Health Service news
Whooping cough outbreak
The Swinburne Health Service is offering a booster dose of whooping cough vaccinations after news of a Victorian outbreak. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly infectious disease, with symptoms persisting for more than a month – it is sometimes known as the '100 day cough'
For adults, whooping cough childhood immunisation has been seen to wear off, so a booster dose of the shot is recommended.
The vaccination is available at the Hawthorn campus' Health Service after an appointment with a doctor. The cost of the doctor's appointment is $60 and the vaccine is $52.
Have a vaccine before flu season
To help reduce the spread of the flu, the Health Service will continue to offer the flu vaccine to all staff and students. The highest rates of influenza are usually reported from July to September each year, and having the vaccination now is a valuable preventative health measure.
To receive your vaccine, call the health service on 9214 8483 to make an appointment.
National Diabetes Week
From 11 to 17 July, Australia will be raising awareness of type 2 diabetes during National Diabetes Week.
While type 1 diabetes is genetic, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle choices. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that currently has no cure, and is now affecting increasing numbers of people.
You can prevent type 2 diabetes by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Making healthy food choices
- Managing blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Not smoking
For more information, see the Diabetes Australia website http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/News--Events1/Events_New/National-Diabetes-Week/ or make an appointment at the Swinburne Health Service on 9214 8483.
To access the May 2010 Newsletter click here
To subscribe to the Health Service newsletter and receive notifications of updated newsletters, email staffcomms@swin.edu.au.
