Recharge your health
WITH spring well and truly here it is time for residents to recharge their health.
Although the nasty flu season has passed, there are still other ways people’s health can fail them in spring.
Platinum Health Group Wilsonton Medical Centre practice principal Dr Peter Hopson said there were a few things to look out for.
“The most common issue in spring is hay fever. There are a few allergies in the area because of the flowers, wind and semi-rural conditions,” he said.
“Along with hay fever can also come asthma as well.
“There are a few ways to treat hay fever though, such as nasal spray, oral tablets, steam and eucalyptus and sinus rinsing.”
GP registrar Bronte Appleton said asthma attacks could also come on from spring cleaning.
“With houses closed up people can essentially gas themselves if they clean with chemicals such as bleach without opening up all doors and windows first.
“Asthma often flares up in winter but it is a good idea for people to have an up to date action plan to prevent it being an issue throughout the year and next winter.”
Dr Appleton also advised people about jumping straight into exercise without easing in to it.
“We see a lot of sporting niggles and strains this time of year,” she said.
“Physical exercise is important but people need to ease into, not jump straight into it just because the weather is warming up.
“People can really injure themselves this way.”
Dr Hopson said the same rules went for gardeners.
“I’ve seen shoulder and back injuries all because people go too hard in the garden as soon as the sun comes out,” he said.
“I tell my patients to start with half a shovel and come in sooner rather than later if they injure themselves.”
Dr Hopson said people needed to be aware of their skin and any changes.
“In spring and leading into summer people become more aware of their skin. We do a lot more skin checks because people notice lesions that were previously covered,” he said.
“As always, wear a hat and sunscreen outside and avoid spending great lengths of time in the sun between 10am and 2pm.
“Queensland also has the highest rate of kidney stones for dehydration so it is best to drink two litres a day and also try to eat in season.”
Platinum Health Group Wilsonton is located at the Wilsonton Shopping Centre.