Medical

A recent study showed that there is a mean delay of 8.9 years from the time a patient first starts to struggle with their weight to initiating a discussion with their doctor. In the first interview of a 5-part series, we are talking to Dr Vimal Chand, a GP from St Mary’s, NSW, about his experience and success in initiating weight-related conversations with patients, because by helping our patients make a start on their weight-loss journey, we can make a real impact on their quality of life.

68% of people in aged care are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, and of course this can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Fracture rates are high in the elderly and around 30% of all hip fractures happen in the aged care setting. With our ageing population, there is a greater need than ever before for cost-effective measures that improve the health and wellbeing of our older people, as well as reducing their healthcare costs, so listen to learn more…. 10 minute listen

Testosterone is a really important hormone for men’s health throughout life; however, in some men testosterone can decrease to low levels during adulthood. Identifying the signs of low testosterone, even potential causes, can be a challenge and then we need to find the appropriate treatment. This year in Australia, a testosterone formulation with a new site of application has become available, extending the options available to men with androgen deficiency. Intrigued? we join Dr Chris McMahon to discuss this great topic.

GPs have a key role in initiating discussions about sex and sexual difficulties with our patients, but these discussions can be so hard and yet they’re so important for women who are going through menopause and may be experiencing a decline in sexual desire. This decline can be due to a testosterone deficiency and can be resolved by appropriate treatment. Australia is the first country in the world to have a licenced testosterone product available for use in women with HSDD or Hypoactive Desire Disorder, so in this interview we discuss appropriate treatment.

13 minute listen

Women’s sexual wellbeing often declines after menopause and can be associated with significant personal and relationship distress, but it’s not always easy knowing how to tackle this issue with our patients. Understanding what’s important to our patients and how to broach the subject of sexual desire are key to both diagnosing and managing treatable conditions such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or HSDD.  12 minute listen

Increasing awareness of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has led to consistent rises in the number of children both being diagnosed and being treated. Children with ADHD may find it hard to concentrate and may become hyperactive, to the point where the condition can interfere with their schooling, friendships, or family life. As GPs we will be familiar with the inattentive symptoms, such as being easily distracted and having difficulty with focusing, as well as the hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, such as fidgeting and squirming, but there are also significant nutritional challenges. What are they, let’s find out?

We’re approaching the end of a second year living through a pandemic and everyone just seems a little bit frazzled, and I’m not just talking about our patients. Health professionals have been working on the frontline this whole time and it’s important to look after our own mental health too. So in this interview we are speaking with a psychiatrist about preserving our own mental health as doctors, as well as improving our patient’s mental health.

When it comes to syncope, it’s important to understand the underlying cause as it is often not benign. Cardiac syncope has a much higher risk of mortality and death, so it is an important diagnosis to make. Assess the cardiac risk factors and refer early, as technology has evolved and we now have implantable cardiac monitors that increase diagnostic yield and are cost-effective. 12 minute listen

This audio file contains all 7 interviews on this edition.

• Track 1, Syncope, it’s common, what could we be missing?
• Track 2, A question we need to ask ourselves – Am I OK?
• Track 3, Nutritional challenges in ADHD
• Track 4, Let’s talk loss of sexual desire in women – A practical guide
• Track 5, Sexual problems are common among menopausal women, but too rarely discussed
• Track 6, Location, location, location – Solving the short-comings of
  testosterone gels and injections
• Track 7, Improving falls and fractures with dairy foods

To view reference lists or product information please go to the individual tracks.

The combined oral contraceptive pill has been the subject of discussion over many years, especially with regards to the risk of venous thromboembolism. Until now the options for most women have been limited to combined oestrogen and progestogen formulations. In this interview we discuss a NEW progestogen only oral contraception for women. 11 minute listen