In the depths of winter weather sitting in front of a heater, I feel is an appropriate time to address this subject! Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin naturally derived from exposing skin to UVB waves from the sun. Dietary sources are limited and include oily fish and egg yolks. Vitamin D is crucial … Read more
Why do we need to sleep? The body functions with a circadian rhythm in that different functions are optimal at different times. The daytime functions enable maximal alertness and physical capability and the night functions enable the best rest and recuperation in the form of sleep. Sleep is essential for physical and mental repair in … Read more
Since the beginning of time, humankind has searched for the secret to a long life. Though ageing is typically defined by birth date, chronological age, what is becoming increasingly obvious is that while some individuals have accelerated ageing, and therefore risk of premature mortality, others can enjoy middle to old age with a physiology that … Read more
As a female functional GP qualified to do insertion and removal of hormone implants, insertion and removal of hormone and copper intrauterine devices as well provide MS2Step prescriptions, a lot of my patients are women seeking effective contraception. If you are one of these patients, I would love for you to have a read of … Read more
In post pandemic times more than ever that we need a holistic approach to health. Optimising immune function through good nutrition, exercise, sleep, hormones and mental health is key to ensuring you are in the best position possible if you encounter this virus which is still everywhere and can result in serious health issues like … Read more
What is meant by the term hormone replacement treatment (HRT)? What are the hormones used? Who needs HRT? How is HRT given? Why is an individualised approach necessary? The term HRT is used in reference to supplementing the sex hormones testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, DHEA and pregnenolone in both men and women to restore balance and … Read more
The World Health Organisation defines post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (Long COVID) as “[a] condition that occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms and effects that last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. … Read more
Let’s talk about sex. Do you need it? Sex is not considered to be a physiological need in the way we need shelter, food, water and sleep. It is however required for reproduction and sex that fosters intimacy and self esteem is considered to be a psychological requirement for stress reduction and good health. What … Read more
It is the 5th anniversary of my authorised prescriber status and I want to take the opportunity to provide an update on this subject. Medicinal cannabis products now come in a plethora of combinations of active ingredients and formulations ranging from inhaled, ingested and topical preparations. There are creams, oils, capsules, gummies, wafers , vapes … Read more
Beauty may only be skin deep but unfortunately skin cancers are not and cause a significant percentage of preventable deaths in Australia. Preventable because skin cancers are visible, detectable and therefore completely treatable if picked up early with a thorough skin check. The importance of skin checks was highlighted in a project (SCREEN) conducted in … Read more
