Consumer Health Information

        This page contains health information for Aboriginal people 

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Some General Points

If you are a healthy adult under 50, you should have a medical checkup every 2 years

Exam should include blood sugar, blood pressure, urine test, weight checks, and enquiry about drinking, smoking and exercise habits

You should expect clear advice and explanation if anything is found

In addition, women need a cervical smear test and clinical breast exam done by the doctor at least every 2 years

If you are 50 or over, the doctor should suggest a free flu vaccination each year and pneumonia vaccination every 5 years

From age 50 (or earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer), everyone should be offered a bowel cancer test. Women are entitled to a free breast X ray check every 2 years. Contact BreastScreen SA on 132050 for an appointment

From age 55, all Aboriginal men and women are eligible for a full Health Assessment. Your doctor is paid at a higher than normal rate to provide this service, but you may need to ask for it

The following illnesses can run in families - breast and bowel cancers, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, dementia, Huntingdon's disease, schizophrenia, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Let your doctor know if your blood relatives have any of these conditions

Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to anything

If You Have Ongoing Medical Problems

If you have any illness requiring continuing treatment, you need to see your doctor more often than every 1 or 2 years

Most people with problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure need a checkup at least every 3 or 4 months

Ask your doctor how often they need to see you

You will also need to see a specialist every 5 years and possibly more often if your condition is not stable

Aboriginal Children

At birth, all children in SA are given a blue personal health record book

Consult this book to find out about your child's next routine check including their immunizations

Take the book with you to all medical and nursing appointments 

Some Useful Phone Numbers

Smoking Quitline 131848

Poisons Information 131126

Parent Helpline 1300 364100

Crisis Care Mental Healthline 131465

Lifeline 131114

Alcohol and Drug Information Service 1300 131340

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