How to stay on top of allergies and asthma as spring blooms
Plus Murray Bridge Medical Centres' Doctor Jose Valerio encourages men to check their health by booking regular appointments with their general practitioner.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Murray Bridge Medical Centre.
Coming into spring, it certainly looks beautiful, with blossoming flowers, a warm breeze and buzzing bees.
But the Murray Bridge Medical Centre reminds those with allergies or asthma to stay mindful and up-to-date.
Practice manager Wendy Ziersch says there are certain triggers for both allergies and asthma.
"Especially this time of year with canola out, we really need to be mindful," she says.
"Some things to watch out for if your asthma is getting worse is progressive shortness of breath and an increase of preventer use, these can be signs of a potentially more serious asthmatic episode.
"Ensure that your emergency protocols and medications are up to date and don't be afraid to use a spacer on Ventolin inhalers; it allows for a deeper, overall distribution of the medication."
Doctor Jose Valerio says for asthma patients, the asthma control test is essential.
"Patients often want a quick visit, in and out, but sometimes we can do better as far as highlighting to them the risks and helping to realise they're not controlled," he says.
Filling out the questionnaire will help your doctor make an informed decision on treatments.
Dr Valerio also suggests animal lovers allergic to their pets create a separate no-pet zone.
"It could be in another room for example, or some place you spend a lot of time to relax," he says.
Doctor Jose Valerio encourages men to check their health
Dr Valerio is no longer the new doctor on the block at Murray Bridge Medical Centre; he's been on site for a couple of months now.
Dr Valerio will be focusing on male patients at the clinic: "It's been great so far."
Although he admits it can be tricky to encourage male clients to come in and make regular health appointments.
"Everyone's invincible until they're not," Dr Valerio says.
Usually men will come in after a friend has had a health episode, and that becomes a strong influence, he says: "Once patients make that initial contact they realise it wasn't so bad, and come again earlier."
Ms Ziersch says the clinic is fortunate to have Dr Valerio's expertise on board.
"It's great for men to get routine bloods and checkups so then we know what their 'normal' baseline is, including medical conditions like diabetes," Ms Ziersch says.
"Skin cancer (screenings) are also especially important for people who are working outdoors: the tradies, council workers, farmers, and builders."
For appointments with Dr Valerio, please call the Murray Bridge Medical Centre on 8531 2988.
- More information: Visit www.murraybridgemedical.com.au, call 8531 2988 or visit Murray Bridge Medical Centre at 35-37 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge from 8am-6pm on weekdays, 8am-9pm on Wednesdays, or 9am-4pm on Saturdays.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
