INDUSTRY EXPERTS

LEGAL

The pitfalls of ‘home made’ Wills

This is the seventh in our series of articles on the uncertainties of death.

“I can do my Will myself, right?”

Well, yes but what is the ‘true cost’ of trying to save a few dollars now?

If your ‘do it yourself’ Will is not properly drafted, clear in its terms and correctly witnessed, the true cost of the Will may substantially exceed the cost of seeking legal advice now in the preparation of your estate planning.

Often it is necessary to make an Application to the Court to seek Orders to rectify defects in ‘home made’ Wills.

Your home made Will might not be legally recognised and the cost to prove the document is your Will may be significant.

Also, it might not ‘catch’ all of the assets that you intend, such as jointly held property, life insurance and superannuation.

By not taking on the responsibility to have your Will and estate plan in place, you can cause unnecessary emotional hurt and significant cost for friends and family members.

TRENT WAKERLEY

DIRECTOR, KRUGER LAW LEVEL 3, OCEAN CENTRAL, OCEAN STREET, MAROOCHYDORE 5443 9600, KRUGERLAW.COM.AU

ORTHOPAEDIC

Recovery after an anterior total hip replacement

Many patients are surprised at how quickly they can comfortably ambulate after an anterior total hip replacement.

We typically mobilise patients within hours of their surgery. Most of our patients usually rapidly progress to being independent on crutches and require them for only one to two weeks.

There are many factors that dictate how long a patient needs to stay in hospital but generally getting back to your home environment as soon as it is safe to do so is an important component of your physical as well as your psychological recovery.

Excessive physical activity in the first two months after a hip replacement is counterproductive. We generally recommend gentle walking and stretching. Many patients are safe to drive after just three to four weeks and can perform most of their everyday activities within six weeks.

For patients who enjoy more extreme activities such as surfing, they should wait at least three months to return.

All patients are different, and you should discuss your specific situation with your orthopaedic surgeon.

DR DAEVYD RODDA

SUNSHINE COAST ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP SUNSHINE COAST UNIVERSITY PRIVATE HOSPITAL SUITE 12, 3 DOHERTY STREET, BIRTINYA 5493 8038, SCORTHOGROUP.COM.AU

SKIN CARE

Quality of skin checks matter

Every day, over 2000 people in Australia are treated for skin cancer and two out of every three people will be diagnosed with a skin cancer by the age of 70.

Yet many Australians are unaware of the value of an accredited skin cancer expert who has completed significant additional study and passed rigorous assessment in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of skin cancer.

There are many “skin cancer clinics” and corporate skin cancer chains. This does not guarantee an accredited doctor. Choosing an accredited expert ensures you receive best-practice diagnosis and treatment by an expert in special examination, eliminating unnecessary biopsies, effective skin cancer surgery with minimal scarring and knowledge of alternatives to surgery.

So, who is an accredited expert? Dermatologists are accredited specialists in this field, along with Fellows of the Australian Institute of Dermatology. Accreditation is also available though the Skin Cancer Institute and Skin Cancer College Australasia.

Choose wisely! Your skin will thank you for it.

DR DANIEL BOTHMA

DERMASURG SKIN CANCER & DERMATOLOGY CLINIC, KULUIN VILLAGE SOUTH. 1 INDIANA PLACE, KULUIN. WWW.DERMASURG.COM.AU, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DERMASURGSC WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/DERMASURGMD

DENTAL

Dental implants prove a successful dental treatment

Designed to provide a solid and durable foundation for a tooth root, dental implants will look, feel and function just like a natural tooth.

They can enable you to reclaim the ability to eat, chew and smile with confidence, knowing that your smile is restored long-term!

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws inserted directly into your jaw at the site of tooth loss. For three to six months the screw is left to fuse with the bone to create a strong support. Once this is complete, your Prosthodontist or Restorative Dentist will construct implant-supported removable dentures, dental bridges or dental crowns to complete the treatment. Costs associated with dental implants may be claimable through Medicare.

We also offer the All-On-4™ concept procedure, a technique enables replacement of all of your teeth (usually one jaw at a time) with fixed bridges in a matter of days. There are a number of combinations of this technique which can be adjusted to suit your individual requirements.

DR IAN WILSON – BDS, MDS, FRACDS, FRACDS (OMS), ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON, COAST ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY CENTRE, SUNSHINE COAST UNIVERSITY PRIVATE HOSPITAL, CONSULTING ROOM 1, 3 DOHERTY STREET, BIRTINYA, T: 1800 623 338 E: INFO@ COASTOMS.COM.AU