The Smart Way to Better Health
Speaking at the national launch of AMA Family Doctor Week, Dr Phelps said that Family Doctor Week serves to remind people - including doctors - just how important a role GPs play in Australian communities.
"The AMA believes it is important that Australian suburbs and towns will always have a family doctor as the lifeblood of their communities.
"We are not just doctors, we are trusted friends, advisers and confidants," Dr Phelps said.
"GPs are important members of local communities, and it is important for people to choose the right GP for their individual needs - someone they feel comfortable with," Dr Phelps said.
A good example of a successful patient-doctor partnership can be found in Westmead based General Practitioner, Dr Barbara Frankowicz, and her patient, Mr James Welch. James lost over 100kg in twelve months thanks to advice from his GP and his own hard work and desire to reach his own goals.
Dr Barbara Frankowicz said the key to good nutrition is establishing motivation and discipline - and James Welch certainly did this.
"Establishing a sensible diet and getting regular physical exercise should be encouraged. Having a preparedness to modify behaviour to help control impulsive eating is also useful," says Dr Frankowicz.
The smart way to better health can be as simple as eating more fresh fruit & vegetables; exercising regularly; drinking lots of water; talking to your GP if you feel depressed; seeing your GP for regular check ups; and telling your GP about all your medicines, even the alternative ones.
For further information or access to images of the AMA Family Doctor Week poster go to the AMA website at www.ama.com.au and click on the Family Doctor Week link.
AMA Family Doctor Week 2002 is supported by AGPAL (Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited), Australian Apples, and Telstra.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076