UPDATES FROM EXPERTS IN THE FIELD
promotion
MIGRAINE ADVICE
WOMEN’S HEALTH
DERMATOLOGY
with Dr Nicole Limberg
with Dr Rob Butler
with Dr Shobhan Manoharan
PAIN RELIEF CAN MAKE IT WORSE
HOW SHOULD I GIVE BIRTH?
HIBERNATE AND REJUVENATE
AS WITH MANY health issues, chronic migraine is best treated by preventing its occurrence in the first place. Risk factors for chronic migraine include an increase in headache frequency, overuse of acute headache medications, obesity, anxiety or depression, and poor sleep. Patients with migraine need to completely avoid the use of strong opioids such as Endone, OxyContin and pethidine. Many patients are also not aware that common over-the-counter medications such as Nurofen Plus, Panadeine, and Mersyndol contain codeine, which is a weak but potentially addictive opioid. Patients should undertake a regular exercise plan and introduce a weight-loss program if they struggle with weight, as well as treating any co-existing disorder of mood or sleep. If your headache frequency is increasing, arrange for a review with a migraine specialist, who will provide you with a treatment plan. Don’t wait until your headaches occur daily before you seek professional help.
AS EVERY MUM-TO-BE has discovered, many people are quick and eager to impart their personal views and birth sagas. As an obstetrician, my foremost duty is to guide each woman or couple through this process, taking into account previous pregnancy outcomes, medical history, problems encountered during pregnancy and, of course, each unique birth philosophy. There is no “one plan fits all” and it is far more important to carefully discuss facts (not anecdotes) while educating, empowering and navigating this exciting and nerve-wracking time. In my practice, these conversations range from planned water birth to booked elective caesarean, with time taken to monitor baby’s growth and development, and dispel any myths surrounding pregnancy, labour, epidurals and birth choices. Only by individualising care and providing accurate and unbiased education can women and their families fully understand their options and feel in control of their decisions and, ultimately, their entire birth experience.
WINTER IS A time for hibernation and rest, and the perfect time to rejuvenate and focus on your skin health. My personal favourite treatment for the cooler months is the Fraxel Dual. The Fraxel is a group of lasers that are great for improving the tone and texture of skin, helping to minimise pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkling, and reducing scarring. Although initially created as an aesthetic tool, new research indicates that it reduces pre-cancerous sunspots and can help reduce the progression to skin cancer. Fraxel is a relatively comfortable procedure with minimal downtime. The skin may exhibit sunburn-like flaking for a few days, but the result is refreshed skin and a healthy glow. It is important to remember that not all Fraxel is created equal. Be sure to check that you are getting an experienced practitioner who is using the genuine device – do not trust your body to less qualified imitators. Rejuvenate over winter and emerge from hibernation a new you in time for spring!
MIGRAINE SPECIALIST, ST ANDREW’S PLACE LEVEL 2, 312/33 NORTH ST, SPRING HILL P 3831 1611 MIGRAINESPECIALIST.COM.AU
EVE HEALTH 55 LITTLE EDWARD ST, SPRING HILL P 3332 1999 EVEHEALTH.COM.AU
WESTSIDE DERMATOLOGY 185 MOGGILL RD, TARINGA P 3871 3437 WESTDERM.COM.AU
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