Your health and the health of your family are the most important things in the world. But there's a lot of misinformation out there, and getting healthcare support you can really trust isn’t always easy. That’s why St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital created CARE to SHARE Ⓡ - a video series aimed at providing simple information, inspiration and support from our passionate team of healthcare professionals.
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A mastectomy can be a life-saving treatment for women with breast cancer, but it does come at a physical and emotional cost. But women do have reconstructive options post-surgery. A mastectomy aims to remove all of the tissue in the affected breast along with all of the tumour but the surgery is not performed in isolation. Depending on the tumour, a patient will still often require other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy. With an increase in survival rates, breast reconstruction is also becoming more common. For many women, this can be an important step in helping them regain a sense of normality after their cancer treatment. In this video, Breast and Endocrine Surgeon Dr Ben Green talks about what’s involved when undergoing a mastectomy, the recovery process and reconstruction options available to women with breast cancer.
Heel pain is something that most people will experience at some stage in their lives, but what can be done about it? The condition affects people from all walks of life and can be the cause of discomfort and distress, but in most cases it is very treatable. In this video Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Greg Sterling explains why people experience heel pain and the treatment options available.
Tonsils and adenoids can be the cause of recurrent infections and sleepless nights in young children. Persistent throat infections or frequently disturbed sleep can be a sign that a child has a problem with their tonsils or adenoids. Throat infections can be very painful for children and the cause of many sick days, while disturbed sleep can result in tired, disruptive children that find it hard to concentrate throughout the day. Surgery can seem daunting for parents but the upsides can be life-changing. In this video ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr Thomas Slaughter explains what is involved in the procedure and how children can benefit afterwards.
For decades heart disease has been thought of as a disease that affects men. But the number of cases of women developing the disease has increased significantly over the years and it is now the biggest killer of women in Australia. Many women are unaware of their cardiovascular risk factors. It is also important to be aware that women can experience different symptoms to men. In this video Clinical Cardiologist, Dr Mahala Hudaverdi explains how the disease differs in women and what they should look out for.
Weight related issues are among the most common health concerns in modern society, but even a small amount of weight loss can cut the chances of developing long term health problems. Find out more about how bariatric surgery can help patients lose weight from Dr Phil Lockie, Bariatric Surgeon. He discusses why and when patients should consider surgery for weight loss, the recovery process and life after the operation.
This common condition occurs when your breathing is interrupted, causing you to wake up throughout the night. It only occurs when you’re asleep, but the effects can be detrimental to your overall health and wellbeing. Fortunately, this is a very treatable condition. Different options are available, including CPAP machines. Dr Alex Ritchie, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine specialist, discusses the effects of the condition, different treatment options and the benefits of seeking out help with sleep apnoea.
Deep Brain Stimulation, also called DBS, is a well proven treatment option that helps relieve the tremors, slowness and stiffness associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Tiny electrodes are placed in precise areas of the brain, and a neurostimulator to sends electrical impulses to stimulate those areas. Not only does this procedure offer relief from symptoms, but it also allows patients to reduce their reliance on medication. Professor Peter Silburn AM, Neurologist and world expert on treating Parkinson’s Disease, provides insight into the procedure, the benefits of DBS, and who makes a good candidate for DBS.
Know your lumps and bumps — be breast aware
Breasts are unique and knowing the usual look and feel of your breasts is the key to being breast aware and early detection of cancer. They will change over time; lumps and bumps may appear, but regular self-checks will help you understand what’s normal and when you should see your GP.
Specialist Breast Care Nurse Natasha Keir discusses how often you should check your breasts and what to look out for.
Heart health and treatment options for older patients
Symptoms such as breathlessness in older patients can be a sign of more serious heart issues. TAVI –Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant – may be a suitable treatment option, offering a less invasive procedure and quicker recovery time in most cases.
TAVI Co-ordinator Wendy Keegan explains the TAVI procedure and how it can help patients improve their quality of life.
Is endometriosis causing your pelvic pain??
Pelvic pain during your menstrual cycle can be a sign of endometriosis – a small group of cells in the pelvis that causes symptoms such as pain and even infertility. Early diagnosis is key in effective treatment and ensuring you don’t suffer further complications
Gynaecologist Dr Philip Hall discusses the signs to look out for, how to get diagnosed and the positive outcomes of treatment for many patients.
Are you at risk of a sports injury?
Sport is great for fitness and can be a lot of fun. It can also take its toll on the body. Particularly knees and shoulders. Soft tissue problems, cartilage tears and ligament damage are all common injuries that can be caused by a wide range of sports.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Dale Rimmington discusses the most common sports injuries, surgical and non-surgical treatments and the importance of injury prevention.
Are all heart beat irregularities dangerous?
Arrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm, which in conjunction with structural, functional or genetic changes, can be a sign of something more serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as chest sensations or pressure, whereas others mightn’t notice that their heart is skipping a beat.
Learn more about arrhythmia and what you should watch out for from Cardiologist Dr Kieran Dauber.
What happens when you go to Emergency?
Emergency treats all patients and is open 365 days of the year. Whether you arrive by ambulance or walk in, you will receive the same standard of care. Beyond triage and treatment, staff aim to reassure patients and make them feel comfortable every step of the way.
It can be intimidating to go to Emergency, but Patricia Woods, Clinical Nurse Manager in the Emergency Centre, explains the steps involved and why you shouldn’t be afraid to call an ambulance.
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