{"id":2287,"date":"2026-07-06T13:56:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T03:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/?page_id=2287"},"modified":"2026-09-24T15:08:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T05:08:26","slug":"information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare\/information","title":{"rendered":"Healthcare information"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-stretch fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1352px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column rhs-col\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:25%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:7.68%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:7.68%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-widget-area awb-widget-area-element fusion-widget-area-1 fusion-content-widget-area qh-side-nav\" style=\"--awb-title-size:1.214rem;--awb-title-color:#333333;--awb-padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div id=\"nav_menu-2\" class=\"widget widget_nav_menu\" style=\"border-style: solid;border-color:transparent;border-width:0px;\"><div class=\"menu-lhs-menu-our-health-our-way-container\"><ul id=\"menu-lhs-menu-our-health-our-way\" class=\"menu\"><li id=\"menu-item-2348\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-has-children menu-item-2348\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/\">Our Health, Our Way<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2349\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-2349\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare\">Services and information<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2357\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2357\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare\/services\">Healthcare services<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2351\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2351\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare\/information\">Healthcare information<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2350\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-2350\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare-programs\">Healthcare programs<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2358\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2358\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare-programs\/better-together-van\">Better Together Van<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2359\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2359\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare-programs\/better-together-medication\">Better Together Medication Access<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2360\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2360\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare-programs\/sistas-shawl\">Sistas Shawl<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2361\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2361\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare-programs\/deadly-feet\">Deadly Feet<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2362\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2362\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare-programs\/deadly-smiles\">Deadly Smiles<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2363\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2363\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/healthcare-programs\/emergency-care\">Virtual emergency care<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2364\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type 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vendors<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2381\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2381\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/consumers-vendors\/consumer-eoi\">Consumer Expression of Interest<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2382\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2382\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/consumers-vendors\/vendor-eoi\">Vendor Expression of Interest<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2384\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-2384\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/news\">News<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2385\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2385\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/news\/talk-about-newsletter\">Talk-About Newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-2386\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2386\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/news\/year-in-review\">Year in review<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2388\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-2388\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/keep-connected\">Keep connected<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-3004\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3004\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/keep-connected\/coh-elders-yarning-circle\">COH Elders Yarning Circle<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-3003\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3003\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/keep-connected\/ckw-yarning-table\">CKW Yarning Table<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-3005\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3005\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/health-equity\/yarning-hub\" title=\"External link\">Health Equity Yarning Hub<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li id=\"menu-item-3006\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3006\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/health-equity\/stop-racism-yarning-hub\" title=\"External link\">Stop Racism Yarning Hub<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-3017\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3017\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/about-us\">About us<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-additional-widget-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_3_4 3_4 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:75%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.56%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.56%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-widget-area awb-widget-area-element fusion-widget-area-2 fusion-content-widget-area\" style=\"--awb-title-size:1.214rem;--awb-title-color:#333333;--awb-padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html\" style=\"border-style: solid;border-color:transparent;border-width:0px;\"><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\">\t<div class=\"on-this-page\"><h4>On this page<\/h4><ul id=\"onThisPage\"><\/ul><\/div>\n\t<script>\n\tjQuery(function($) {\n\n\t\t$('#onThisPage').empty();\n\n\t\tvar index = 0;\n\n\t\t$('h2').not('#font_resize_panel_heading, .contact-us h2, .rhs-col h2, .landing-tile h2, .modal-body h2, .qh-lh-nav-title h2, .blog-shortcode-post-title, .element-hidden h2, .hidden-element h2, .gsection_title, .footer-title').each(function() {\n\n\t\t\t\/\/ Insert an anchor to jump to, from the TOC link.\n\t\t\tvar anchor = '<a name=\"' + index + '\"><\/a>';\n\t\t\t$(this).before(anchor);\n\n\t\t\tvar li = '<li><a href=\"#' + index + '\">' + $(this).text() + '<\/a><\/li>';\n\n\t\t\t$(li).appendTo('#onThisPage');\n\n\t\t\tindex++;\n\t\t});\n\n\t});\n\t<\/script>\n\t<\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-additional-widget-content\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h2>Bowel Screening<\/h2>\n<p>People aged 45 to 74 can screen for bowel cancer using a free, simple test that is done at home. Screening to detect the early signs of bowel cancer saves lives.<\/p>\n<h3>Contact<\/h3>\n<p>Call the information hotline on <strong><a href=\"tel:1800627701\">1800&nbsp;627&nbsp;701<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>For more information<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/our-work\/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program\">Visit the website<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Ask your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2>Breast Screening<\/h2>\n<p>A breast screen, also called a mammogram or mammography, uses a low-dose X-ray to examine the breasts and look for anything that may be a sign of breast cancer. It is important to get a breast screen every two years, even if you don\u2019t have any symptoms. This helps find breast cancer early, when it\u2019s too small to feel by you or your doctor.<\/p>\n<p>Cancers that are small are more easily treated. Breast screening can help to find breast cancer early and leads to better treatment outcomes.<\/p>\n<h3>Who is breast screening for?<\/h3>\n<p>Breast screening or mammogram is generally recommended for:<\/p>\n<h4>Women aged 50 to 74<\/h4>\n<p>Women in this age group are recommended to have a free breast screen (also called as mammogram) every two years, as this is the age group that is most affected by breast cancer.<\/p>\n<h4>Women aged over 40 or over 75<\/h4>\n<p>Women in these age groups can also get free breast screening but should yarn through the benefits and risks with their doctor.<\/p>\n<p>Breast screening or mammogram is generally <strong>not recommended<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n<h4>Women aged under 40<\/h4>\n<p>Mammograms are less effective at detecting breast cancer in women under 40 because the breasts of younger women are usually denser than those of older women. Dense areas of breast tissue appear white on X-rays, and breast cancers also appear white. This makes it harder to find cancers in the X-rays of younger women\u2019s breasts. If you are under 40 and concerned about breast cancer due to family history or any recent changes in your breasts, yarn with your doctor to work out what other tests need to be arranged.<\/p>\n<p>For more information <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iuih.org.au\/services\/breast-cancer-screening-and-prevention\">visit the website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><h2>Bulk billing<\/h2>\n<p>Bulk billing is now becoming more accessible for all Australians. The Australian Government has expanded eligibility for MBS bulk billing incentives and established the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program meaning more GPs are now offering bulk billed appointments for Medicare-eligible patients.<\/p>\n<p>To find a bulk billing practice <a href=\"http:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/bulkbilling\">visit the website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h2>Cervical Screening<\/h2>\n<p>If you are 25 to 74 years old, female and have ever been sexually active, you should have your first cervical screening test 2 years after your last Pap smear. This includes people vaccinated and unvaccinated for HPV as well as people who identify as lesbian or transgender. If you are turning 25 years old, or are aged 25 to 74 years and have never had a Pap smear or Cervical Screening Test before, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider to have a Cervical Screening Test.<\/p>\n<h3>Contact<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Phone: <a href=\"tel:131556\">13 15 56<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more information\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.qld.gov.au\/health\/conditions\/screening\/cancer\/cervical\">visit the website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><h2>Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute<\/h2>\n<p>The Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute facilitates:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>clinical, basic and translational research<\/li>\n<li>education for treatment providers, patients and the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The service model aims to support the coordination and accessibility of high-quality, comprehensive services for breast cancer patients and other breast diseases across the Metro North catchment.<\/p>\n<p>For more information <a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/cbci\">visit the website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h2>Diabetes<\/h2>\n<p>Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost four times more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/about-diabetes\/what-is-diabetes\/\">diabetes<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/about-diabetes\/pre-diabetes\/\">pre-diabetes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. Diabetes requires daily self-care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy.<\/p>\n<p>While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.<\/p>\n<p>There are different types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. The three main types of diabetes are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/type-1-diabetes\">type 1<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/type-2-diabetes\">type 2<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/gestational-diabetes\">gestational diabetes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>How does diabetes affect the body?<\/h3>\n<p>When someone has diabetes, their body can\u2019t maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a form of sugar which is the main source of energy for our bodies. Unhealthy levels of glucose in the blood can lead to long term and short term health <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/preventing-complications\">complications<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For our bodies to work properly we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy. A hormone called insulin is essential for the conversion of glucose into energy. In people with diabetes, insulin is no longer produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body. When people with diabetes eat glucose, which is in foods such as breads, cereals, fruit and starchy vegetables, legumes, milk, yoghurt and sweets, it can\u2019t be converted into energy.<\/p>\n<h3>Contact<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Diabetes Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Phone: <a href=\"tel:131556\">13 15 56<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\">Website<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Diabetes resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-people\/resources\">Website<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The NDSS Helpline service is for people with diabetes, their family members and carers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Phone the NDSS Helpline: <a href=\"tel:1300136588\">1300&nbsp;136&nbsp;588<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><h2 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"--fontsize: 30.4; line-height: 1.2;\" data-fontsize=\"30.4\" data-lineheight=\"36.48px\">Healing<\/h2>\n<p>Explore detailed information about the Stolen Generations, including who they are, key dates, redress options, and survivor stories.<\/p>\n<p>The Healing Foundation offers a range of resources for the community, as well as for individuals involved in education and policy, focusing on Stolen Generations survivors, their descendants, families and communities.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.healingfoundation.org.au\/resources\/resource-hub\">Website<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><h2>Healthcare rights<\/h2>\n<p>Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right to accessible, safe, respectful, culturally appropriate healthcare, to be informed and involved in decisions, have their privacy protected, and provide feedback to improve services.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, <a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/atsi-healthcare-rights.pdf\">check out the flyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><h2>Immunisation<\/h2>\n<p>Immunisation is a simple and effective way of protecting yourself and your family.<\/p>\n<p>Immunisation works by triggering the immune system to fight against certain diseases. If a vaccinated person meets these diseases, their immune system is able to respond more effectively. This either prevents the disease from developing or reduces the severity. Immunisation not only protects your own family, but also others by helping to control serious diseases in our community.<\/p>\n<p>Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qld.gov.au\/health\/conditions\/immunisation\/increased-risk\/atsi\">extra vaccines<\/a> for free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). These extra vaccinations are to protect you against serious disease. These extra immunisations are in addition to all the other routine vaccinations offered throughout life.<\/p>\n<h3>For more information<\/h3>\n<p>More about immunisation for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/health-topics\/immunisation\/immunisation-throughout-life\/immunisation-for-children\">children<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/health-topics\/immunisation\/immunisation-throughout-life\/immunisation-for-adults\">adults<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/health-topics\/immunisation\/immunisation-throughout-life\/immunisation-for-seniors\">seniors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/health-topics\/immunisation\/immunisation-throughout-life\/immunisation-for-pregnancy\">pregnancy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qld.gov.au\/health\/conditions\/immunisation\/increased-risk\/atsi\">Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qld.gov.au\/health\/conditions\/immunisation\">Visit the website<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><h2>Kidney disease<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/kidney-disease\">Kidney disease<\/a> (also called renal disease) is a general term for when the kidneys are damaged and don\u2019t function as they should.<\/p>\n<p>Kidney disease can be treated once diagnosed. However, in many cases it goes undetected until serious damage has been done, so it\u2019s important to seek medical advice if you notice any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/chronic-kidney-disease#symptoms\">symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do your kidneys do?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You have 2 kidneys, 1 either side of your backbone, just above the small of your back. Each kidney is about the size of a closed fist.<\/p>\n<p>The main role of the kidneys is to filter your blood to remove waste. As well, your kidneys help control <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/what-is-a-healthy-blood-pressure\">blood pressure<\/a>, produce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/red-blood-cells\">red blood cells<\/a>, and keep your bones strong.<\/p>\n<h3>Contact<\/h3>\n<p>For more information contact your local GP or Aboriginal Medical Centre.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><h2>Lung Cancer Screening<\/h2>\n<p>Lung cancer is a significant issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.<\/p>\n<p>The National Lung Cancer Screening Program aims to reduce illness and death from lung cancer by detecting signs of the disease early through screening. The program will save hundreds of lives each year.<\/p>\n<h3>For more information<\/h3>\n<p>Find out more about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/node\/49304#eligibility\">eligibility criteria<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/node\/49303#the-screening-and-assessment-pathway\">the screening pathway<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/our-work\/nlcsp\/how-it-works?language=en\">how the screening process will work<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/our-work\/nlcsp\/first-nations\">website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\"><h2>Lung Cancer Screening Trial<\/h2>\n<p>Lung cancer is the most common cancer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, making up about one in every six cancer diagnoses. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also about 70% more likely to get lung cancer than non-Indigenous Australians.<\/p>\n<p>If eligible, participants are offered a free low-dose CT scan of the chest at a nearby radiology service. The scan is quick, painless and uses a very small amount of radiation that is carefully monitored. Results are sent to the participant\u2019s GP, who talks through what they mean and whether any follow-up is needed.<\/p>\n<p>For more information <a href=\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/TPCH\/australianlungscreentrial\">visit the website<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><h2>Quit Smoking and Vaping<\/h2>\n<p>Smoking and vaping hurts your body and your wallet: you can feel proud of your decision to quit and treat yourself with the money you save. You might choose to buy rugby tickets, a new TV or renovate the house. It\u2019s up to you.<\/p>\n<p>The second you quit smoking: your body starts to heal. In time you\u2019ll find yourself fitter, healthier overall and less stressed. Being a non-smoker comes with so many benefits to how you feel inside and out. And the more years you stay quit, the more of them you gain.<\/p>\n<h3>Contact<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Quitline<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Phone: <a href=\"tel:137848\">13 78 48<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.quit.org.au\">Website<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\"><h2>Rheumatic heart disease<\/h2>\n<p>Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a notifiable chronic condition caused by damage to the heart valves, which occurs after single or repeated episodes of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). ARF is an autoimmune disease which occurs following infection with Group A Streptococcus bacterium (Strep). Repeated episodes of ARF can lead to accumulative damage to the heart valves, which may require surgery.<\/p>\n<p>If untreated, RHD can lead to heart failure and complications like stroke and can greatly reduce the ability to lead a normal life.<\/p>\n<p>RHD can cause complications in pregnancy.<\/p>\n<h3>Contact<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.qld.gov.au\/disease-control\/conditions\/rheumatic-heart-disease\">Website<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":0,"parent":2315,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width-with-banner.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2287","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2287"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2287\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2928,"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2287\/revisions\/2928"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/ourhealthourway\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}