Ruatahi Medical Centre

28/08/2025

✈️ IS A PLANE THE KEY TO YOUR WELLBEING? 🌱

If you knew a plane wasn’t going where you needed to be, would you still board it, just because you had already paid for the ticket?

Of course not. But this isn’t really about planes.

It’s about life.

About the habits you keep even though they drain you. The stress you carry because you feel you have to. The routines you follow simply because you always have.

The truth is, sunk costs don’t protect your health. They only hold you back.

If you feel like you are stuck on the wrong “plane,” remember you are not alone. Discuss the next steps with your GP, nurse, or someone you trust who can support your health.

Your wellbeing matters. And so do you.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

27/08/2025

🌱 SPRING CLEAN YOUR WELLBEING 🌸

Spring is a season of light, growth, and new beginnings. It’s the perfect time to refresh your wellbeing habits and bring a little more balance into your day.

Here are some simple tips from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand to help you feel your best this season.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

21/08/2025

🔎 KNOW THE SIGNS OF PTSD 🧠

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who has been through a traumatic event, and it's more common than many people realise.

Symptoms may include:

✔️ Reliving the traumatic event
✔️ Avoiding reminders of the trauma
✔️ Negative thoughts about yourself or others
✔️ Feeling constantly on edge
✔️ Trouble sleeping or concentrating

The good news is, effective treatments are available. Therapy and, in some cases, medication can help people manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. We're here to help.

And if you need support while we're closed, free helplines are available:

📞 Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
📞 Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text 4357

You don't have to go through this alone. 💙

www.ruatahimedical.nz

19/08/2025

A gentle reminder from the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora team we love 👇

15/08/2025

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2025 💚

The Mental Health Foundation has just announced the details for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week.

📅 DATES: 6 to 12 October 2025
🌿 THEME: Top Up Together

Research shows that shared experiences and strong social connections have the most lasting impact on mental health. That is why this year's message is simple: look after your oranga (wellbeing) by topping up together.

Visit mhaw.nz for free resources and ideas to bring Mental Health Awareness Week to life in your workplace, school, community or home.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

12/08/2025

🌸 WĀHINE: PUT YOURSELF FIRST THIS WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK 🌸

We know many wāhine in our community are used to putting others first. But this Women's Health Week, we're reminding you that your health matters, too.

It's perfectly fine to take time for yourself. And now’s a great opportunity to think and talk about all things periods, menopause, mental wellbeing, safer s*x, cervical and breast screening, and more. Your health matters.

✨ Did you know you can now do a cervical screening self-test? In privacy and comfort.
✨ 45-69 years old? Have you signed up for your 2-yearly breast screenings?
✨ Want to learn more about your body and health, and how to access services for you?

Visiting info.health.nz is a great place to start. It’s full of simple, trusted information and advice tailored to wāhine across Aotearoa.

You can also talk to us. Our team is here to help, and you’re welcome to book an appointment with the clinician you feel most comfortable with. Your wellbeing comes first.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

05/08/2025

🦠 WHAT IS RSV? 🤧

There's been a lot of sickness in the community lately, and you may have heard people talking about RSV. But what exactly is it?

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways. It often causes cold-like symptoms but can lead to more serious illnesses in babies, young children, and older adults.

🤒 COMMON SYMPTOMS

Like a cold, RSV usually causes mild symptoms at first. These can include:

+ Runny nose or sneezing
+ Cough or wheezing
+ Fever
+ Trouble breathing or feeding (especially in young children)

🧼 HOW TO: STOP THE SPREAD

The good news is that there are simple ways to help protect yourself and others:

+ Wash your hands often
+ Stay home if you're unwell
+ Avoid close contact with pēpi if you're sick
+ Wipe down shared surfaces regularly

If your child is having difficulty breathing, feeding less than usual, or seems very unwell, seek medical care straight away.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

31/07/2025

Just because Dry July is ending doesn’t mean you have to fall back into old routines. Here are some tips on keeping the vibes going 👇

Carry on your good work from July through to August and beyond. Here are some practical tips if you want to try to cut down on the amount of alcohol you’re drinking

30/07/2025

🍹 ALMOST THERE… 1 DAY TO GO! 🎉

If you’ve made it this far through Dry July, give yourself a huge pat on the back.

One more day of going alcohol-free means:

✅ More support for Kiwis affected by cancer
✅ More clarity, energy, and resilience
✅ And one epic goal is almost complete

You’ve got this. Finish strong! 💛

www.ruatahimedical.nz

28/07/2025

FOUR WEEKS DRY! 🎉

Wow! You’ve nearly done it, Dry Julyers. The finish is right there!

Now’s the time to stay strong, feel proud, and give your fundraising one last push.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

25/07/2025

Ta-da! Just in case no one’s told you this week 👇

23/07/2025

Worrying a lot? You’re not alone.

Thankfully, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is sharing a series of short, helpful guides on common conditions to help Kiwis better understand their minds. Here’s the latest one on Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 👇