas</p> <h2>5. <strong>Enjoy yourself!</strong></h2> <p>The key point for a fun and enjoyable Christmas season is “everything in moderation”. Take the time to enjoy yourself during the holidays and embrace the time you have with friends and family.</p> <h2>6. <strong>Make time for exercise</strong></h2> <p>Do a brainstorm with your friends and family (even your family doctor!), about fun and enjoyable activities you can do as a group (or alone if you want) to help you stay active and fit over the Christmas season.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43151</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Coping with Family Feuds at Christmas</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/</link> <comments>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[myDr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 02:05:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family violence]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=43119</guid> <description><![CDATA[Christmas is a time when all our differences come crashing together over dinners and drinks and activities. The Celebration season brings family and friends together who haven’t seen each other in a long time, but it can also re-ignite old arguments and feelings. Whether it’s discussing politics, religion or difference in lifestyle it can be […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <h4><strong>Christmas is a time when all our differences come crashing together over dinners and drinks and activities.</strong></h4> <p>The Celebration season brings family and friends together who haven’t seen each other in a long time, but it can also re-ignite old arguments and feelings. Whether it’s discussing politics, religion or difference in lifestyle it can be a stressful time of the year. It may make you feel like you are slotting back into your old role and start getting treated like a child rather then an adult.</p> <p>Here are a few tips on how to cope when you are home for the holidays:</p> <p>Call a few days before and see what you can do to help.</p> <p>Don’t just turn up a few days before and try and take over. Know who is in charge and be willing to help. If your dietary requirements have changed let the person cooking know well in advance and be considerate in your own planing. </p> <p>Alcohol consumption is another thing to consider, by drinking moderately and being aware of how much you’ve had you can ensure a more pleasant and enjoyable night.</p> <h4><strong>Keeping the Peace at Christmas</strong></h4> <p>Here are some key tips to remember when visiting home for Christmas:</p> <p><strong>Be Aware</strong>: Know what could trigger resentments and don’t bring up subjects that could reignite old arguments.</p> <p><strong>Be Helpful</strong>: be ready to help if it is needed,, try asking in advance what you can do to help and if there is anything specific you can do do or bring over.</p> <p><strong>Be Kind</strong>: Family is family, remember to be kind and rise above whatever someone might say that annoys you. </p> <p><strong>Be Flexible</strong>: With so many different people together, everyone will not always agree with each other in what activities to do or what television programs to watch. Be kind and be flexible. You can always catch up on things later. </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.mydr.com.au/coping-with-family-feuds-at-christmas-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">43119</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Recovering from Covid-19 – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/recovering-from-covid-19-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:04:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus - COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid recovery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covid-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Norman Swan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79121</guid> <description><![CDATA[For those who are full vaccinated recovering from any covid-19 infection is quicker and easier then those who aren't.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092214661aeede21f314355335355" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092214661aeede21f314355335355" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650922146?h=e8e4e6795a&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>Recovering from COVID depends partly on whether you’re vaccinated. </p> <p>If you’re <a href="https://www.mydr.com.au/vaccines-for-covid-19-most-studied-in-history-dr-norman-swan/">vaccinated</a>, you tend to get a very mild illness, recovering is pretty quickly. So even if you’ve got quite a few symptoms, you tend to be much better in about a week. And it looks as though the incidence of long COVID is pretty low. </p> <p>Therefore, most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 are better and recovering within a few days.</p> <p><strong><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79121</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Consent For a Childs Vaccination – Dr. Norman Swan</title> <link>https://www.mydr.com.au/consent-for-a-childs-vaccination-dr-norman-swan/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[newcontent]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus Vaccination]]></category> <category><![CDATA[consent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[parental consent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vaccination]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mydr.com.au/?p=79123</guid> <description><![CDATA[Who can consent to a child getting vaccinated for covid-19? what of one parent doesn't agree? ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="arve" data-mode="normal" data-oembed="1" data-provider="vimeo" id="arve-vimeo-65092199461aeede21fb0b781538983" style="max-width:1200px;" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/VideoObject"> <span class="arve-inner"> <span class="arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio arve-embed--16by9"> <meta itemprop="embedURL" content="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen class="arve-iframe fitvidsignore" data-arve="arve-vimeo-65092199461aeede21fb0b781538983" data-src-no-ap="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" height="675" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/650921994?h=4b5ee4fdf3&dnt=1&app_id=122963&html5=1&title=1&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=0" width="1200"></iframe> </span> </span> </div> </div></figure> <p>In general, in most jurisdictions in Australia, you only need one parent or guardian to give consent for a child to have a procedure.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.tonicmedianetwork.com.au/about-us/our-team/dr-norman-swan-bio/">Dr Norman Swan</a>, Physician and Journalist</strong></p> <p>For more detailed information on this topic please click <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/09/covid-19-vaccine-information-for-teens-and-parents-guardians-covid-19-vaccine-information-for-adolescents-and-parents-or-carers_0.pdf">here</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">79123</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss> ' $parser = object(SimplePie_Parser) { error_code => null error_string => null current_line => (int) 724 current_column => (int) 1 current_byte => (int) 41938 separator => '' namespace => array( (int) 0 => '' ) element => array( (int) 0 => '' ) xml_base => array( (int) 0 => '' ) xml_base_explicit => array( (int) 0 => false ) xml_lang => array( (int) 0 => '' ) data => array( 'child' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) datas => array( (int) 0 => array([maximum depth reached]) ) current_xhtml_construct => (int) -1 encoding => 'UTF-8' }SimplePie::init() - APP/webroot/scripts/simple_pie/simplepie.inc, line 1781 include - APP/View/Elements/right_rssbox.ctp, line 15 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Users/login.ctp, line 44 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 96
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