Mooroolbark Medical Centre

Ongoing tiredness, difficulty concentrating, headaches, breathlessness and hair shedding can sometimes be signs of iron deficiency. However, symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause, a blood test is needed.

An iron infusion may help when dietary changes have not improved iron levels, iron tablets have not worked or can't be tolerated, or when iron needs to be restored quickly. It is not always the first treatment option, and your GP will also want to understand why your iron levels are low.

Our full article explains the difference between iron deficiency and anaemia, when an infusion may be recommended and what to expect.

Read the full article to learn more. https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01hn7H0

Early detection can make a significant difference, yet many eligible Australians are not up to date with their cancer screening tests.

Australia has national screening programs for bowel, cervical and breast cancer. Bowel screening is free for eligible Australians, cervical screening is now required only every five years and can include a self-collected sample, and free breast screening is available to eligible women.

There is no national screening program for skin cancer, making it important to know your skin and speak with your GP about your individual risk and any changes you may be concerned about. But also to put in the diary to have your skin checked every year, the recommendation for Australians!

This Daffodil Day, take a moment to check whether you are due for screening. Our full article explains who is eligible, what has changed and when symptoms should be assessed by a doctor rather than waiting for a screening test.

Read the full article to learn more. https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01hn7s0

Do you take creatine? It may affect how your routine kidney blood test results are interpreted.

Creatine is well researched for exercise and muscle performance, while its potential role in brain health is still being studied. Did you know, taking creatine can increase blood creatinine levels, which may make your estimated kidney function appear lower than it actually is.

Before starting creatine, or if you already supplement with creatine, speak with your GP before your next blood test and let them know what supplements you are taking.

Read the full article to learn more. https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01hn5q0

Type 2 Diabetes rarely happens overnight — for many people, it starts years earlier with insulin resistance, a condition that can develop quietly with no obvious symptoms. 🩺

Left unchecked, insulin resistance can raise the risk of prediabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions. The good news? Early assessment and the right testing can help catch it before it progresses.
If you have risk factors like excess weight, a family history of Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS, high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar, it may be worth speaking to your GP about a Diabetes Risk Assessment.

📖 Read more and learn what to look out for: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H015qQ80

is trending right now.

On TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, they are being promoted as the shortcut to faster recovery, weight loss, better skin, muscle gain, year-round tans and even ageing well.

But behind many of these posts is something rarely shown on screen: unapproved products, unknown ingredients, paid discount codes and real health risks.

A testimonial may feel convincing, especially when it comes from someone you follow and trust. But it is still only one person’s story.

Your health deserves more than a trend.

Our latest article takes a clear, factual look at the peptide boom — what peptides are, why Australian regulators are concerned, what the risks may be, and why the safest place to start is with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your history.

If you have seen peptides promoted online, are considering using them, or have already tried them and feel unsure, this is worth reading.

Read the full article and speak with your GP before making decisions about your health. https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0-0bw0

Nearly half of all deaths in Australians under 75 are potentially avoidable (AIHW, 2015). *

The surprising part? Men account for almost two-thirds of them.

Many serious health conditions — including heart disease, diabetes, bowel cancer, skin cancer and mental health concerns — can often be detected early, treated more effectively, or even prevented with regular health checks.

Yet many men put off seeing a doctor.

This Men's Health Week, take a few minutes to check in on your health, or encourage a father, partner, brother, son or mate to do the same.

Heart Health Checks
Blood Pressure Checks
Diabetes Screening
Skin Cancer Checks
Prostate Health Discussions
Mental Health Support
Bowel Cancer Screening

Our latest article explains the essential health checks every man should know about and when to have them.

👉 Read the full article here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0ZXN90

A simple check-up today could make a big difference tomorrow.

*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, The health of men in Australia (updated 19 November 2025). https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0ZXrP0

👩‍⚕️ Now Welcoming Dr Shilpa Chegu at Mooroolbark Medical Centre

Looking for a GP with a special interest in women's health?

Dr Shilpa Chegu is now accepting new patients at Mooroolbark Medical Centre.

With extensive experience in women's health, Dr Chegu provides care for:

✅ Contraceptive counselling
✅ Implanon & IUD insertion/removal
✅ PCOS management
✅ Perimenopause & menopause care
✅ Pregnancy care
✅ Medically assisted weight management
✅ Chronic disease management
✅ Preventive health checks

Dr Chegu is committed to providing personalised, compassionate care and supporting patients through every stage of life.

New patients welcome.
English, Hindi, Kannada & Telugu spoken
Mooroolbark Medical Centre: 19 Manchester Rd, Mooroolbark
Open 7 Days

Book your appointment today.

Flu vaccine during pregnancy: Protect you and your baby this flu season

If you are pregnant, getting a flu vaccination during pregnancy is strongly recommended to protect both you and your baby from influenza (flu) during the Australian flu season.

The flu vaccine is safe in pregnancy at any stage, including the first, second, and third trimester. It helps reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and complications from seasonal influenza, which can be more severe during pregnancy.

Receiving the influenza vaccine while pregnant also provides important protection for your baby after birth. Antibodies are passed to your newborn, helping protect them in their first few months of life when they are too young to receive their own flu vaccination.

Getting your pregnancy flu shot early is one of the most important and effective steps you can take to support a healthy pregnancy and protect your growing family.

We offer cell-based influenza vaccines as standard, delivering high-quality, patient-centred care focused on safety, comfort, and best outcomes for mothers and babies.

Book your flu vaccination online or visit your local medical practice (walk-ins available at selected clinics).

Please check with your practice to confirm flu vaccine availability before your visit.

Labour Day Notice

Please note that our practice will be closed on Monday, 9th March, in observance of Labour Day.

We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, 10th March.

Need an appointment? Book online anytime: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0FJWm0