The Drop in Clinic is a service provided by the Lightning Ridge Health Service, located at the neighbourhood centre, where community nurses and Aboriginal health education officers are available from 10am to 11am each weekday morning.
At present it is okay to drop in to the A & E to have things such as your blood pressure checks attended to, however staff would prefer people who were not actually unwell to visit the Drop in Clinic.
This is in preparation for services available at the multi purpose heath facility.
The staff at the clinic work closely with the GPs (both from in and out of town).
If your doctor asks you to have your blood pressure checked regularly, please utilise the Drop in Clinic for this.
Remember the clinic is run by fully qualified health professionals, who are able to help you take control of your health.
Other services available at the clinic include dietary advice, blood sugar monitoring and general health advice.
This is a free service, no appointment is necessary, and anyone can use it.
What is blood pressure anyway?
Blood pressure is the measurement of how much force your heart needs to exert in order to pump blood around your body.
There are two numbers in the measurement, and the upper number is the maximum force exerted while your heart is actually pumping.
The lower number is the amount of pressure your blood vessels are under in between heartbeats.
The general consensus is that adults should have their blood pressure checked every five years, and those readings on the upper limit of normal should have it checked once a year.
If you are on medication for your blood pressure, it should be checked about every three months.
Blood pressure needs to be checked more frequently than this only if there is a specific need that your doctor or nurse has discussed with you.
This week is Australia's Donors Week.
Many Australians with life threatening diseases and serious illness have been given a second chance at a healthy life by being the recipient of organ or tissue transplant.
Improved survival rates now mean that most recipients of organs or tissue can look forward to many years of productive life.
By recording your intentions to donate organs and tissue, you may save or improve the lives of up to 10 people.
A registration form is available from the Australian Organ Donor Register at www.hic.gov.au, or by notifying your intent when you renew your driver's licence.
Never assume you are too old, too young or not healthy enough.
Discussion on this issue with your family or next of kin will also help to ensure that your wishes are considered.
Where a potential donor made their wishes clear, experience shows that their family or next of kin will usually confirm the decision to donate.
Think about it.
Email a friend