Rural Health Group

01/09/2026

Did you know that 1 in 5 men are likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime?

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s take a closer look.

There are four risk factors for prostate cancer:
1. Age 40+
2. Family history (father/brother diagnosed)
3. Genetics (BRCA2 gene mutations)
4. Ethnicity (Black sub-Saharan ancestry)

Your risks of prostate cancer increase as you age. Around 70% of men diagnosed are aged over 65, but it is not just an “old man’s” disease. More than 7,000 men under the age of 65 are diagnosed with the disease in Australia every year.

A simple PSA blood test is the first-line of defence in the early detection of prostate cancer. This blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by the prostate gland.

If prostate cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100%. Without PSA testing for prostate cancer, you risk a late diagnosis.

Do I need to test if I have no symptoms?
Yes. Prostate cancer has no symptoms when it first develops, which means PSA testing is vital to early detection.

What are the symptoms?
These are some of the symptoms that tend to develop once prostate cancer has become more advanced:
• Urinary symptoms including frequent urination, poor urine stream, dribbling at the end of passing urine, or slow to start the urine flow.
• Blood in the semen or urine.
• Pain on urination or ej*******on.
• Unexpected fatigue and weight loss.
• Back or pelvic pain.

Got questions? Give the Prostate Cancer Foundation a call on 1800 22 00 99 or visit prostate.org.au. Alternatively, book an appointment with your GP or if you would like to make an appointment with a Rural Health Group GP, call (07) 4992 1040.

If you would like to sign up to run, walk or ride 72km this September to help create a future where no man dies from prostate cancer, go to www.thelongrun.org.au

Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

31/08/2026

1–7 September is Asthma Week, and this year Asthma Australia is shining a spotlight on the connection between women's hormones and asthma.

Did you know hormones can affect asthma? For many women, symptoms can change during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, yet this connection is often overlooked.

Around 1 in 5 Australian women live with asthma. Overall, women are twice as likely as men to be hospitalised for asthma, and many go years without recognising that their symptoms could be connected to hormonal changes. Understanding this connection can help women recognise when their asthma isn't well controlled and seek the support they need.

This Asthma Week, Asthma Australia is encouraging women to learn how hormones can influence asthma, monitor changes in their symptoms throughout different life stages, and speak with their healthcare professional if their asthma changes or worsens. By increasing awareness of the unique challenges women face, we can help more women understand their asthma, access the care they deserve and breathe easier.

To find out more, visit www.asthmaweek.org.au, or call Asthma Australia’s free information and support service to speak with an Asthma Educator on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or email [email protected]
If you have any concerns or need help managing your asthma, book in to see your GP, or if you would like to see a Rural Health Group GP, phone (07) 4992 1040.

30/08/2026

International Overdose Awareness Day is held on 31st August every year. This year’s theme, “Still needed”, reflects a shared global truth: overdose continues to affect people from every walk of life. Behind every statistic is a person – someone once loved and valued. And behind every loss is a ripple felt by families, friends, and communities everywhere.

It also points to something else – something hopeful. Overdose is preventable. We know what works. From timely access to care and support, to education, to life-saving interventions, there are proven ways to reduce harm and save lives. Yet too often, these solutions are not fully seen, shared, or embraced.

This year’s theme honours the dedication of those who have carried this work forward over 25 years, while inviting more people into the conversation. It calls on all of us – across cultures, professions, and communities – to keep learning, to speak openly, and to act with compassion and on evidence.

Because while this day is still needed, it doesn’t have to be forever. Together, we can create a future where fewer lives are lost, where support is within reach for everyone, and where one day this global moment of remembrance is no longer necessary. Until then, we remember. We act. And we continue – together.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
Our Registered Counsellor, Julie Lane, supports people with a wide range of issues including substance use concerns. To fill in a referral form, click on this link:
https://centralqueenslandruraldivisionofgeneralpract.snapforms.com.au/form/referral-form

Other sources of help include:
Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation
https://adf.org.au/
Ph: 1800 250 015

Family Drug Support Australia
https://www.fds.org.au/
Ph: 1300 368 186

LifeLine Su***de and Crisis Support Hotline
www.lifeline.org.au
Ph: 13 11 14
Text: 0477 13 11 14

Self Help Addiction Resource Centre
www.sharc.org.au
Ph: 1300 660 068

Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
www.turningpoint.org.au
Ph: 1800 250 015

Facts about Overdose:
• Overdose deaths have increased significantly over the last 20 years around the world.
• An overdose occurs when a person has more of a drug (or multiple drugs) in their body than the body can cope with.
• Overdose deaths are mostly driven by the misuse of opioids, often in combination with other drugs including benzodiazepines, stimulants and alcohol.
• All drugs can cause an overdose, including medication prescribed by a doctor.
• Overdoses can be both fatal and non-fatal.
• All overdose is preventable
Source: www.overdoseday.com

27/08/2026

The Gayndah Medical Practice team recently welcomed University of Queensland medical students during their time in Gayndah.

The students really enjoyed the opportunity to tour the medical practice, meet the team and get a better insight into healthcare, scope of practice and witness rural healthcare in action.

Thank you to the practice staff for being so generous with their time and helping make the students' visit such a valuable experience.

26/08/2026

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers.
It kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.
And here’s something many people may not realise: stroke happens in the brain.

Stroke is always a medical emergency. When a stroke happens, up to 1.9 million brain cells can die every minute.

That’s why knowing the common signs and acting quickly matters.
F – Face drooped
A – Arms can’t be raised
S – Speech is slurred or strange
T – Time to call 000

If you see any of these signs, call an ambulance immediately – even if the symptoms go away.

Don’t wait to see if it gets better.
Every minute counts. Every second matters.

24/08/2026

⚡️It was magical stepping inside Gin Gin Health Clinic today with our lovely staff donning their robes and decorating the clinic for Book Week! Harry Potter was the theme and the effort put in was simply spellbinding! We hope you're all having a fantastic Book Week. Stay safe, don't drink any weird potions and be careful around those hot cauldrons! ⚡️

24/08/2026

You don't have to face mental health challenges alone.
If you're struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, grief, or other mental health concerns, support is available.

Rural Health Group has an accredited counsellor available to provide confidential support, and we can also assist with mental health referrals to help connect you with the services that best meet your needs.

Julie Lane is our accredited counsellor:
“I am a client-centred, compassionate counsellor with a Master of Counselling, experienced in supporting adults, adolescents, children and couples through a wide range of life's challenges. My goal is to provide a warm, confidential and supportive space where people feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

My approach is practical, empathetic and respectful. I work alongside people to help them build resilience, strengthen coping strategies and cultivate deeper self-understanding, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.

In my practice, I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, psychoeducation, mindfulness, and expressive approaches such as art and play therapy. I tailor my approach to meet each person's unique needs, goals and circumstances.

I support people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship challenges, substance use concerns, low self-esteem, difficulties with anger, and challenges with communication, boundaries and assertiveness. My aim is to work collaboratively with people so they can better understand their experiences, build on their strengths, and move towards meaningful, lasting change.”

If you would like to make an appointment to see Julie, you can fill out the referral form on the link below or phone (07) 4992 1040 to discuss your needs with our friendly staff.

https://centralqueenslandruraldivisionofgeneralpract.snapforms.com.au/form/referral-form

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

www.ruralhealthgroup.com

21/08/2026

21/08/2026

Moura Dawson Medical Practice update:
Unfortunately, a power outage last night caused a critical failure of our IT systems, and we are currently unable to access our computer network.

Our IT team is working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Due to this outage, all Telehealth appointments scheduled for today and tomorrow have been cancelled.

You are welcome to call the practice on (07) 4997 3033 if needed; however, please note that our staff do not currently have access to the appointment book or patient records. They can take messages and notes and will follow up once access has been restored.

We are hopeful that our systems will be back up and running by the weekend.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

19/08/2026

Today is Daffodil Day.

This year the Cancer Council is celebrating 40 years of growing hope for people affected by cancer.

When Daffodil Day first took roots in 1986, the 5-years cancer survival was approximately 46%. Today, thanks to the support of the community raising funds for cancer research – survival is now 72%.

For 40 years, people all over Australia have come together to share a message of hope on Daffodil Day. Over the years, this much-loved community event has given thousands of Aussies affected by cancer a moment to reflect, remember and support each other.

Over this time Daffodil Day has helped grow hope in the community to improve outcomes for people with cancer. Let’s hope the next 40 years of cancer research will see everyone diagnosed with cancer surviving their diagnosis with a treatment plan that’s just right for them. If you would like to help make this happen, you can donate this Daffodil Day to the Cancer Council at:

www.daffodilday.com.au/donate