Affinity Family Medical

Affinity Family Medical Highly skilled & compassionate doctors delivering safe, high quality health care to the Whitsundays.

We do our best to protect kids in contact sports by enforcing rules and requiring them to wear helmets and padding.Anoth...
05/06/2026

We do our best to protect kids in contact sports by enforcing rules and requiring them to wear helmets and padding.

Another proactive measure is to prepare for the possibility of a concussion.

A starting point is finding a pre-injury baseline of normal brain function, such as memory, processing speed, reaction time, and balance.

Apps such as HeadCheck can assist parents and coaches with suspected concussions, as can knowing the signs of when we should stop play and contact emergency services, such as a loss of consciousness.

The Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport provides clear and consistent direction on concussion, in particular reminding us that ‘if in doubt, sit them out’:
https://www.ausport.gov.au/concussion

Although contact sports are a contributor to concussion statistics, the most common cause in children and adolescents is falls.

Bike riding, skateboarding, and other wheeled recreational sports are likely sources for teenagers, whereas for children, falls can occur from change tables, playgrounds or learning to walk.

The doctors of Affinity Family Medical can assess and manage minor injuries, referring to specialists and allied health services as required.

Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.

In recent years, headlines have highlighted that bowel cancer cases in people under 50 in Australia are among the highes...
02/06/2026

In recent years, headlines have highlighted that bowel cancer cases in people under 50 in Australia are among the highest in the world.

As such, challenges the common misconception that bowel cancer is ‘an old person’s disease’.

This initiative, through Bowel Cancer Australia, raises community awareness of early-onset bowel cancer and aims to provide better support for those diagnosed.

Some of the potential signs of early-onset bowel cancer are:

- Visible bleeding: noticeable blood (bright red or dark) associated with bowel movements

- Altered bowel habits: persistent change in normal bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea

- Unexplained weight loss: losing weight without intending to

- Abdominal pain: ongoing discomfort, cramping, swelling, or gas-related pain in the abdomen

Age, a family history of bowel cancer, our personal medical history and hereditary conditions are some of the non-modifiable bowel cancer risk factors.

However, we can minimise lifestyle-related risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and diets high in red and processed meat, while increasing physical activity and fibre intake.

During a consultation, the doctors at Affinity Family Medical can discuss these and other healthy lifestyle changes, the risk factors for chronic disease, and provide referrals, as required.

Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.

Although family history and age are uncontrollable risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, there are elements we can use to he...
27/05/2026

Although family history and age are uncontrollable risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, there are elements we can use to help prevent or delay its onset.

According to Diabetes Australia, making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half.

Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a nutritious diet is a logical place to start.

Although we may struggle with weight, we can assess our calorie intake against our energy output to gauge what needs to change.

In other words, if we can match the calories of the food and drink we consume with the energy expended by our metabolism and physical activities, we can maintain our current weight.

Obviously, if our calorie intake regularly exceeds our energy output, there is greater potential for an increase in body weight and vice versa.

Fortunately, apps or a diary can measure the calorie energy balance, track our progress and note elements that influence this balance, such as appetite, stress levels and sleep quality.

We may also gradually introduce healthier habits, aiming for incremental, consistent and modest changes for the long-term.

The doctors at Affinity Family Medical can assist with weight management, mental health and medical concerns, referring to specialists and allied health professionals as required.

Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.

Have you had a Cervical Screening Test in the last 5 years?Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and A...
22/05/2026

Have you had a Cervical Screening Test in the last 5 years?

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and Australia is leading the world in eliminating it.

Eligibility for a routine, regular cervical cancer screening applies if you are aged 25 to 74 and have ever been sexually active.

Affinity Family Medical is hosting a bulk‑billed Cervical Screening Test Day on Tuesday, the 9th of June 2026 (for Medicare‑eligible patients).

Dr Kelly and Nurse Yvonne will guide you through the test and answer questions such as, 'Does the Cervical Screening Test still apply if currently vaccinated against HPV?'
- the answer being 'Yes'.

On the day, you will receive information about your options - self-collected or clinician‑collected — so you can choose what feels right for you.

Your health matters, so why delay? Help keep yourself and those under your care safe. Book your spot today!

Cannot make it on the 9th of June? Book with your usual GP (where standard billing applies) or contact our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680 to join the waiting list.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes infection in the lungs and airways.As such, ...
19/05/2026

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes infection in the lungs and airways.

As such, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) now includes Australia's first vaccine to treat the highly infectious disease.

Potentially causing mild to severe illness, those with compromised immune systems and/or pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over, and all other Australians aged 75 and over, can now access a free Arexvy RSV vaccine.

The RSV vaccine complements the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine programs, with appointments available via our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.

International Nurses Day honours the vital contributions nurses make to healthcare through their compassion and professi...
12/05/2026

International Nurses Day honours the vital contributions nurses make to healthcare through their compassion and professionalism.

Held on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, today recognises nurses' commitment to health, patient care, and safety.

Today is also an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate their tireless dedication to our well-being, provided across the globe.

The five food groups described here in the ‘Australian Guide to Healthy Eating’ make understanding nutrition a little ea...
07/05/2026

The five food groups described here in the ‘Australian Guide to Healthy Eating’ make understanding nutrition a little easier.

https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n55_agthe_large.pdf

This pyramid represents a basic idea of the quantity of one food relative to other food groups to enjoy every day.

The eagle-eyed will notice that legumes are listed twice in the pyramid, as both vegetables and a protein.

According to Nutrition Australia, legumes can contribute towards your vegetable intake while also being a high-protein food.

Legumes, like other vegetables, are high in fibre and nutritional value, yet are also cheap, store well and are readily available.

Members of the legume family number in the thousands, with familiar examples being beans, green peas, lentils, and peanuts.

When concerns relate to digestion, introducing legumes gradually may help with changes to your diet.

Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition, food intolerance or allergies should seek specific dietary advice.

The doctors at Affinity Family Medical can discuss changes to diet in the context of your current health needs and arrange referrals as required.

Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.

Affinity Family Medical is closed on Monday, 4th May, for Labour Day.Regular hours apply on either side of this public h...
01/05/2026

Affinity Family Medical is closed on Monday, 4th May, for Labour Day.

Regular hours apply on either side of this public holiday.

From all of the doctors and staff, we wish everyone a safe and relaxing long weekend.

Appointments are available via the website or through our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.

The peak flu season for most parts of Australia is from June to September.Now is the prime time to have an influenza vac...
28/04/2026

The peak flu season for most parts of Australia is from June to September.

Now is the prime time to have an influenza vaccine since protection from flu is highest for the three to four months after having your flu shot.

Also, remember that although the flu vaccine offers protection for you, it may also help protect those around you.

This is particularly relevant for those most at risk of complications from influenza, such as young children, the elderly, and those who are pregnant or have underlying health conditions.

The doctors at Affinity Family Medical can arrange the 2026 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for you at the practice and discuss your queries in a consultation.

Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.

We can imagine an injury to the leg makes walking difficult, yet once there, we may suddenly realise the difficulty in n...
21/04/2026

We can imagine an injury to the leg makes walking difficult, yet once there, we may suddenly realise the difficulty in negotiating stairs.

Before we reach that stage, it can pay to remember the saying ‘Up with the good, down with the bad’.

In other words, when ascending stairs, we lead with the “good” or stronger leg, and when descending, we lead with the “bad” or weaker leg.

In this way, the ‘good’ leg takes the heavier load when lifting our body, and does the same when lowering us down the stairs.

If on crutches, they can follow the bad leg, bringing both crutches and the injured leg up or down the step together in unison.

Beyond managing the physical stress on an existing injury, this consistent approach may help avoid re-injury and reduce the recovery phase.

Patience when negotiating stairs and utilising props such as a cane or handrails may also reduce our chance of falling and sustaining other injuries.

Whether it's a twisted ankle, a swollen knee or a sore hip, the doctors of Affinity Family Medical can help manage minor injuries and provide referrals as required.

Appointments are available through the website or with our friendly reception staff by calling (07) 4804 5680.

Address

Suite 20 Whitsunday Business Centre, 230 Shute Harbour Road
Cannonvale, QLD
4802

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+61748045680

Website

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