Bungendore Medical Centre

05/02/2026

05/02/2026

🩺 Health information online: how do you know what to trust?

Many of our GPs are seeing more and more patients arrive with health advice they’ve found online — particularly on social media. Some of it is helpful. Some of it is confusing. And some of it can be inaccurate or even harmful.

The internet has made health information easier to access than ever before, but it’s also made it harder to tell what’s evidence-based and what isn’t. Influencers, trending diets, supplements and screening tests are often promoted without balanced information about risks, limitations or scientific evidence.

At Bungendore Medical Centre, we genuinely appreciate when patients tell us what they’ve seen online. It opens the door for an honest conversation.

You might hear your GP say:
👉 “I’m not sure — let’s look at the evidence together.”

That’s not uncertainty — it’s good medicine.

We regularly use trusted Australian clinical resources and guidelines during consultations and are always happy to explain what’s supported by evidence, what isn’t, and what’s appropriate for you as an individual.

If something you’ve seen online has raised questions or concerns, bring it with you to your appointment. We’re here to help you make sense of it — safely.

If you’re interested, we’ve also published a more in-depth article on our website about navigating health information online and how to tell what’s trustworthy — it’s well worth a read. https://bungendoremedicalcentre.com.au/health-information-online-how-do-you-know-what-to-trust/

05/02/2026

🩺 Primary Health Care Workers Day (better late than never!)

We missed Primary Health Care Workers Day by a day — but our appreciation certainly hasn’t expired.

Primary health care is the backbone of our community, and while GPs often get the spotlight, the work simply wouldn’t function without the skilled, steady and compassionate people behind the scenes.

Today we want to give special recognition to our nursing team at Bungendore Medical Centre —
💙 Sharon
💙 Steph
💙 Lozang

Our nurses are a calm presence during procedures, and the quiet coordinators who keep everything running smoothly. They balance clinical skill with empathy, efficiency with kindness, and they do it day in, day out.

We are incredibly grateful for the care they provide to our patients and the support they give to our doctors and reception team.

Thank you to all primary health care workers — and especially to our wonderful nurses — for the essential work you do for our community, every single day.

04/02/2026

We are seeking 2 volunteers to fill positions for marshals on Saturday morning. Please let me know if you are able to assist.

04/02/2026

World Cancer Day | 4 February

World Cancer Day is a reminder that cancer touches many of us — directly or indirectly — and that early detection, prevention, and support really do matter.

Not every symptom means something serious, but checking in with your GP, staying up to date with screening, and having conversations early can make a real difference.

If you have concerns, questions, or are due for screening, your GP is a good place to start.

🔗 Learn more:

An international awareness day led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise worldwide attention and inspire action for a cancer-free future.

03/02/2026

🔥 Extreme Heat Awareness Day — 4 Feb 2026 🔥

Australia’s summers are getting hotter and more dangerous — and heatwaves are now our deadliest environmental disaster. The increasing intensity and frequency of heat events, amplified by climate change and the urban heat island effect, are affecting people’s health, homes and communities.

This Extreme Heat Awareness Day, we’re standing with and to raise awareness, share heat health info and call for action. Whether you’re an individual, workplace, community group or leader — there are ways to show up for heat safety and heat justice.

💬 What you can do:
• Check in — start conversations about heat impacts with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
• Get prepared — learn how to stay cool and safe during extreme heat (links in bio).
• Use your voice — share stories and facts on social media with .
• Support policy action — from heat-safe housing to heat resilience planning at all levels of government.

Every voice matters — let’s build cooler, safer, more equitable cities together. 💙

Extreme Heat Awareness Day

29/01/2026

28/01/2026

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, and healthy relationships are important.

In a healthy relationship, you can speak openly and be listened to, feel safe saying no and make your own choices about all aspects of your life.

Abuse is never okay. If someone controls, scares or harms you, it may be a form of domestic, family or sexual violence. 1800RESPECT can support you.

Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text on 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.

28/01/2026

Staying hydrated in a Canberra summer is no joke, and according to dietitian Neve, one of the easiest ways to beat the heat is to ‘eat your water.’

'Fruits like watermelon, berries, oranges and grapes, plus veggies like cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes all help keep you hydrated. Yoghurt and soups count too, and even things like smoothies, oats and lassi can add extra fluid to your day.’

Neve says most people should aim for 2–3 litres of water a day, but you’ll need more ‘if you’re sweating, working outside or exercising.’ And while water is usually all you need, she adds:

'Electrolytes can be really helpful when you’re sweating heavily for a long time, doing outdoor sport or recovering from vomiting or diarrhoea.’

If you’re feeling dizzy, tired, crampy, or noticing darker wee, Neve says those are early signs you’re not getting enough fluids and symptoms like confusion, vomiting or fainting can be a heat-stroke emergency.

Her biggest tip for summer?
'Add hydrating foods to every meal and keep a refillable water bottle with you, it makes a huge difference.’

💧 Canberra, what’s your go-to way to stay hydrated on a hot day?

Share your favourites below and let’s help each other stay cool, safe and hydrated this summer.

28/01/2026

Apply repellent to kids each morning to protect them during school. Don’t allow children to apply it themselves and always read the label instructions.

Most repellents are safe for use on children aged 3 months and older when used according to directions, although some formulations are only recommended for children aged 12 months and older – always check the product label for recommended age use. The most effective repellents contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and prevent bites for a longer period of time.

Find out more: health.nsw.gov.au/keepmozziesaway