Bankstown Hospital

22/01/2026

What’s more annoying than a mozzie bite?
Getting bitten because you didn’t apply your repellent correctly!

Take time to apply repellent correctly. It’ll stop you from getting itchy mozzie bites that can sometimes make you really sick. Here’s how to apply:

• use repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• apply repellent evenly to all areas of exposed skin – in a similar way to how you apply sunscreen, don’t forget your face!
• apply repellent AFTER you apply sunscreen
• reapply repellent regularly. This is important if you are outside during hot weather, or swimming
• apply repellent to young children – don't let them apply their own
• always read and follow the instructions on the label.

Learn more: health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes

21/01/2026

Parents and caregivers of 3–5-year-old children in south west Sydney: we’d love to hear from you.

Join a friendly workshop to share your thoughts and help design practical support for healthy screen use in young children. All caregiver voices and experiences are welcome, with bilingual support available.

90-minute sessions will be held at two convenient locations:

• (Bankstown) Bryan Brown Theatre 24th February 10:00 – 11:30am

• (Liverpool) University of Wollongong Campus 26th February 10:00 – 11:30am

We hope to see you there! Click the link below to register:
https://redcap.uow.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=YTXDYXNN44THMF49

21/01/2026

Uh-oh… What’s that on your skin?🚨
Rashes can pop up when your skin is trying to tell you something 👀

Rashes can be:
• Red, itchy, bumpy or flaky
• Caused by allergies, infections, heat or new products
• Mild and short-lived *or* a sign to see your GP

Most rashes aren’t serious, but it’s worth getting checked if:
• It’s spreading or getting worse
• It’s painful, oozing or swollen
• You feel unwell at the same time

Get urgent help if a rash comes with trouble breathing, swelling of the face or dizziness. ⚠️

Check your symptoms and learn more here:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/rashes

21/01/2026

Are you planning or expecting a baby in 2026?
Our free health coaches can help with simple healthy tips and meal ideas 🍽️

Call 1300 806 258 or visit Get Healthy in Pregnancy at gethealthynsw.com.au/pregnancy

21/01/2026

This summer, keep the red to the carpet and off your skin. While a Golden Globe gave Rose a winner’s glow, UV and golden rays (even on cloudy days) can leave you with a blotchy burn.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world and it is the most common cancer affecting young Australians.

Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun causes more than 95% of skin cancers – but these can be easily prevented by doing something that will always be on trend: protecting your skin outdoors.

Remember to:
- slip on clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs, it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your skin
- slop on a SPF 50+, broad-spectrum sunscreen to create a barrier between UV and your skin
- slap on a wide-brimmed hat that protects your face, ears and neck
- seek shade whenever you can. Shade alone can reduce UV exposure by up to 75%
- slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS1067 and fit your face to reduce UV exposure to your eyes.

For more information on how to be sun safe visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/summer

09/01/2026

Hot weather can be dangerous for seniors.

Here are some simple tips for a healthy safe summer:
- Enjoy outdoor activities and exercise in the cooler parts of the day.
- Drink water throughout the day even if you don’t feel thirsty and carry a bottle of water when going outside.
- Keep your home cool by closing curtains and blinds and using fans or air conditioning.
- Cool yourself down by wetting your skin with cool water - keep in touch with friends and family.
- Talk to your doctor about how to manage your health in the heat if you have a chronic illness, are on regular medications, or have a limit on our fluid intake.

If you need medical advice over summer and your usual doctor isn't available, you can call healthdirect anytime day or night, for free, on 1800 022 222 and get the help you need.

For more tips to have a healthy safe summer, visit: health.nsw.gov.au/summer

08/01/2026

Be prepared at home with these simple tips to keep healthy, safe and cool when the weather is hot:
- Enjoy outdoor activities and exercise in the cooler parts of the day.
- Keep your home cool by closing curtains and blinds and using fans or air conditioning.
- Drink water throughout the day even if you don’t feel thirsty.

For more tips to have a healthy safe summer, visit: health.nsw.gov.au/summer

07/01/2026

We’re expecting some hot weather which is more likely to make you unwell if you are over 65, have heart, lung or kidney disease, have diabetes, or are living with a severe mental illness. If you or someone you know is older or has one of these conditions, make sure:
o that the fan or air conditioner is working well.
o there are ice trays or cool packs in the freezer.
o medicines are stored at the right temperature.
o You drink lots of water. But if a doctor has told you to drink less water, check with them first.
o Remember to wear loose, light clothes, a hat and sunscreen
o Ensure you have a plan to call someone or to go somewhere if the heat is too much.

If you feel unwell or are concerned, visit your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 free health advice. For language support call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

South Western Sydney Local Health District is one of the largest health districts in New South Wales.The District's vision is to provide a healthcare service...

07/01/2026

Age and being female are the biggest risk factors for breast cancer. Women aged 50 to 74 can book a free breast screen at our Bankstown clinic this January. It could save your life! Book on https://book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or call 13 20 50.

BreastScreen NSW South Western Sydney Local Health District

02/01/2026

Planning a bushwalk this summer? Enjoy nature without the mozzie bites with these simple tips:

- Wear loose, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear and socks.
- Apply mosquito repellent evenly to all areas of exposed skin.
- Read instructions to find out how often you should reapply repellent.
- Always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen first and then apply repellent.

For more tips to have a healthy safe summer, visit: health.nsw.gov.au/summer

01/01/2026

We’re seeing some really hot temperatures right now which can affect our health. If you need to go outside, and need to take young children with you, remember:

• Never leave young children alone in the car.
• Don’t cover the front of a pram or stroller with a cloth, even a thin one. Fresh air needs to get into the pram. If you do use a cloth, to be safe, it either needs to be kept wet, or to have a small fan attached.
• Check your baby or child’s temperature often and make sure they aren’t overheating.
• Offer them feeds more often, and if they are more than 6 months old, offer water between feeds.
• Protect their skin by dressing them in loose, light clothes and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen.

If your little one hasn’t had the normal number of wet nappies, if their skin looks really red or pale, or if they are upset or won’t feed, they may be unwell. Get them cooled down as quickly as possible. If you are still worried, get medical advice.

If you feel unwell or are concerned, visit your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 free health advice. For language support call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to be transferred to healthdirect.

For more heat information, visit health.nsw.gov.au/summer

31/12/2025

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free instant health advice.
A registered nurse is available 24/7 to help you get the care you need.
They can find you a nearby GP, pharmacist or urgent care service, connect you to a doctor
online or call you an ambulance if it is life-threatening.

To find out more, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/callhealthdirect
For language support call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to be transferred to healthdirect.