Waiheke Medical Centre

14/11/2025

🧰 NUTS & BOLTS: SUPPORTING MEN’S HEALTH 💙

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, but early diagnosis and treatment give you an excellent chance of coming out the other side A-OK.

Movember’s Nuts & Bolts tool covers the essentials, from understanding risk factors and checking your nuts to knowing what to do if something does not feel right.

It also includes practical tips to support your mental health, including ways to improve sleep, manage stress, stay active, and stay connected.

Take a few minutes today to look after yourself. It could make all the difference. Learn more here 👉 https://nutsandbolts.movember.com/

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

Whether you’re facing testicular cancer, supporting someone through their journey or simply wishing to learn more, Nuts & Bolts has the resources you need.

13/11/2025

🌿 STAY SAFE WHEN GARDENING 🌿

Did you know that inhaling dust from potting mix or compost can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection that can be life-threatening?

Protect your lungs by following these simple steps:

👉 Use potting mix or compost outside
😷 Wear a well-fitting face mask (N95 or respirator is best)
🧤 Wear gloves when handling potting mix or compost
✂️ Open bags carefully with scissors, away from your face
💧 Dampen the mix first to reduce dust
🧼 Wash your hands thoroughly after gardening and before touching your face or removing your mask

Taking a few extra precautions can make all the difference. Stay safe while enjoying your garden this season. 🌸

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

11/11/2025

👀 IS IT MEASLES OR CHICKENPOX? 🌡️

With measles spreading in New Zealand, it’s important to know the difference between measles and chickenpox. The two are sometimes mixed up, but they’re very different illnesses, and measles is more severe.

Here’s what to look for:

MEASLES

Starts with:

🔥 a high fever
👁️ red, itchy eyes
😮‍💨 a cough
🤧 and a runny nose

A rash follows, beginning on the face and spreading across the body.

CHICKENPOX

Starts with:

🩹 itchy blisters all over the body

It often comes with a mild to moderate fever and tiredness.

Both viruses can cause serious illness, and measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, or hearing loss.

Thankfully, both illnesses have vaccines. Check you’re up to date with your immunisations for the best protection.

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

06/11/2025

👀 HOW TO: CHECK YOUR PAIR 🍐

Testicular cancer is the number one cancer in younger guys. The good news is that it's highly curable when caught early.

A simple monthly self-check can help you spot any changes early. While every nut is unique, here's how to check your pair:

🚿 STEAM
The best time to check is after a warm shower, as the heat relaxes and loosens things, making it easier to feel for any changes.

👌 ROLL
With your thumb and finger, roll one testicle to learn what's normal for you. Then, feel for any lumps, swelling, or changes in size or shape. Roll gently, there's no need to rush!

🔁 REPEAT
Do the same for the other side. It's that easy.

You can also get guidance on what's normal and what's not here 👉 https://nz.movember.com/are-my-testicles-normal

REMEMBER: If something feels wrong, don't wait. Talk to us. Make that appointment and play it safe.

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

04/11/2025

🧬 NOT SURE IF YOU'RE PROTECTED AGAINST MEASLES? 🧬

With measles cases increasing, now is the perfect time to check your vaccination status and make sure you are protected. Here's how:

💻 USE THE HEALTH NZ TOOL
Get a quick idea of your immunisation status by using Health NZ's online decision pathway. Check here 👉 https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles-immunity?decisionpathway=228%2C227%2C225%2C223

💉 LOG INTO MY HEALTH RECORD
View your immunisation records through My Health Record via your My Health Account. This tool is available for most people vaccinated after 2005.

👩🏽‍⚕️ ASK US
As your healthcare provider, we can check your records and let you know if you should get vaccinated.

✈️ BORN OVERSEAS?
If you grew up overseas, contact your previous doctor or healthcare clinics to see if they have your immunisation records.

If you cannot find your records or are unsure, it is safe for most people to get another dose of the MMR vaccine, and it is free for most people in New Zealand.

Protect yourself, your whānau, and our community by checking your vaccination status today. Together, we can help keep measles out.

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

03/11/2025

🚨 WHOOPING COUGH ALERT 🚨

There have been confirmed cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in our Waiheke community. This highly contagious infection can cause severe coughing fits, especially in babies, children, and those with weakened immune systems.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR INCLUDE:

😷 Persistent coughing
😮‍💨 Difficulty or noisy breathing
🤧 Sneezing, blocked or runny nose
🌡️ Mild fever

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

📞 If you or your child develops symptoms, please get in touch with your healthcare provider.
💉 Check that your whānau’s immunisations are up to date (vaccination is the best protection).
🧼 Practise good hygiene by washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes.

Whooping cough immunisations are free for children at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, 4 years, and 11 years, and for pregnant women. Adult boosters are free at ages 45 and 65.

If you have any concerns or need medical advice, please do not hesitate to contact the Waiheke Medical Centre team. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious illness.

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

02/11/2025

🧔‍♂️ STAND UP FOR MEN'S HEALTH THIS MOVEMBER! 💙

Movember is here! And it's your chance to take part in something that matters.

Whether you're growing a moustache, getting active, or simply checking in with your mates, every action helps reduce preventable men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges.

Want to know how you can get involved or support the cause? Visit 👉 https://nz.movember.com/ 👈 to learn more about the movement and how your actions can make a difference.

This month, we also encourage all men to book a check-up and prioritise their wellbeing. A quick visit to your healthcare provider can make a real difference.

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

21/10/2025

🌟 HOW TO BRING MORE HOPE INTO YOUR LIFE 🌟

Hope is more than just a feeling. It is a powerful tool for your mental wellbeing.

Hopeful people are less likely to experience depression or anxiety, and a strong sense of hope can also build resilience, helping you cope when life gets tough.

The good news is that hope can grow. With small, positive actions, you can train your mind to focus on what is possible and give yourself things to look forward to.

👉 Swipe through for practical tips from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand to help you build more hope day by day.

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

16/10/2025

With several confirmed cases of measles identified across Aotearoa, we encourage everyone to check their MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) immunisation status.

If you’re unsure about your vaccination record or would like to book in for your MMR, please get in touch with our team.

The MMR vaccine is free in New Zealand for anyone under 18 years old, and for adults who are eligible for free healthcare.

15/10/2025

💪 MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE FOR ARTHRITIS 🏃‍♀️

Did you know staying active is one of the best ways to manage arthritis? Regular movement helps strengthen your joints, reduces pain, and improves your overall wellbeing.

Talk to your healthcare provider about creating an exercise plan that works for you and your lifestyle. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference.

Learn more here 👉 https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/a/arthritis-and-exercise

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

13/10/2025

🔍 EARLIER ACCESS TO FREE BOWEL SCREENING 💙

People in Northland, Auckland, and the South Island can now take part in free bowel screening from age 58 (previously 60).

If you’re turning 58 or 59, or are already that age in these regions, you don’t need to do anything. A screening kit will be sent to you around your next birthday.

The lower starting age will be rolled out to the rest of Aotearoa from March next year.

Bowel screening is free, quick, and easy, and it helps detect cancer early when it is often easier to treat successfully.

For more info 👇

🌐 Visit https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/cancer-screening/bowel-screening
📞 Call 0800 924 432
📧 Email info@bowelscreening.health.nz

www.waihekemedical.co.nz

09/10/2025

📚 KEEP LEARNING | 💜

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week! And today’s theme is “Keep Learning.”

Learning new things is like exercise for the brain. It keeps our minds active, builds confidence, and creates a sense of achievement. When we learn together with friends or whānau, it can also strengthen relationships and make the experience more rewarding.

Here are a few simple ways to keep learning today:
✅ Join a class or group — try music, dance, or a book club
✅ Host a lunch and learn with your hoamahi
✅ Experiment with a new recipe or project at home
✅ Discover something new about your local area
✅ Do puzzles like crosswords, sudoku, or riddles

Every new skill or discovery adds to your sense of purpose and growth. How will you keep learning today?

www.waihekemedical.co.nz