Berwick Medical Centre

Meta analysis of 6 prospective studies involving138,000 patients showed patients with a high level of strain in their job were associated with a 22% increase in the  risk of stroke. A high strain job was defined as one with high demand but low control. The effect was more prominent in women and activity or passivity in the job had no impact on outcome.

Diabetes facts More than 1.1 million Australians suffer from diabetes ( 85 % have type 2 diabetes ) Only I in 4 adult diabetics achieve an HbA1c of less than 7 % The risk of diabetes complications is much less if HbA1c is below 7%. Cardiovascular risk for women Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women – affecting 1 in 5. The risk factors of diabetes , raised cholesterol , and hypertension have greater impact and are more prevalent in women than men.

Gait  speed- walking Did  you know   individuals with  reduced  gait  speeds are at higher  risk of disability , cognitive impairment, falls and increased  mortality. Preferred    habitual gait speed (with walking aid  if  usually used 0 is  best measured 3 times  within a  few  minutes  over a distance of  2.5 – 8 metres   Speeds             above  1 .0 m/sec are satisfactory   between 0.8 and  1.0 m/sec   -would  benefit  from increased weekly physical activity between 0.5 – 0.8 m/sec would benefit from resistance and balance training.  

Have you made a will? Do you have medical and legal powers of attorney ? Have you discussed and documented thoughts on resuscitation and advanced care planning? Are your financial affairs clearly documented and readily found ?

Affects 2.2 million Australians aged over 50 yo affecting 1 in 4 men and 2 in 5 women . Exercise is beneficial for bone strength development in children and young adults and maintenance in older age groups. Exercise for the older patient should be tailored to their existing risk factors — discussion with your GP or physio is recommended. Basket ball, netball impact aerobics , dancing, gymnastics , tennis and skipping are highly beneficial forms of exercise at all age groups . Running , jogging, brisk walking , walking up hills , resistance training and stair climbing are moderately beneficial