Croydon Primary Health Care Clinic

03/02/2026

Has this week felt like a year? Maybe you're getting back into your usual routine after Christmas and New Year. Or maybe you didn't get a break at all. 😮‍💨

Whatever's happening in your life, the start of a new year can sometimes be stressful. This might tempt you to reach for alcohol to relax or cope, but it can make things worse.

Alcohol affects parts of the brain that release dopamine, a chemical that helps you feel good. This makes drinking feel pleasant at first, but the more alcohol you drink, the less dopamine your brain releases over time. It can leave you feeling low or sad for longer periods. You may also start to feel more anxious and stressed. 😬

So how can you deal with the rough days or weeks without alcohol? Here are some ideas.👇

You can also:
> set a few alcohol-free days per week
> avoid keeping alcohol in the house
> swap alcohol for non-alcoholic drinks like ginger ale (IYKYK😉).

Like with any habit, it can take time to break. Remember to go easy on yourself and keep trying. ❤️

ℹ️ Alcohol Think Again; Health Direct

03/02/2026

Serious injury and illness, like melioidosis and leptospirosis, can occur when cleaning up after floods. 🌧️

Melioidosis and leptospirosis are both infections caused by bacteria found in soil, mud or flood waters. 🌊

Contact with this bacteria can cause sepsis and can be fatal.

Stay safe from injury and illness when cleaning up after the floods.👇

First, check with your GP that you're up to date with your tetanus shot.

You should also protect yourself by covering any cuts or abrasions with waterproof dressings and wear sturdy, closed shoes to prevent wounds from getting contaminated. 🩹👟

📞 Need Help? Call:
For emergencies in floods and storms, contact SES at 132 500.
For urgent medical assistance, dial Triple Zero (000).
For non-urgent medical queries, reach out to 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

For more advice about clean-up after a flood, go to ➡️ https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/rebuilding-cleaning

ℹ️ Sources: Healthdirect, Queensland Health.

03/02/2026

Anyone else? 😅

Being overstimulated is unpleasant, to say the least. It's when your brain gets too much input at once. 🧠🥺

Feeling easily annoyed, irritated or emotionally drained, having trouble focussing or struggling to make decisions could be signs you're overstimulated.

The feeling of overstimulation can differ from one person to the next, and it might not feel the same for you as it does for the next person. Signs of overstimulation in adults are different to those in kids.

If you feel overstimulated, certain short-term techniques may help you calm down in the moment:
💙 Find a quiet space: consider stepping away for a few minutes or taking breaks to prevent feeling overstimulated.
💙 Use deep breathing exercises: slow, deep breaths can help your body and mind relax.
💙 Limit sensory input: try using noise-cancelling headphones or dimming the lights.
💙 Remind yourself that you are safe: try to remind yourself that you’re not in any danger and that you’ll be able to exit the stimulating environment soon.
💙 Use grounding techniques: these exercises may help reduce anxiety. Try to focus on a physical sensation, like holding a cold drink, tasting something sour, or pressing your feet into the floor.

Longer-term strategies like sticking to a routine, eating enough, resting, anticipating your triggers and avoiding certain situations can also help you if you frequently experience signs of overstimulation. 🤗

If overstimulation is making daily life difficult, talking with a healthcare professional could help. A therapist can help you to process your experiences and learn personalised coping techniques. 👐

ℹ️ Sources: Healthline. Healthy Place.

03/02/2026

03/02/2026

Crying over your cat that died in 2015, only to realise you’re in luteal. 🫠

No, you’re not orbiting a planet—you're just in the phase of your menstrual cycle where BIG hormonal shifts are happening in your body.

The luteal phase can bring mood changes, bloating, acne, tender breasts and a shift in appetite.

For many, especially those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), it can be really tough. 😥

Lifestyle changes can help ease symptoms and make this period a little more bearable.

Try prioritising:
> Foods rich in magnesium (like almonds and bananas) can ease cramps and reduce irritability.
> Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night. This phase of your cycle is exhausting, you'll need it!
> Moving your body through gentle exercise like walking and yoga.
> Managing stress through mindful activities, like journaling.

Tracking your symptoms in a journal or phone can also make a big difference. Knowing when you're likely to feel great, or not so great, can help you plan, prepare and give yourself more grace. 🩷

ℹ️ Sources:
Jean Hailes | Cleveland Clinic

03/02/2026

Does someone you love have alcohol or drug concerns? 😟

It can be worrying when a family member or friend continues to use alcohol or drugs, even though it could be harming them. Offering them your support is the best thing you can do. 🤗

But what if they're not ready to make a change or seek help? 🤔

Remember that you can encourage someone to change, but you can't make them do anything they don’t want to.

If they're not ready to make changes, there are still things you can do:
> Tell them you're there for them when they're ready.
> Set consistent boundaries and expectations around their behaviour (such as what’s acceptable in your home, family and relationships).
> Support positive change (whether it's using less, using in a safer way or improving their health and wellbeing).
> Make sure they and others close to them are safe (especially young children).
> Stay connected and if possible, keep them involved in social activities.
> Reassure them that support options are available and that treatment works.

It’s important to look after yourself while supporting someone you care about. You don't have to take this all on alone. Support is available, and there is hope. 💙

If you're not sure where to start, Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support can help. Their experienced counsellors provide a safe, anonymous and confidential space where you can talk about your concerns for a loved one who's using alcohol or drugs. Call 1800 177 833 or visit the Adis website. 📱

ℹ️ Sources: Adis; ADF; Health Direct

26/01/2026

The RFDS doctors are not attending today. The nurse is available if required. Patients with appointments will be contacted.

23/01/2026

Karumba pharmacy will have a box coming to Croydon next week. If you need medication, contact the pharmacy on 47459955 to arrange with Tracy.

23/01/2026

Your lungs allow you to breathe, and that's iconic. 💅

The lungs are one of your body's vital organs. They bring oxygen into your body and send carbon dioxide (a waste product) out of it. This process is called respiration.

The lungs are the main part of your respiratory system. Other than breathing, the respiratory system filters air, protects your lungs from dust and germs and produces sound for speaking.

So how do you take care of your respiratory system? Here's some tips. 👇
🫁 Quit smoking and vaping—they cause damage to lungs over time.
🫁 Avoid inhaling smoke, dust and chemicals.
🫁 Eat a healthy balanced diet.
🫁 Maintain a healthy weight.
🫁 Get regular exercise away from busy roads with high levels of air pollution.

Treating your lungs with care can help to reduce the risk of inflammation or swelling in the lungs—which may lead to lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis. Every year you stay smoke-free, you help your lungs heal and lower your risk of lung cancer.

Treat your lungs like they iconic organs they are—they work hard for you. 🤗

ℹ️ Source: Health. Healthdirect, Kids Health, Cleveland Clinic, Better Health Channel, American Lung Association.