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Definition

‘A secure, legislated, patient-controlled, electronic summary of an individual’s key health information, able to be accessed by authorised individuals and registered healthcare providers involved in a person’s care anywhere in Australia at any time.’

Some Facts

1. Opt out period ended 31st of January, and if you haven’t already opted out you will automatically be set up with a MHR.
2.  MHR Amendment (strengthening privacy) Bill 2018.
   a) Consumers can choose to have or cancel a MHR at any point in their life.
   b) Cancelling a MHR will now permanently delete their record, including any backups.
   c) All records that have previously been cancelled will also be permanently deleted from the system.
   d) If a person changes their mind, they can choose to register for a record to enjoy the benefits of controlling their health information securely in one place so support their health care.
3. The use of MHR for insurance and employment purposes is not healthcare therefore is not authorised.
4.  No information within MHR can be released to law enforcement or government agencies without an order from a judicial officer. To date, the Agency has never received such a request and has never released information.
5.  Authorised representative no […]
   

The plantar fascia is a strong, thick piece of connective tissue that joins the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation of this tissue is referred to as ‘plantar fasciitis’ and it can be quite painful and debilitating. It is the most common type of heel pain.

The pain associated with plantar fasciitis is usually worse in the morning and aggravated by standing and exercising. The pain the usually reduces after a bit of walking around but then returns on rest.

Common causes of plantar fasciitis include:

• Being flat footed or having high arches
• Sports that put stress on the heel, such as running
• Being overweight
• Pregnancy
• Spending a lot of time standing
• Wearing shoes with poor arch or heel support
• Gait (walking) abnormalities, such as foot pronation (rolling in) and weak calf muscles can also play a role.

Plantar fasciitis may present as dull or sharp pain and may also involve redness, swelling, aching, burning and/or tenderness of the affected foot.  Sometimes, there is a bony outgrowth on the affected heel called a ‘spur’ which can add to the pain and discomfort.

Treatment options for plantar fasciitis may include:

• Rest from aggravating activities
• Muscle stretching (calf […]
  

Clinically known as Otitis Externa, Swimmer’s Ear is an inflammatory condition/infection of the outer ear through to the ear drum.

It is a very common problem and can affect anyone at any age. It is usually linked to water exposure or excessive cleaning of the ear canal.

The ear canal is lined with skin, containing glands that produce wax. When bacteria or fungi find a means of entry (through a break or abrasion in the skin), the perfect environment exists for an infection to thrive. This can be caused by:

• Water entering the ear through swimming or showering, and not draining out
• Mechanical damage to the ear (such as from cleaning) that damages the skin and allows bacteria to enter.
• Chemical irritation of the skin caused by hair colours, hairspray or shampoo
• A blocked hair follicle in the ear skin
• Having narrow ear canals
• Skin conditions such as eczema and/or dermatitis
• A deeper infection in the middle-ear can trigger an infection in the outer ear
• Diabetes – believe it or not, diabetes can change the chemical makeup of earwax, making it a more hospitable environment for bacteria & fungi.

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear include:

• Redness and […]