Medical

Australia has had a very challenging start to 2020. In January and February we had so many bushfires that blanketed much of our country, and then we went into a global pandemic. We know that both viral and environmental factors can be huge triggers for asthma, which means it’s never been more important for our asthma patients to take their regular medications and be aware of their triggers to protect them against exacerbations.

Mental health issues have been described as a potential ‘second wave’ of the COVID-19 pandemic with many Australians struggling during the lockdown, and men in particular may be reluctant to seek help when they are having problems like anxiety and relationship issues. When men do present with low physical, mental and sexual energy, it may be appropriate to investigate whether low testosterone levels could be the cause….

When managing osteoporosis, we’re dealing with a very vulnerable cohort of patients, older patients, patients at risk of fractures, patients we don’t want in hospitals, and these patients also are the COVID-19 cohort of concern. Patients may not believe that osteoporosis treatment and prevention is high on their list when they’re so preoccupied with concerns about getting sick, but we as their treating doctors need to emphasise the importance of continuous treatment and facilitate measures to help patients keep it as simple as possible.

With more than 90% of teenagers aged 16 to 18 years in Australia suffering from acne, we GPs certainly see a lot of this condition. It’s so important that we treat acne early, it can improve quality of life, it can improve psycho-social upset, it can improve self-confidence, self-esteem and prevent scarring. In this interview we discuss the current landscape in acne management.

When treating hypertension, we’re not treating the patient to lower their blood pressure, we’re treating the patient to lower their risk, we’re trying to prevent a heart attack, a stroke, heart failure or dying, so it’s all about treating them well and treating them as best as possible. Prof. Sindone talks through his advice and tips on the management of hypertension.

GPs are on the front line when it comes to treating depression, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In this interview we discuss the CHEER index which taps into both positively and negatively valenced mood, and can easily be brought into a clinical discussion to assess if our patients have returned to their usual ability to both enjoy things, but also grieve or feel sadness appropriately.

Patients on medication for schizophrenia are at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, but also early death. It’s important to support our patients for both their mental health needs and their physical concerns, and this all needs to happen in partnership between the psychiatrist, GP and other health professionals. In this interview Prof. Warden talks through how to manage the complex needs of people with schizophrenia.

This audio file contains all 5 interviews on this edition.

• Track 1, Management of osteoporosis during the COVID-19 crisis
• Track 2, A new face in acne care
• Track 3, Hypertension, start with the end in mind
• Track 4, The importance of improving interest, pleasure and emotional range when treating major depressive disorder
• Track 5, Schizophrenia: Preventing patients from falling through the cracks

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

Shingles, it’s more than just a rash; postherpetic neuralgia, facial scaring, vision loss and increased risk of stroke – these are all possible complications. In this interview we discuss vaccination as GP recommendation is the most important predictor of vaccine uptake.

Vaccination: Australians who are 65 or over may not consider themselves to be older Australians, and may not understand that once they reach 65 the risk of developing pneumococcal disease increases significantly. As the flu season approaches, it’s an ideal opportunity to talk to patients about concomitant vaccination against pneumococcal disease.