General Medical Information

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterised by dry, inflamed skin. Eczema tends to run in families and appears when the skin barrier does not repair once it is disrupted by irritants.  Not only do hundreds of our adult patients suffer from this condition, many of our infant and child patients also endure the typical itching and soreness of eczema.  Perhaps some of our suggestions below can help sufferers find relief from this annoying condition.

Avoiding eczema outbreaks

Constant management and prompt treatment of eczema outbreaks is highly recommended. Some of the steps to help avoid an outbreak include:

  • Avoiding irritants. Heat, abrasive fabrics, washing powders, sand, soaps and hot water can all cause a flare-up
  • Apply a good quality, mild moisturiser 1-2 times a day
  • Use a very mild soap
  • Avoid long showers or baths as this can dry out skin

Controlling eczema flare-ups

Unfortunately sometimes no matter what you do, you cannot prevent an outbreak/flare. In this situation:

  • Swiftly control with the treatment recommended by your GP. Usually this will be a topical steroid or anti-inflammatory
  • Ointment-based treatments absorb better for thick eczema, and are more moisturising
  • Try and keep cool when in bed and in the car
  • To relieve itching, apply a cool damp towel and then a layer of moisturiser

If an eczema flare gets worse, we do recommend to book an appointment with your GP.

For further information:
http://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Eczema/

A large number of female patients present to the practice each year describing a group of related symptoms – feeling lethargic, experiencing mood changes, noticing reduced coping ability and difficulty concentrating. These are the typical symptoms of iron deficiency in women. A blood test can indicate whether iron is the problem. We discuss in more detail the symptoms of iron deficiency as well as the best sources of iron and the factors that can affect the levels of iron in your body.

Why are women at more risk of iron deficiency?

Adolescent growth spurts, menstruation and pregnancy all affect women’s health. Iron levels decrease during menstruation due to the loss of blood, and an increased level of iron is highly recommended during pregnancy to meet the needs of the foetus.  Additionally, some women tend to restrict diet for weight loss including restriction of both quantities and types of foods.  This can result in nutritional imbalances which significantly impact iron levels in the blood.

What does iron deficiency feel like?

  • Low endurance to get through work and other responsibilities
  • Constant feeling of fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Reduced coping mechanisms

Most commonly, female patients will be prompted to visit their GP because they feel like they aren’t coping with their usual daily stresses as well as usual.

How to increase iron intake?

To increase the intake of readily available iron, lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes and eggs are the best sources.  Non-meat eaters are at higher risk of iron-deficiency  as removing animal products means less readily available iron is in the diet. Non-meat-eaters need to replace these sources with good plant based sources of iron such as legumes, lentils, chick peas, kidney beans, baked beans.  Nuts, seeds, dried fruit can also provide some iron.

It is important to also be aware of the foods that can negatively affect iron absorption. Tannins in red wine can potentially decrease absorption of iron.  Studies have shown that drinking tea & coffee decreases iron absorption in the gut. If an iron supplement is taken, it is recommended to take this an hour before or after drinking any caffeine.  Consuming a vitamin C rich source at the same time as the iron meal, e.g. an orange, strawberries or capsicum can help absorption.

Please contact the practice if you would like to talk to your GP about any symptoms you have been experiencing or if you would like to request any tests. We are here to help.

One of the questions our health professionals are asked regularly is whether there are any natural ways to help relieve the symptoms of depression.  There are a range of lifestyle modifications we advocate to help achieve good mental and physical health and a healthy diet is considered one of the most beneficial. Good nutrition can be used as an aid in treating depression in conjunction with other suitable lifestyle changes and medical treatments. In this article we will briefly explore nutrition and the role it plays in mental health.

What foods should you eat more of?

There are endless nutrients, vitamins and minerals in food which are required to carry out complex interactions in the body.  A nutrient-rich diet to help both the brain and body function properly would include a range of wholefoods such as:

  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Lean meats – Lean chicken beef turkey
  • Fish & oily fish
  • Milk / Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Nuts & Seeds
  • Wholegrains
  • Plenty of fresh water

Some examples of the brain-benefitting nutrients found in a wholefoods diet include zinc, magnesium, a number of vital B Vitamins, essential fatty acids and amino acids.

What foods should you avoid?

Introducing a wholefoods diet should result in an improvement in general wellness, however equally as important is the reduction of foods that can negatively impact health.

Studies have shown that eating fast food, commercial bakery products and food high in refined sugar can interfere with the chemistry of the brain.  These foods are also linked to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

These foods should be avoided:

  • Refined, processed high sugar foods and drinks
  • Transfats
  • Fast food
  • Excessive alcohol

Managing food intake to optimise mental health

Unfortunately modern eating habits and ‘fast food’ means foods are higher in sugar and salt and are eaten in a rushed or stressed manner. Meals should be a relaxed affair, keeping these considerations in mind:

  • Keep blood sugar balanced by eating regularly throughout the day (Low blood sugar leads to low mood, irritability, fatigue)
  • Avoid added sugar. Sugar highs result in a surge of energy and then a tired and low feeling
  • Watch caffeine intake – caffeine can increase anxiety, increase blood sugar and cause sleep problems and depressive symptoms in certain individuals.

Think – what is good for the body is good for the mind.

What we do

Treating patients with depression is one of our key services at Robina Town and Easy T Medical Centres.  Dietary changes can be one useful approach to relieve depression when used in combination with other lifestyle changes and treatments such as medication and therapy.  While there’s no specific diet that is proven to prevent or treat depression, eating a nutritionally balanced diet has the potential to help achieve better mental health.  The best way forward is to stick to a healthy dietary pattern to ensure optimal nutritional balance.   If you would like to discuss your mental health please see your GP who can provide a referral to see one of our psychologists. If you would like help constructing a diet with a view to improving your mental health, you may benefit from a session with our in-house dietician.

References:

https://www.mja.com.au/open/2012/1/4/depression-diet-and-exercise

Each year hundreds of patients ask our doctors how much sun exposure they should be getting to optimise Vitamin D levels in the body. It can be difficult to find a balance between getting enough sun exposure to create vitamin D, versus reducing the risk of skin damage by not overdoing sun exposure. In this article we explain what vitamin D is, who is at risk of deficiency and what the current sun exposure recommendations are, so you can decide on your best course of action.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D forms in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet B or ‘UVB’ radiation from sunlight.  Exposing skin to sun is the best natural source of this essential vitamin. It is present in some foods including eggs, oily fish and dairy products with added vitamin D, however this makes up a tiny percentage of the body’s total levels and it is almost impossible to get enough vitamin D from diet alone.

Why do we need Vitamin D?

A vital ingredient for overall health and wellness, vitamin D assists the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infection. Also a factor in muscle and bone health, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Low vitamin D levels can lead to bone fractures and pain, rickets and negatively impact a growing foetus if the mother has vitamin D deficiency.

Who is at risk of Vitamin D deficiency?

People most at risk of deficiency include:

  • Sufferers of chronic health conditions such as obesity, renal disease, cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease and bowel disease
  • People who are housebound or hospitalised for long periods of time
  • Night shift and indoor workers such as office and factory staff
  • People with darker skin as this reduces the penetration of UV light
  • Patients on certain medications – the body’s metabolism of vitamin D can be affected

The level of vitamin D in the body is generally at its lowest during winter and at the end of winter.

What are the different factors affecting Vitamin D production?

It is essential to strike a good balance between sun exposure and sun protection.  While sunlight exposure is the best source of vitamin D, there is still the risk of skin damage, skin cancer and melanoma from over-exposure.

The amount of sunlight needed to make vitamin D is highly individual and It is difficult to make an exact recommendation of how much sun exposure a person needs. Some of the factors that impact a person’s ability to create vitamin D include:

  • Skin type/colour – people with darker skin need more sun to create vitamin D
  • Age – older people can’t produce as much vitamin D
  • Amount of skin exposed to the sun – exposing larger areas of the body creates more vitamin D in less time
  • Lifestyle – people who spend a lot of time indoors will find it harder to produce vitamin D
  • UV level – higher UV means less time is needed
  • Location – proximity to the equator e.g. northern parts of Australia have higher UV levels all year round
  • Altitude – UV absorption is higher with altitude
  • Weather – cloud cover means less UV
  • Season – Less vitamin D is produced in winter
  • Time of day – more vitamin D is produced in a shorter time when the sun is high in the sky.

What are the recommendations for safe sun exposure?

According to Sunsafe Australia and the Cancer Council:

If the UV index is below 3, sun protection is not needed. It is recommended at these times people are outdoors in the middle of the day with some skin uncovered on most days of the week.

If the UV index is 3 or above, sun protection is required for any outdoor activity that lasts more than a few minutes. In summer, sun protection is vital.

UV levels peak at midday however in summer they can be above 3 from as early as 8.00am and as late as 4.30pm in some areas of Australia.

How can you check the UV index?

There are some great sites and apps to help you check the UV index and learn about safe sun exposure. Two of our favourites are:

The My UV website

The free SunSmart apps which are available for iphone & android.

If you have any concerns or questions about Vitamin D, think you may be deficient or want to have your skin checked, please make an appointment to see your GP. We are more than happy to help.

References:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/Bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/10_tips_for_getting_enough_Vitamin_D?open

http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/vitamin-d/

http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/vitamin-d