The Christmas Health Crisis
15 December 2022
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.
News and Articles
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
Have a convo, save a bro!
1 November 2022
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.
Social connection is key to ageing well
20 October 2022
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.
Ocsober – five easy tips to drink less!
4 October 2022
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.
Over 3,200 will die from breast cancer this year. Learn how to reduce your risk.
4 October 2022
During Breast Cancer Awareness month, Rural Doctors Foundation encourages a visit to your rural GP for a breast check.
Anyone can get breast cancer. Men and women. Young and old. Breast cancer does not discriminate.
The good news is that early detection significantly increases the chance of surviving the disease.
Six strategies when caring for a loved one with dementia
21 September 2022
In Dementia Action Week, Rural Doctors Foundation shares some useful tips provided by Dementia Australia for those caring for someone with dementia.
All that Justine is missing is her cape – but she is a humble super hero!
19 September 2022
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.
Give your Dad a very special gift this Father’s Day!
1 September 2022
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!
How can you protect yourself against the dreaded flu?
6 July 2022
With colder temperatures and a lower resistance to the flu, many Australians are suffering this winter. Follow these simple tips to improve your chances of staying healthy this winter.
Drinking less – it is about more than your health!
30 June 2022
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.
Remembering the sacrifice of our rural soldiers
25 April 2022
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.
80% of people with coeliac disease don’t know they have it – are you one of them?
13 March 2022
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.
Kidney disease: A silent yet deadly killer
10 March 2022
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.
The other face of Valentine’s Day: The Loneliness Epidemic
14 February 2022
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.
Cancer: Debunking the Myths on World Cancer Day
10 February 2022
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.
Protect our rural youth against cyberbullying
9 February 2022
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.
Rural doctors are superheroes – Dr Ewen McPhee
7 December 2021
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.
Honouring our soldiers from the bush
10 November 2021
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.
Connection is key to ageing well
26 October 2021
At 59 years of age, Professor Tarun Sen Gupta has not reached official senior status just yet. But he is described by his students as the King of Rural Medicine.
He has educated and mentored about 4,000 medical students and junior doctors on their journey to being rural doctors in his decades of work. The theme of 2021 Seniors Month is Social Connections.
Rural Doctors Foundation spoke with Professor Sen Gupta, who is Treasurer of the Foundation, about the importance of staying connected.
Celebrating a true rural woman – Dr Sue Masel
14 October 2021
The crucial role women play in improving rural wellbeing is being increasingly recognised. This International Day of Rural Women (October 15), Rural Doctors Foundation spoke with Dr Sue Masel about the important role women play in rural communities. Sue is the current Rural Doctors Foundation Secretary. She is looked to as a leader in rural health nationally, at a state level and in the town of Goondiwindi.
Focus on mental health in rural communities
8 October 2021
To help shine a light on mental health in rural Queensland communities, Rural Doctors Foundation is sharing just one of the ways it supports rural mental health and wellbeing.
The sharing of this story coincides with awareness raising campaigns World Health Day (October 10) and Queensland Mental Health Week (October 9 – 16).
Protecting yourself against heart attack
28 September 2021
World Heart Day is celebrated on 29 September each year. This is a global initiative of the World Heart Federation to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease.
This World Heart Day, Rural Doctors Foundation spoke with one of its Directors, Dr Tony Brown, about his own experience of a heart attack.
Keeping your brain healthy – signs of dementia
20 September 2021
This week is Dementia Action Week when Australians are encouraged to find out more about dementia. This will assist people living with the condition to feel less isolated and alone. To help raise awareness of dementia, Rural Doctors Foundation interviewed experienced rural practitioner and health educator, Professor Tarun Sen Gupta, who is Treasurer of the Foundation.
Blue September – taking care of men’s health
14 September 2021
During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Rural Doctors Foundation is encouraging Queenslanders to create awareness to assist in the fight against prostate cancer. Blue September – a Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia campaign – is supported by communities across the nation in a bid to shine a light on the disease. To help raise awareness, Rural Doctors Foundation interviewed Stanthorpe Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Dan Halliday, who is Chair of the Foundation.
Living with asthma – one woman’s story
6 September 2021
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.
Farm safety – startling statistics
6 September 2021
Farm safety statistics on deaths and injuries in 2020 is sobering reading. The latest Farmsafe report shows the range of most common injuries and deaths on the farm. These are tragedies that devastate rural communities, and their doctors. St George GP, Dr Adam Coltzau discusses these statistics. He also addresses some ways we can make farms safer.
Killer diseases – how to protect yourself
6 September 2021
Many of the top killer diseases amongst Australians are potentially preventable. Research shows rural Australians have a higher incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as most cancers such as lung and bowel cancer. Efforts to lower the risk of many of these diseases may be easier than you think.
Screening for cancers – visit your GP regularly
6 September 2021
Seeing your GP for a check-up when you are well is just as important as going when you are sick. Your doctor can take the time to do screening for conditions you may not know you have. Sometimes people ask to be “checked for cancer”. Although there isn’t one single test GP’s can test for specific types of cancer based on your lifestyle, family history and other risks.
Bush patients eager for better rural health
23 August 2021
The health of rural patients was brought to the fore when farmers fronted up for free health checks with rural doctors and students at BEEF 2021.Rural Doctors Foundation teamed up with student doctors from Rockhampton UQ Rural Clinical School to offer the checks.
Rural grants maintain healthy record of success
15 May 2021
A grants program to promote good health has distributed over $200,000 in grant funding in under two years of operation.