Family Health Care Mackay Group

01/12/2025

❤️ Is Your Heart Health on Your To-Do List?

Heart disease is Australia's leading cause of death – but many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented.

What is a Heart Health Check?
A Heart Health Check is a simple 20-minute appointment with your GP that could save your life. It helps you understand your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years – and what you can do about it.

Who should get one?
✅ All Australians aged 45-79 years
✅ People with diabetes from age 35
✅ First Nations peoples from age 30

What happens during your check?
Your GP or nurse will:
1. Discuss your health history, lifestyle, and family background
2. Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
3. Assess your risk using a validated calculator
4. Plan personalised steps to protect your heart – including lifestyle changes, referrals, or medicines if needed

Your results show your risk level:
• Low risk (less than 5%)
• Intermediate risk (5-10%)
• High risk (10% or more)

Many people don't realise they're at risk because conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol often have no symptoms.

The Good News? Heart Health Checks are covered by Medicare for eligible individuals at higher risk. To learn more, watch this very informative video from the Heart Foundation

A Heart Health Check is a regular checkup performed by your doctor. A Heart Health Check helps you to understand your risk factors for heart disease and esti...

26/11/2025

Congratulations to Dr Nasr on an outstanding achievement!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Dr Nasr, who successfully passed his final medical exam this week - a huge milestone and a proud moment for our Rural View clinic.

Reaching this point reflects years of hard work, perseverance, and genuine care for his patients and community. With Fellowship now firmly in sight, we’re excited to see what the next chapter holds and proud to have him as part of our team.

Please join us in congratulating Dr Nasr on this fantastic accomplishment 👏🌟

Well done, Dr Nasr!

26/11/2025

Congratulations to Dr Emily!

We’re absolutely delighted to share the wonderful news that Dr Emily officially passed her final medical exam yesterday — an incredible achievement and a testament to her dedication, skill, and commitment to providing exceptional care to her patients.

This milestone marks the final step before Fellowship, and we couldn’t be prouder to support her on this next exciting chapter of her journey in General Practice.

Please join us in congratulating Dr Emily on this well-deserved success! 👏💙

What a fantastic achievement — well done, Dr Emily!

24/11/2025

If you’re planning to travel this holiday season, make sure your health is on the packing list too. Different destinations can expose you to illnesses that aren’t common in Australia, and some countries even require proof of certain vaccinations for entry.

Your GP can advise you on the vaccines and travel health precautions recommended for your destination — including protection against diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid, yellow fever, and more.

Because some vaccines need time to take effect, it’s best to book your travel health appointment at least 4–6 weeks before you depart.

During your visit, your GP can also discuss medications for malaria prevention, traveller’s diarrhoea, and motion sickness, along with general health and safety tips for your trip.

Plan ahead so you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and good health!

19/11/2025

Did you know that Pap smears are a thing of the past?

It's been replaced by the Cervical Screening Tests which detect human papillomavirus (HPV) before it has the chance to make changes that are abnormal or cancerous to the cells in your cervix.

You should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years if you’re aged between 25-74 years and have ever had any type of s*xual contact with someone.

Young people who have HPV normally clear it on their own, so it’s safe to wait until you turn 25 to have your first Cervical Screening Test. Because cervical screening is so much more effective than the old Pap smear test, it's also safe to wait 5 years between screens.

However, if you show symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during s*x or unusual discharge, you should discuss this with your doctor immediately.

• Regular screening saves lives: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and regular screening is the best way to protect against it.
• Self-collection is an option: Individuals can choose to collect their own sample using a simple swab, offering greater comfort and privacy.
• Inclusivity: The program is inclusive of all individuals with a cervix, regardless of gender identity.
• HPV vaccination does not replace screening: Even if vaccinated, individuals should continue regular screening as the vaccine does not protect against all HPV types.

Take control of your health – book your cervical screening appointment with your GP today!

19/11/2025

International Men’s Day BBQ Celebration!

We had a wonderful day today celebrating International Men's Day with our community! A huge thank you to the amazing Happens Mackay team — and a special shout-out to Jim, Frank, Laurie, and Mitch, who not only cooked up a delicious BBQ lunch but also took the time to chat with the men who came along. Your support and conversations made the day truly memorable.

Our team proudly wore their TradeMutt “Conversation Starter” shirts, originally designed to spark open and honest discussions about mental health among tradies — and they certainly did just that today 💬💙

A big thank-you as well to our dedicated doctors from Family Health Care Mackay Ooralea and the team for being part of this important day.

Together, we’re building stronger connections, supporting men’s health, and keeping conversations going💪

18/11/2025

Today we recognise International Men’s Day and this year’s theme: “Supporting Men and Boys.”

Men and boys face a range of social and health challenges - from school pressures and workplace stress to mental health concerns and chronic health conditions. International Men’s Day is a powerful reminder to check in, reach out and take action to support the wellbeing of the men and boys in our lives.

We’re committed to helping men and boys stay healthy at every stage of life. A regular visit to your GP is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay on top of your health. Whether it’s a routine check-up, a mental health conversation, or a screening you’ve been putting off, the GPs are here to support you.

Book an appointment with your GP today.

17/11/2025

Did you know that during daily activities, such as walking the dog, gardening or hanging out the washing, you can get caught off guard by UV radiation you're not conscious of?⏰

This , we’re encouraging all Australians to protect their skin from UV exposure and make sun protection a daily habit to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

Early detection saves lives. If something looks different, trust your instinct and get it checked. A quick visit to your GP could make all the difference.

Book your skin check today.

11/11/2025

Today we honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.

Their service will never be forgotten.

Lest we forget.

10/11/2025

This November, as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we’re focusing on raising awareness about the steps you can take to lower your risk of lung cancer.

While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, there are several other proactive measures you can take to protect your health, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, and monitoring any respiratory symptoms. Early detection through screening is key to improving outcomes.

We are committed to supporting you in staying ahead of lung cancer with the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. If you're between 50-70 years old, have a history of smoking, and show no symptoms of lung cancer, you may be eligible for a free screening. Early detection through a low-dose CT scan can make all the difference in improving survival rates.

Book an appointment with your GP today to discuss your eligibility for the screening program.

09/11/2025

💪 INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY 🍔

Family Healthcare Mackay Ooralea are teaming up with BeWorkFit Mackay for a lunchtime celebration of men’s health, connection, and community.

Enjoy a BBQ lunch, free blood pressure checks and great giveaways - all while catching up with mates and supporting men's wellbeing.

📅 Wednesday 19th November
🕛 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 160 Boundary Road, Ooralea

Hosted in partnership with Shed Happens, this event is all about starting the conversation on men's health and wellbeing.

Let's celebrate International Men's Day together!

06/11/2025

Men aged 45–49, Movember is here and it’s the perfect time to take charge of your health. Book your bulk-billed 45–49 year old Health Assessment today – early detection and prevention can make all the difference.

Your GP will check key areas including blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, lifestyle factors, and more. Quick, thorough, and tailored to you.

Fully bulk-billed with no out-of-pocket cost and part of Men’s Health Month.

Call us now on 4952 4929 to book your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier future.

Family Health Care Mackay has clinics in Rural View, Ooralea & Walkerston, offering walk-in services, same-day appointments, skin cancer checks, vaccines, women's health, allied health services & bulk billing is available with some of the doctors.