Health tips
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To Swab or Not to Swab?? That is the question.
Posted on July 3, 2020
The current rules are that we can swab anyone with a cough, cold, fever, runny nose, sore throat and or loss of smell if they meet the Higher Index of Suspicion Criteria
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Our Next Normal.
Posted on June 18, 2020
Our resident psychologist, Frank Hayes, discusses challenges as we co-create the "Next Normal" and move forward post-Covid.
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Managing anxiety in times of uncertainty
Posted on May 13, 2020
Tiare Tolks is a local clinical psychologist who provides advice on how to manage anxiety in times of uncertainty.
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Psychologist tips for a balanced life in times of stress
Posted on April 22, 2020
Today my tip is about the importance of maintaining a balanced life, every day. We need balance in our lives if we are to sustain our energy, mental well being and resilience to deal with daily challenges. To keep your tank full on a daily basis I encourage you to live by the rule of BACE!
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What immunisations have I had? I can't remember.
Posted on Oct. 16, 2019
Every immunisation given at Medplus is recorded on the Health 365 Patient Portal so you can review your history whenever you need to and share it with schools or your workplace if required.
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Menopause - The Lowdown on Bioidentical Hormones
Posted on Oct. 14, 2019
Now that we are promoting Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women who are suffering from the symptoms of menopause as a safe and effective way to manage them there are questions about alternative therapies. Some women are asking about Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT) and the topic has caused much debate. So what are they and are they safe?
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Hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms
Posted on Aug. 21, 2019
The benefits of HRT outweigh the risks and can greatly improve the quality of life for many menopausal women.
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JUST COOK for healthy ageing
Posted on Aug. 1, 2019
A FREE 4 week programme for older people with limited cooking skills or who have lost confidence and motivation to cook
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Intermittent Fasting could help tackle diabetes
Posted on March 10, 2019
Intermittent fasting is currently all the rage. But don't be fooled: it's much more than just the latest fad. Recent studies of this kind of fasting – with restricted eating part of the time, but not all of the time – have produced a number of successes, but the latest involving diabetes might be the most impressive yet.
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Skipping breakfast may help you lose weight - what hunter gatherers can teach us
Posted on March 10, 2019
There is now considerable evidence from these studies that skipping breakfast can be an effective way to reduce weight for some people. So why has the field got it so wrong in the past?
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Eat your vegetables – studies show plant-based diets are good for immunity
Posted on March 10, 2019
While not all vegetarians are necessarily following a healthy diet, research shows vegetarianism can have many benefits for health
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Verrucae and Warts – a stubborn problem
Posted on Aug. 24, 2018
Verrucae and warts on the feet have traditionally been difficult and stubborn to resolve, with remedies varying from natural treatments such as tea tree oil or banana skins, through a range of topical acids, to cryotherapy (with liquid nitrogen) and even surgery. But there is now a new option, with the development of microwave technology
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Free National Bowel Screening Programme
Posted on July 4, 2018
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world and it is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand. If you are aged between 60 to 74 you can have a free bowel screening test. If you have any changes to your bowel habit please come in to see your Medplus doctor.
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A gift to yourself and your family. Living for today, planning for tomorrow.
Posted on April 3, 2018
Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, talking about and planning for future health care and end of life care
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Plantar Fasciitis – heel pain
Posted on April 3, 2018
Typically, those suffering present with foot pain that is agonising when they take their first steps in the morning. They describe it as a 'stone bruise' under their heel, and it makes them limp and hobble around for a few minutes until it eases off.
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Swimmer's Ear – the infection of a good Kiwi summer
Posted on March 12, 2018
In balmy summer weather many of us will be found in or near the water, jumping off the wharf, surfing or just splashing around in the sea. Whilst this is part of the Kiwi dream of an idyllic summer, it can lead to a painful and common ear infection, swimmer's ear or otitis externa.
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Varicose veins
Posted on Dec. 3, 2017
Everyone will be familiar with varicose veins – the tortuous and distended blue blood vessels that creep over up to 25% of adults' legs.
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Bowel Screening in New Zealand
Posted on June 7, 2017
This month is bowel cancer awareness month. New Zealand has one of the highest bowel cancer death rates in the Western world and it is the second most common cancer diagnosed here
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Difficulty sleeping? Try our tips
Posted on March 24, 2017
Just as brushing (and flossing!) teeth is a fundamental part of good teeth hygiene, there are certain things you can do to maintain good sleep habits
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Student Check List
Posted on Feb. 3, 2017
Is there a young person in your house off to university shortly?
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Antibacterial soap – not as clean as it should be
Posted on Dec. 21, 2016
Over the last few years there have been reports that antibacterial soap is superfluous. Washing our hands with any type of soap reduces infection, and using an antibacterial soap gives little if any additional benefit.
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Gut Microbes keep you healthy
Posted on June 22, 2016
We are just beginning to understand the importance of these tiny, single cell organisms, which play an essential role breaking down and processing food, producing chemicals that keep us healthy and fit.
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Spot Check
Posted on March 23, 2016
Do you have a mole or spot that you are worried about? In New Zealand we have a high rate of skin cancers, including melanomas. You should check your skin every few months for any new moles that develop
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Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin
Posted on Feb. 11, 2016
There are imminent changes regarding dispensing of Cal. D. Forte, a commonly prescribed Vitamin D supplement. The product can still be prescribed but there may be reduced subsidy and supplies may become limited.
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Diabetes Awareness Month
Posted on Nov. 15, 2015
Prediabetes, have you been checked? It’s Diabetes Awareness Month.
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Are smartphones good for your health
Posted on Dec. 4, 2013
Smart phones have invaded our consultation rooms and we are better off for it. Innovative patients take photos of their rashes (so we can see they looked at their peak), record their husbands snoring (to try and help us with the diagnosis of sleep apnoea) ...
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Myfitnesspal
Posted on Dec. 4, 2013
This free app not only easily tracks your calorie intake but it breaks it down into sugars, fat and protein and tells you where you are going wrong. It also moni-tors your weight, your waist and hip measurements. It also records your exercise and how ...
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I.C.E.
Posted on Dec. 3, 2013
In case of emergency apps can provide essential health information about you when you are too unwell to give the information yourself. The better versions appear on your home screen, so are accessible before passwords have to be entered. These are useful for people with ...
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