In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Tasmanian General Practitioner and medical educator Dr Karen McGraith for a two-part series on osteoporosis. Discussing on the current Australian approaches to osteoporosis screening, assessment, and diagnosis, with emphasis on practical considerations for GPs.

Dr McGraith outlines the latest guidelines from the RACGP and Healthy Bones Australia, including distinctions between population screening and case finding for osteoporosis. Providing criteria for bone density assessment, such as age thresholds, specific medical conditions, and medication use. Identifying patients with minimal trauma fractures is highlighted, as well as groups who may be at high risk due to factors like glucocorticoid use, early menopause, and various systemic diseases.

They also discussed the use of risk assessment tools, namely the FRAX and Garvan calculators, to better predict fracture risk in patients with non-modifiable and lifestyle-related factors. Dr McGraith also provides a clear overview on interpreting bone mineral density (BMD) reports, including the significance of T-scores and Z-scores and when to investigate for secondary causes of osteoporosis.

Dr McGraith emphasises patient education and non-pharmacological management strategies, including nutrition (adequate calcium and protein intake), vitamin D sufficiency, exercise (resistance, impact, and balance training), and falls prevention.

Links & Resources:

• Healthy Bones Australia fact sheets - https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/your-bone-health/
• Australasian Menopause Society Practitioners Toolkit for the Management of Menopause - https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/practitioners-toolkit-for-management-of-the-menopause
• RACGP and Healthy Bones Australia Clinical Guidelines - https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/health-care-professionals/guidelines-statements/

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Tim Koh speaks again with Dr Bhavesh Patel, a Queensland-based paediatric surgeon, about foreskin problems in boys, an area where general practitioners often face questions from families but might have limited training or exposure.

Dr Patel outlines the normal development of the foreskin, clarifying common misunderstandings around the expected age of retraction. He explains that full retraction occurs at a median age of 10.4 years, with wide normal variation, and describes how outdated perceptions have contributed to anxiety and misinformation among families.

Giving practical advice for parents regarding hygiene and caring for the foreskin, he emphasises avoiding forced retraction and outlining appropriate bathing routines. They identify normal findings such as the presence of smegma and occasional ballooning during urination, and distinguish them from signs that may indicate pathology.

Treatment options were also discussed, starting with conservative management such as topical steroid creams, highlighting a regime that achieves a high rate of success. Dr Patel also touches on the management of preputial adhesions and when to consider surgical intervention.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins delve into the importance of the four-year-old health check. The value of continuing care from pregnancy through the first five years of life and how these regular check-ups play a critical role in monitoring a child's health and development.

Anna and Catherine provide a detailed overview of the key components involved in a four-year-old health check. Including screening for developmental milestones across four major areas: gross motor function, cognition and fine motor skills, communication, and social and emotional development. They emphasise that early intervention helps in addressing any concerns that may arise during these assessments.

They also covered the physical examination aspect of the health check, focusing on ears, eyes, dental, growth charts for height and weight, and the importance of discussing bowel health with children and their families.

They share insights into preventative health measures for this age group, topics such as sun safety, sleep hygiene, screen time, physical activity, and the benefits of reading with children. Along with the significance of these measures in promoting long-term health and school readiness.

Links & Resources:

• https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/nutrition-fitness/physical-activity/physical-activity-how-much
• https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/play-learning/media-technology/screen-time

This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network