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Our Health, Our Way: When should I see a doctor?

Young people: I don't go to the doctors because...er, I hate needles.

Half of the time I couldn't be bothered.

I only go if there's something really wrong.

If I had to choose between the doctors and football?...It would definitely be football.

It's the whole muck around, last time I was there, the doctors, they didn't even know what they were talking about, I..I swear.

Getting there is hard, there aren't any buses.

Nah, I'm too shame.

I'm not that sick, I'll be right tomorrow.

Voice over: Take responsibility for your health, services are there to help you. Ask someone you trust to point you in the right direction.

Our Health, Our Way: What can I expect when I go to the doctors?

Young people: How is it when I go to the doctor? Pretty much every time I go the doctor, I can't understand them.

The doctor gave me that stare, like as if I wasn't telling the truth.

Actually, I really trust my doctor. I had it since I was little.

I have to go all the time for my diabetes; I know if I don't go, I'll get heaps worse.

I don't feel comfortable asking for help.

Sometimes they act like I am not there. I'll let mum do all the talking.

Voice over: Respect goes both ways. If you don't feel comfortable you can have someone with you. Ask questions!

Our Health, Our Way: What is good health?

Young people: What does good health look like to me? How would I know? I suppose, not getting on it; not having a mad fatty feed.

It's as easy as exercising, eating heaps of healthy food, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep.

My dad died of a heart attack when I was five, so that means I got to take care of myself.

Voice over: You can get a free checkup every year. Just ask your doctor or Aboriginal Medical Service about it.

Young people: Keeping connected to mates in the community, you know, not being being isolated; not feeling like crap, not stress and just feeling good!

Voice over: Aboriginal health means looking after your physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and that of others.

Our Health, Our Way: Medicare cards?

Young people: Do I have a medicare card? Yeah I got one. It's a little green thing and it has names on it.

What's it used for?

Actually, I have no idea.

You just give it to the woman at the desk and she does what she does with it.

Yeah I got one. I use it as ID. Got my phone activated.

Yeah I got one when I had my baby.

I have my own Medicare card.

Now it's up to me to take care of my own health.

Voice over: You need a Medicare card when you visit most health professionals.

You can get your own Medicare card from the age of 15.

To apply for your card, go online, call or go to your nearest Medicare Office.

Our Health, Our Way: Bulk billing?

Young people: How much does it cost to go to the doctor and what is bulk billing? Wait! Hospital is free, isn't it?

Ah...doesn't it mean you don't have to pay now but pay later?

Ah...isn't it free for our age?

Bulk billing? I have no idea.

Hmm.. I'm not really sure.

Seems too complicated.

Doesn't it depend on how bad you are...like... how sick?

Voice over: Bulk billing is when the total cost of seeing the doctor is free. Before you make an appointment with the doctor, ask if they bulk bill. If they don't, ask them to explain the costs involved and how to get some of your money back from Medicare.

Our Health, Our Way: What is confidentiality?

Young people: Do I share personal information with the doctor? Hmm.. only if I need to.

Depends...sometimes.

I did not want to tell the doctor 'cause if mum or dad found out, they would lose it.

I don't have anything to hide, I just don't want anyone knowing my business.

Yeah, sometimes, but only if it's a lady doctor.

I had stuff going on, you know, down there, but I was too ashamed to ask.

Keeping healthy would be so much easier if I had a doctor that I can talk to and rely on.

Voice over: Generally what you say in the room, stays in the room. Unless there is concern about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of you or someone else.

Our Health, Our Way: Having a baby?

Young women: One of my responsibilities now that I'm pregnant, I know I've got to get off the grog, the yandi and the ciggies.

Tell someone you trust so they can help you out.

It's not just about me anymore.

Young men: Do the right thing, regular check-ups, ultrasounds.

I'm going to support my girlfriend to make good choices, so our little bub can have the best chance.

Voice over: If you are pregnant, stay connected to health services, they are there to keep you and your baby healthy.

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Current as at: Tuesday 19 November 2019