Clocktower Medical Centre

08/06/2026

Men’s Health Week in Australia runs from June 15 to June 21, 2026. The annual campaign focuses on raising awareness of preventable health problems, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and encouraging men and boys to prioritize both their physical and mental wellbeing.

The week aims to provoke thought and discussion regarding the specific health challenges faced by men and boys, such as shorter average lifespans and higher rates of lifestyle-related conditions and su***de.

Male life expectancy is, on average, four years shorter and they are more likely to suffer from lifestyle-related health conditions than women of the same age. Sadly, men also have a four times higher risk of dying by su***de.

On top of this, research has revealed that two thirds of men who are struggling or in crisis, don’t feel confident and empowered enough to ask for help. That’s why this Men’s Health Week we are encouraging everyone to look out for the signs that a man in their life - a husband, partner, father, brother, colleague, teammate or gym buddy – is struggling, and to reach out and ask "Are you OK?".

Some of the signs to look out for include:

Are they becoming withdrawn?
Have they experienced big changes in their personal or professional life?

Are they confused, irrational or moody?
Have they lost interest in what they used to love?

Are they experiencing health issues?

If you are concerned about someone, trust your gut and ask “Are you OK?”. Listen with an open mind to what they have to say and ask them what you can do to help.

For more detailed information about the signs someone might be struggling and how to have an R U OK? conversation visit https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

If a conversation is too big for you or you need additional support, visit https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelp

If this information has raised any concerns with you please contact Clocktower Medical to schedule an appointment with a doctor by calling 03 5144 4788 or go online: www.clockmed.com.au to schedule an appointment.

06/06/2026

The 5 C's of food safety are foundational principles designed to prevent foodborne illness: Cleaning, Cooking, Chilling, Cross-contamination, and Communication. Following these steps ensures your food preparation areas remain sanitary and your meals are safe for consumption.

The 5 C's Explained

Cleaning: Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before handling food and often during preparation. Ensure all cutting boards, utensils, and countertops are sanitized to remove harmful bacteria.
Cooking: Cook food thoroughly to the correct core temperature to kill microorganisms. Use a reliable food thermometer, paying special attention to high-risk items like poultry and minced meats.

Chilling: Store perishable foods in the refrigerator below 5 degrees and keep hot foods above 60 degrees to avoid the "temperature danger zone" where bacteria multiply rapidly.
Cross-contamination: Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood completely separate from ready-to-eat foods. Use distinct cutting boards, knives, and storage containers to avoid transferring bacteria.

Communication: Ensure all staff or family members understand the rules of safe food handling. This includes properly checking expiration dates, identifying compromised packaging, and following storage instructions.

04/06/2026

Call the clinic and book your appointment to organise your vaccines, including flu, COVID and * RSV.

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

Pride Month is a time for us to come together as a community, to celebrate our diversity, and to advocate for the rights and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of s*xual orientation or gender identity,

Through compassion and courage, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone. “Glenn Hansen, co-ordinator, Sydney Pride Festival”

01/06/2026

In June the focus is on Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

The month-long initiative raises awareness for Australia's second deadliest cancer and highlights the critical importance of early detection, regular screening, and support for those affected.

Key Facts and Figures

Diagnosis: Approximately 1 in 13 Australians will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime.

Age: While commonly associated with older adults, about 10% of those diagnosed are under the age of 50.

Survival: When detected early, over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.

The five most common warning signs of bowel (colorectal) cancer include:

Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits: Ongoing, unexplained irregularity such as more frequent diarrhea, unusual constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool lasting more than a few days.

Blood in Your Stool: Bright red or very dark/black blood on or in your bowel movements or toilet paper.

Abdominal Discomfort: Frequent, unexplained pain, cramps, bloating, or gas in the belly area.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, or experiencing a loss of appetite.

Unexplained Fatigue or Anaemia: A low red blood cell count leading to persistent tiredness, dizziness, weakness, or breathlessness.

These symptoms can also be caused by other less serious conditions, such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, if any of these changes are lasting or uncharacteristic for you, it is important to contact a healthcare professional.

If this information has raised any concerns with you please contact Clocktower Medical to schedule an appointment with a doctor by calling 03 5144 4788 or go online: www.clockmed.com.au to schedule an appointment.

31/05/2026

June 1st - 7th World Heart Rhythm Week (WHRW) is an annual global event, organised by the Arrhythmia Alliance, to raise public and professional awareness about heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) and their serious risks, encouraging people to learn about symptoms like palpitations or fainting, check their pulse and seek timely diagnosis and treatment for irregular heartbeats, which can lead to stroke or heart failure but are often manageable with early action.

An arrhythmia is a fault in your heart’s electrical system that causes it to beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. While some are harmless, others can be life-threatening

Types of Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are classified by their speed and where they originate in the heart:
Tachycardia: A resting heart rate that is too fast (over 100 beats per minute).

Bradycardia: A resting heart rate that is too slow (less than 60 beats per minute).

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The most common type, where the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating effectively.

Common Symptoms

You may not always feel your heartbeat, but common indicators include:

A fluttering, pounding, or racing feeling in the chest (palpitations)
Skipping a beat or feeling extra beats

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath and fatigue.

When to Seek Help
While some irregular beats are harmless, you should see a healthcare provider if you notice prolonged or concerning symptoms. Seek emergency medical care if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting

If this information has raised any concerns with you please contact Clocktower Medical to schedule an appointment with a doctor by calling 03 5144 4788 or go online: www.clockmed.com.au to schedule an appointment.

31/05/2026

Let's stay proactive about your healthcare needs. today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

31/05/2026

In the first week of June each year Haemachromatosis Australia joins with members of Haemochromatosis International, the international alliance of haemochromatosis support groups, to create a worldwide, coordinated haemochromatosis awareness campaign.

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from food. Over time, this excess iron accumulates in vital organs—such as the liver, heart, and pancreas—causing severe, potentially life-threatening damage. It is effectively treated through regular blood removal.

Symptoms & Complications
Though present at birth, symptoms rarely appear until ages 40 to 60 as iron slowly builds up. Common early signs can mimic other conditions and include:

Chronic fatigue and weakness
Joint and knuckle pain
Abdominal pain

Skin darkening (bronze or gray tint)

Loss of s*x drive or erectile dysfunction

Without management, severe iron overload can lead to cirrhosis (liver damage), diabetes, heart failure, and arthritis.

If this information has raised any concerns with you please contact Clocktower Medical to schedule an appointment with a doctor by calling 03 5144 4788 or go online: www.clockmed.com.au to schedule an appointment.