Central City Medical Centre

The current recommendation from the National Cervical Screening Program is that all women aged 18-70 who have ever been sexually active have a cervical smear test (Pap test) every 2 years. The good news is that from May 2017 this is going to be replaced by a 5 yearly Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test. This is because most cervical cancers are caused by HPV (although the vast majority of women with HPV will not get cervical cancer). The current 2 yearly Pap testing has been ver

Approximately 1.7 million Australians suffer from diabetes of whom about a third are undiagnosed. As a result of changes in lifestyle - worsening dietary choices, reduced exercize levels and consequent increased levels of obesity - diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia and has been called the "21st century epidemic". In the most common type - Type II diabetes - there are often no symptoms for many years during which time irreparable damage can be occu

It's R U OK? Day today - an important reminder to take the time to ask the question if you feel someone might be struggling with depression. Approximately 2500 Australians die from suicide each year. Rates are higher in men than women and also higher in Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples. Visit the RUOK site for more information and help with how to ask the question and what you can do to help if they are indeed suffering.

Spring is here but for many this is a miserable time of year as their hay fever strikes. Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, causes sneezing, runny and/or blocked nose, often with itching of the eyes and nose. A postnasal drip, cough, fatigue and irritability are also common symptoms. Unlike other allergies, it is difficult to avoid the allergens (pollen typically from trees, bushes and grasses) though some sufferers with mild symptoms will get adequate relief from a s