March 2024 Updates
We hope all of our patients had a fantastic summer. Wasn’t it wonderful to see the sunshine this year. We anticipate everybody has settled back into the routine of school and or work well after a lovely break with whanau/family.
STAFF
Welcome to our newest staff members, Elena, our Health Care Assistant who has joined the nursing team, and Von Schele, who has joined our reception team.
WINTER IS COMING
With the colder months nearing, we thought it was a perfect opportunity to check in. It may be that the drop in sunlight hours affects the body’s chemical balances and make our body clocks go out of step. It is also really important to look after your physical wellbeing. Make sure you get an annual check-up with your GP. Being in good physical health will also help your mental health.
Here are a few helpful tips for getting through the winter months from the Mental Health Foundation (2024) https://mentalhealth.org.nz/
Make your environment sunnier and brighter by opening curtains and trimming tree branches that block sunlight into your home. Sit closer to bright windows while at home or in the office.
Head outside as often as you can – even on an overcast day, outdoor light can help, particularly if you spend time outside within two hours of getting up. If you are physically capable, try to maintain some light exercise.
Find ways to maintain connections with people in your life that don’t involve going out too much in the cold, such as talking online or inviting friends to your home.
If possible, plan a holiday during winter
Find someone at work, school or wherever else you spend a lot of time who understands your experience and can support you if you are having a hard time.
Remember that wanting to “hibernate” during winter is natural. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to rest in ways that feel right for you.
FLU VAX
In other exciting news, our influenza vaccines are available from the 1st of April. Our manage my health booking portal will open soon, so you can book an appointment with our lovely nursing team this way, or by calling our friendly reception team.
MASKS
For those visiting with cold and flu like symptoms, we do encourage mask use inside the building. If you are covid positive we will prefer to see you in the cabin.
KIDNEY AWARENESS MONTH
Our kidneys are amazing. Shaped like two very large beans, one on either side of the spine, these organs work hard to keep our bodies healthy and functioning.
For a start, they’re a filter, removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. They filter nearly 200 litres of blood every day to make a litre or two of urine.
They send signals to your body to regulate its blood pressure – telling it when pressure needs to be increased or decreased. They also release a hormone (erythropoietin) that tells your body to make those all-important red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body and give you energy.
As well as all that, your kidneys help balance the acid levels in your body, activate vitamin D, and balance minerals in your body that you need for healthy bones. (Diabetes New Zealand, 2024. https://www.diabetes.org.nz/)
If you are interested in reducing salt intake to help your kidneys out, the following link offers some great recipes and tips and tricks!
https://www.kidney.health.nz/information-and-resources/nutrition-and-recipes/managing-salt-intake/
If you would like your bloods pressure checked, please book with our nurses, alternatively your local pharmacy may have a public machine you can use.
From the team at Glenfield Medical Centre