Many of us have New Year\u2019s resolutions but the most important one all Australians can make in 2022 is to get any health checks they put aside during the pandemic.
\nWith the heavy focus on COVID-19 for the past two years, many of us haven\u2019t prioritised other areas of our health.
\nPrevention is a key priority for the Morrison Government. Our 10-year National Preventive Health Strategy focuses on valuing health before illness, highlighting the immense value of maintaining good health throughout a person\u2019s life.
\nNow is the time to do just that. Australia has a world-class health system and, like COVID, we can prevent many diseases and conditions from developing, or reduce their impact.
\nOne of the best ways to prevent future illness is to keep up to date with regular health checks and early detection programs such as cancer screenings, regular immunisations, and tests for blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections.
\nRegular cancer screening saves lives and early detection leads to better outcomes for cancer treatments. Some types of cancer can be detected before symptoms appear, and screening can also find changes in cells before they become cancer.
\nThere are three world-leading population-based cancer screening programs in Australia:<\/p>\n
The timing of your next screening will depend on your age, gender and when your last screening was. If you need screening in 2022, you may need to book an appointment. Many of us have New Year\u2019s resolutions but the most important one all Australians can make in 2022 is to get any health checks they put aside during the pandemic. With the heavy focus on COVID-19 for the past two years, many of us haven\u2019t prioritised other areas of our health. Prevention is a key … Continue reading “Put health check-ups first in 2022”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-aussie"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14433"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14433\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nTo book in for a cervical screening test or check when you\u2019re due, contact your GP or healthcare provider.
\nTo book a free mammogram, call BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50 and you will automatically be directed to your nearest service.
\nFor bowel screening, a kit will be mailed to you every two years once you become eligible. If you need a replacement kit, order one for free\u00a0online<\/a>.
\nSexual health is also important to your overall health and decreases in testing and treatment for blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections (BBV and STI) mean there could be a lot of people who aren\u2019t aware they have an infection.
\nIf you think you may be at risk, talk to your GP about testing. Medicare items are available for telehealth consultations relating to BBV and STI.
\nFor smokers, the best way to help your health in 2022 is to quit. We know it isn\u2019t always easy, but help is available and there are huge benefits when you kick the habit.
\nFor help to quit smoking, talk to your GP, call Quitline, or visit\u00a0www.quit.org.au<\/a>. Research shows that getting the support of a health professional greatly improves a smoker\u2019s chance of successfully quitting.
\nTo help, our Government has extended specific Medicare items for GP nicotine and smoking cessation services \u2013 including via telehealth \u2013 to 31 December 2023.
\nFor those looking for assistance in reducing their reliance on alcohol and drugs, there is also support available.
\nAustralians can talk to your GP or call the free and confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on\u00a01800 250 015. If you prefer to seek online treatment, you can visit Counselling Online, a free and confidential service at:\u00a0https:\/\/www.counsellingonline.org.au\/<\/a>.
\nThe pandemic has not only taken a physical toll on some Australians. Many people have also experienced mental health issues.
\nSince March last year, our Government has provided more than $1 billion in funding to expand mental health services, including a substantial investment in telehealth.
\nHelp is at hand if you are struggling with your mental health, and there are many ways you can get it. Talk to your GP or visit the Government\u2019s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
\nAustralians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
\nAnyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
\nOur health system is in a strong position to support Australians with health challenges, throughout the pandemic and beyond.
\nCOVID-19 has taught us the importance of our health and speaking to our health experts when we notice something out of the ordinary. In 2022, I urge you to attend medical appointments and health checks and follow through on any referrals for blood tests or scans. It is about living well for long – it could just save your life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"