Winter newsletter
🌬️ Winter Wellness Update – First Avenue Family Practice Newsletter – Winter 2025 🌬️
Dear Patients,
Hard to believe that we are halfway through the year already!
As the colder months arrive, we hope this message finds you warm and well. Winter can bring its share of health challenges, so we’ve put together some helpful updates, reminders, and seasonal tips to help you and your family stay healthy and supported this season.
Practice news
Shes Back! We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Keersten back after successfully completing her registrar training earlier this year. After taking some well-deserved time off, she is now returning to clinical practice with us. Dr. Keersten will be available for appointments on Tuesday and Friday mornings, and we’re delighted to have her skills, experience, and friendly presence back in the surgery.
❄️ Winter Health Tips
Chilly weather and shorter days can affect both our physical and mental health. Make sure to:
- Dress in layers to stay warm, even indoors.
- Keep active – gentle movement can boost circulation and mood.
- Eat nourishing meals and stay well-hydrated.
- Try to get some daylight each day, even if it’s just a short walk.
đź’‰ Flu Vaccinations Still Available
It’s been a busy start to the season, with flu vaccinations well underway and plenty of winter bugs around.
It’s not too late to get your flu vaccination and with numbers on the rise we strongly recommend you do! Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for those at risk of severe illness from the flu. Those eligible for government funded influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation program includes:
- Children from 6 months to under 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years and over
- People with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
Those not eligible for a government flu vaccine can receive a private flu vaccine at First Avenue Family Practice for $15 either with the nurse or one of the Doctors.
🦠Respiratory Illness Advice
Colds, flu, and COVID-19 can all circulate more in winter. If you’re feeling unwell, please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice. Our team can guide you on whether you need an appointment or if self-care at home is appropriate. Remember, testing for COVID-19 remains important if you’re experiencing symptoms.
🤝 Supporting Each Other
Winter can be an isolating time, especially for those living alone or managing long-term conditions. A friendly check-in on a neighbour, friend, or family member can go a long way. If you’re struggling yourself—whether physically, mentally, or emotionally—please know that support is available.
📱 Try Our Online Services
Avoid the phone queues by making use of our online services. Through Hotdoc, you can book appointments, request repeats scripts and specialist referrals anytime, anywhere.
Hotdoc can be accessed through our website or through the Hotdoc app
🧑‍⚕️ Here When You Need Us
Our team is here to support you throughout the winter months, whatever your health concerns may be. Whether you need advice, a review of your medication, or just some reassurance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you a safe, warm, and healthy winter season.
Warm regards,
The FAFP Team
