Pear Tree Family Practice

23/01/2026

Stay safe everyone ☀️

Extended periods of extreme heat can lead to heat related illnesses. Keep these phone numbers handy in case of an emergency caused by extreme heat.

Remember, heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you notice symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and confusion, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For more information, visit sahealth.sa.gov.au/healthyintheheat

20/01/2026

Managing Back-to-School Anxiety and Transition Stress
It's completely normal for children to feel anxious about returning to school or starting a new school year. Changes in routine, new teachers, different classmates, or increased academic expectations can all trigger stress.

How to help your child:

-Start re-establishing school routines 1-2 weeks before term begins (earlier bedtimes, regular meal times)
-Visit the school before the first day if possible, especially for new students
-Talk positively about school while acknowledging their feelings
Practice the morning routine together
-Read books about starting school or making friends
-Arrange playdates with classmates before school starts
-Keep goodbyes brief and confident on drop-off
-For older children and teens: Listen without judgment, help them problem-solve specific concerns, encourage connection with friends, and maintain open communication about their day.

Physical symptoms of anxiety: Watch for stomach aches, headaches, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, or excessive clinginess - these can all be signs of anxiety rather than physical illness.

15/01/2026

We are thrilled to announce that Dr Chantelle is joining our Pear Tree family! Her addition to our team means we can continue providing exceptional care to our growing community.

Dr Chantelle brings over 10 years of experience in General Practice, with special expertise in Women's Health, Child and Adolescent Health, Transgender Health, and Chronic Disease Management. Her wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach to patient care make her a wonderful addition to our clinic.
Great news – Dr Chantelle is now accepting new patients! To book an appointment with her, you can:

Book online through our website or via the AMS app
OR call the clinic directly on 08 7228 5818

14/01/2026

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After a period of leave Dr Viji Kuzhikatil has returned and is taking on new patients.

She is an experienced general practitioner who has a friendly, kind, gentle approach to health care.

Dr Viji is passionate about all areas of womens health including contraception, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, period pain, menopause, perimenopause, and everything obstetric.

She has worked at Breast Screen since 2014 and and previously worked at Shine SA.

In addition to English, Dr Vijaya also speaks Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil.

08/01/2026

What is the Express Clinic?

Our Express Clinic provides same-day care for urgent but non-life-threatening health issues. Whether you've woken up with a nasty infection, suffered a minor injury, or need urgent medical attention, our experienced GPs are here to helpwithout the long wait times of a hospital emergency department.

How Does It Work?
Simply call our reception team or book online for a same-day Express Clinic appointment. We'll fit you in as quickly as possible so you can get the care you need when you need it.

07/01/2026

We all know how hot it is currently, but do you know how to help someone if they have heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke – do you know the difference?

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and/or salt contained in sweat. It can be treated by cooling down the body’s temperature by resting in a cool place, taking a cool shower, or drinking water.

When left untreated, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. If you notice yourself or someone displaying symptoms, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

If you are experiencing heatstroke, here’s what to do while waiting for help to arrive.

If the person is unconscious:
• Lay them on their side in the recovery position and check they can breathe properly.
• Perform CPR if needed.

If the person is conscious:
• Do not give them aspirin or paracetamol.
• Move them to a cool area and keep them still.
• Give them small sips of fluid.
• Cool them down with cold water or cool packs.

To learn more, visit sahealth.sa.gov.au/healthyintheheat

07/01/2026

As we start 2026, now is the perfect time to take charge of your health. If you're managing a chronic condition or simply want to stay on top of your wellbeing, a care plan with your GP could be your roadmap to better health this year.

A care plan is a structured approach to managing your health, reviewed with your GP every three months. During your appointment, you'll cover:

Your current conditions and how they're progressing
>A review of your medications
>Vital signs check (blood pressure, pulse)
>Discussion of any specialist reports
>Referrals to allied health professionals like physiotherapists or dietitians

Together with your GP, you'll set SMART goalsspecific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-boundto help you make real progress with your health.

05/01/2026

Cervical Health Awarness Month
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and there's an important update about how you can get screened for cervical cancer.

Current Screening Recommendations

> Ages 21-29: Get a Pap test every three years (if results are normal).
Abnormal results may require follow-up tests and more frequent screening.

>Ages 30-65: Choose one of three screening options:
HPV test alone every five years (if negative)
HPV test and Pap test together every five years (if negative)
Pap test only every three years (if negative)

>After age 65: Many providers stop screening patients who have had consistently negative results.

04/01/2026

Please be aware Pear Tree community

16/12/2025

04/12/2025

'Tis the season to be asking R U OK?

Christmas and the holiday season can be a difficult time for some people who struggle to navigate the celebrations and festivities going on around them. They...

30/11/2025

FREE Parking Update! 🚗

Heading to your appointment? Park for FREE at the Partridge Street car park (Cheapest Chips car park) right next door to our clinic!
This is available to everyone while Jetty Road construction is underway.
⏰ Quick tip: The car park can get busy, so arrive a little early to snag a spot and make your appointment on time!