Hills Family Medical Practice

Are you still having your yearly Pap smear? Well, say so long! In 2018 they’ll be replaced by HPV tests. The bad news is that the new procedure will likely be as uncomfortable but the good news is that HPV tests are more accurate and will improve early detection. In addition, they will only need to be performed every 5 years and you won’t have to start until you’re 25 years old rather than the previous 18.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable diseases and yet over 900 cases of cervical cancer were reported in Australia in 2017 so please ensure you’re still tested regularly; don’t allow yourself to become a statistic.

Merry Christmas from all of us here at the Hill’s Family Medical Practice 🎅✨

We hope you have a jolly time laughing over bad cracker jokes and indulging in all your favourite festive foods.

But before you slip into a food-coma, now’s the perfect time to think about how you can lead a happier healthier lifestyle in the New Year. Use that extra weight as motivation to start a new exercise routine, join a sports team, or start whipping up wholesome culinary creations.

Turkey, mince pies, gingerbread, and pudding, the festive season is truly a time for delicious decadence. It’s also a time for stacking on a few extra kilos. Here are our four handy tips to keep you from looking like Santa Claus once the celebrations are over.

1. Spread out the love. Limit yourself to certain treats at certain events to find some balance. If you’re going to indulge in some sugary sweets then steer clear of alcohol and vice versa.

2. Think ahead: we all like to spoil ourselves during the holidays, we say yes to excess and no to exercise but try to stay on top of your regular fitness routine. It will make it so much easier to get back in shape once reality hits.

3. Active events: rather than just sitting around all Christmas day plan some physical fun; play in the pool, have a game of cricket. Burn those extra calories as you bond with your family.

4. Slow it down: Chew. Your. Food. It’s not an eating contest so pace yourself. Give yourself a chance to figure out when you’re full or end up feeling like a stuffed turkey.

Don’t forget your fibre. Not only is fibre essential for your digestive health, studies actually show that a high fibre diet can decrease your risk of bowel cancer, heart disease and diabetes. With that in mind, here are three tricks give your fibre and health a real BOOST:

1. Eat cereals with oats, barley, and wheat. Just look at the back of the box to track down those high-fibre options.

2. Ditch the white stuff! Switch to brown rice and multigrain breads.

3. Veg it up! Adding just one more vegetable to your dinner can work wonders. Broccoli and brussels sprouts are chock-full of fibre but be sure not to overcook them, veggies with more crunch are better for you.