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Searching for insights and the latest on rural and remote health?

Rural Doctors Foundation provides articles on a wide range of health issues and topics of interest to rural and remote communities.

Articles promoting good health

Living with asthma

Asthma affects 11 per cent of Australians, but personal trainer Mandy Willis had no inkling she would be one of them.Rural Doctors Foundation spoke with the woman from the south-east Queensland farming town of Beaudesert to share her story of what it is like to live with asthma.

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The Christmas Health Crisis

Disease and illness do not have an ‘off-switch’. Access to healthcare is needed year-round and Christmas presents further health challenges for rural communities.

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Have a convo, save a bro!

On average, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day. Stronger social connections can reduce the risk of suicide. That means more men talking about stuff that really matters. And Movember is aiming to raise awareness and provide useful tools to support those in crisis.

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Social connection is key to ageing well

Social connection is so important, particularly as we get older.

Having celebrated his 60th birthday and becoming a grandfather recently, Tarun Sen Gupta is all about social connection. Anyone who knows Tarun knows he loves to be surrounded by people, telling stories of his remarkable life and adventures.

This article shares his views on the importance of staying connected.

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Ocsober – five easy tips to drink less!

We all know that reducing our alcohol consumption is a good thing. But sometimes, it is easier said than done. This Ocsober, Rural Doctors Foundation has five great tips to help you drink less.

And the good news is that the benefit of less alcohol can be felt in just a few days.

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All that Justine is missing is her cape – but she is a humble super hero!

Like Rural Doctors Foundation, Justine is small yet mighty with a lot of heart. She is a down to earth rural hero who is wife to Gary and mum to her three kids – Shalia aged 22, Tianna 16 and Korbyn 14 yrs old.

And for most, being a wife to a DIDO hubby and mum to three kids is enough to keep you busy – but after significant events in her life – Justine was not content to sit back – she felt there was more she could do to help others in need.

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Give your Dad a very special gift this Father’s Day!

As we take time out on Father’s Day to celebrate that special man in our life – remember that good health is the best gift.

As you acknowledge how special your dad is to you – take time to check in on his health and encourage your dad to get a regular check with his doctor.

This is even more important for those living in rural and remote communities as early detection of diseases like prostate cancer can save his life!

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Drinking less – it is about more than your health!

Special days like Dry July and Ocsober are ideal times to consider the impact alcohol is having on your life.

Excessive alcohol consumption can have devastating consequences, particularly for those in rural and remote communities.

Consider the benefits of reduced alcohol consumption with some useful tips to help you.

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Remembering the sacrifice of our rural soldiers

On ANZAC Day, we acknowledge those who have served or continue to serve this special place we call home.

We chat with Dr Michael Clements, a rural doctor and veteran who specialises in supporting ex-service personnel and families of serving members.

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80% of people with coeliac disease don’t know they have it – are you one of them?

Approximately 1 in 70 Australians have coeliac disease however 80% remain undiagnosed. Most Australians with coeliac disease don’t know it. Improved awareness of the condition has resulted in higher diagnosis rates in the past few years, however, there has also been an increase in the incidence of coeliac disease.

Rural Doctors Foundation recommend that if you have a close relative with coeliac disease, ask your local rural doctor for a blood test to screen for coeliac disease.

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Kidney disease: A silent yet deadly killer

On World Kidney Day, Rural Doctors Foundation reminds us of this often silent but potentially life-threatening disease. Over 8% of Australians lives with some form of kidney disease and 20,000 die each year.

A regular check with your rural doctor will monitor your kidney health. Early detection and treatment can help slow or prevent any future damage.

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The Loneliness Epidemic

The other face of Valentine’s Day: The Loneliness Epidemic

For many, Valentine’s Day is a day to feel loved and appreciated. Sadly, for others it is a reminder of how lonely they feel. Valentine’s Day also reminds us of the importance of the relationships in our lives,
Rural Doctors Foundation reminds us of the importance of social connection and provides tips for tackling loneliness and maintaining good mental health.

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World Cancer Day

Cancer: Debunking the Myths on World Cancer Day

Cancer is currently the number one cause of death in Australia, taking the lives of approximately 50,000 Australians each year. However, despite the high prevalence, many misconceptions about cancer still manage to circulate.

Rural doctors play a significant role in supporting not only the patient but also their family and the community. They are connected to many support organisations and provide valuable information and resources to help a family understand the options and support available to them.

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Safer Internet Day

Protect our rural youth against cyberbullying

Dolly Everett is a teenage girl, one who gave a face to a horrifying statistic. In 2018, Australia mourned the loss of this fourteen-year-old girl to suicide. Now, her family campaigns against cyberbullying, hoping to create a future where no one will have to face the harassment Dolly did.

Rural Doctors Foundation looks at the impact of cyberbullying in rural communities and the support your rural doctors can provide.

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Dr Ewen McPhee

Rural doctors are superheroes – Dr Ewen McPhee

Rural doctors are superheroes – just ask Rohan about his Dad, Dr Ewen McPhee. Dr Ewen McPhee is a hero. Not just in his own community of Emerald but also nationally.
The passionate rural doctor is a staunch advocate for health care in the bush. He is also a medical educator, rural generalist obstetrician and principal GP at Emerald Medical Group.

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Honouring our soldiers from the bush

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, people across Australia and New Zealand will pause to reflect on the service and sacrifice of service personnel.

Remembrance Day carries special significance for Dr Michael Clements, a rural doctor and veteran who specialises in supporting ex-service personnel and families of serving members.

For Dr Clements and many of his patients, remembrance is part of life.

This Remembrance Day, Rural Doctors Foundation shares insights from Dr Clements about his service and his work as a rural doctor supporting others.

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