Taitoko Health

28/10/2026

⚠️ KNOW THE SIGNS: ACT FAST ⚡

Ahead of World Stroke Day tomorrow, we’re encouraging everyone to learn the signs of a stroke. Knowing what to look for could help you save someone’s life.

Remember FAST:

🙂 Face drooping
💪 Arm weakness
🗣️ Speech difficulties
📞 Take action. Call 111 immediately.

If you notice even one of these signs, call 111 straight away. Don’t wait for more symptoms to appear.

Share this reminder with your whānau and friends. It could make all the difference.

www.taitokohealth.co.nz

20/10/2026

🎀 FIRST MAMMOGRAM? HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT 🎥

If you’ve never had a mammogram before, you might have a few questions about what actually happens during the appointment. You might even feel a little nervous, and that's completely understandable.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're sharing a helpful video from BreastScreen Aotearoa that walks you through the process, so you can see what to expect and feel a little more comfortable before your first appointment.

Watch it here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXvecd4E-k or tap the video below.

Know someone who has their first mammogram coming up? Feel free to share this with them. Sometimes, knowing what to expect can make that first step feel a little easier. 💗

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

18/10/2026

📣 REMINDER: WE’RE CLOSED ON LABOUR DAY 📅

Just a friendly reminder that our practice will be closed on Monday, 26 October for Labour Day. We’ll reopen with our usual hours on Tuesday, 27 October.

💊 CHECK YOUR MEDICATIONS

Before the long weekend, please make sure you have enough of your regular medications. If you’re running low, get in touch with our team before the weekend so we can help.

If you do run out unexpectedly, your local pharmacist may be able to provide an emergency supply of certain medications. It’s also worth checking your pharmacy’s opening hours, as these may be different over the public holiday.

🚗 HEADING AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND?

Whether you’re heading away or staying close to home, it’s good to know where to turn if you or your whānau need health advice while we’re closed.

💻 HEALTHIFY
Find trusted, easy-to-understand information about health conditions, symptoms and medications.
👉 https://healthify.nz/

📞 HEALTHLINE
For free health advice from a nurse or other healthcare professional, call 0800 611 116. They’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
👉 https://www.healthy.org.nz/

From all of us, we hope you and your whānau have a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

www.taitokohealth.co.nz

16/10/2026

👨‍⚕️ WELCOME BACK, DR ANDY! 💚

Last year, we said farewell to Dr Andy van de Vyver as he headed into retirement after nearly 40 years caring for generations of local families.

Now we're delighted to welcome him back!

From Monday, 19 October, Dr Andy will be returning to Taitoko Health for five months, providing additional GP support alongside our existing team.

As one of the founders of Masonic Medical Centre in 2007, Dr Andy has a special connection to our practice and the Levin community. It means a great deal to have him back with us, and we're grateful that he's chosen to return and lend a hand.

If you need to book an appointment, please call our friendly reception team on (06) 368 8068, between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

We know Dr Andy will be a familiar face to many of you, and we hope you'll join us in giving him a very warm welcome back!

www.taitokohealth.co.nz

15/10/2026

🫶 BELONGING MATTERS | SMALL EVERYDAY ACTIONS 🌼

Welcome to the last day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026!

This year’s theme is “Belonging Matters”. Each day this week, we’ll explore a different part of connection and belonging, with something to try, something to watch and something to read.

Today’s activation? Small everyday actions 👇

🧩 DO: Display the MHAW Gratitude Poster in a shared space. Invite people to tear off a strip and write a compliment that could brighten someone’s day 👉 https://mhaw.nz/resources/tear-off-gratitude-poster/

👀 WATCH: Sylvia Park School shares how it helps students feel a sense of belonging 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/sylvia-park-school/

📖 READ: Sam Whitelock reflects on the small gestures that help people feel at home 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/sam-whitelock/

At the heart of wellbeing is a need we all share: to belong. A kind word or a small gesture can help someone feel seen.

🌿 Curious to learn more? Find Mental Health Awareness Week resources at https://mhaw.nz/

www.taitokohealth.co.nz

14/10/2026

🫶 BELONGING MATTERS | REALISE YOUR IMPACT ✨

Welcome to the fourth day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026!

This year’s theme is “Belonging Matters”. Each day this week, we’ll explore a different part of connection and belonging, with something to try, something to watch and something to read.

Today’s activation? Realise your impact 👇

🧩 DO: Share a moment of connection or tell people why belonging matters to you. Use the MHAW social media stamp, tag and add 👉 https://mhaw.nz/resources/social-media-stamps/

👀 WATCH: Jemarl shares how lived experience can create opportunities for others 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/jemarl/

📖 READ: Discover how shared purpose can create belonging in unexpected places 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/speed-freaks/

At the heart of wellbeing is a need we all share: to belong. Your knowledge, skills or experience might help someone else feel connected.

🌿 Curious to learn more? Find Mental Health Awareness Week resources at https://mhaw.nz/

www.taitokohealth.co.nz

13/10/2026

🫶 BELONGING MATTERS | MAKE THE EFFORT 💪

Welcome to the third day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026!

This year’s theme is “Belonging Matters”. Each day this week, we’ll explore a different part of connection and belonging, with something to try, something to watch and something to read.

Today’s activation? Make the effort 👇

🧩 DO: Set aside a few minutes to contact someone you haven’t seen in a while. Send a postcard, text or call. You could also thank someone who helps others feel welcome.

👀 WATCH: The Narbeys share how connection and support have shaped their story 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/the-narbeys/

📖 READ: Find out why belonging matters for young people 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/young-people-belong/

At the heart of wellbeing is a need we all share: to belong. A simple check-in can help someone feel remembered.

🌿 Curious to learn more? Find Mental Health Awareness Week resources at https://mhaw.nz/

www.taitokohealth.co.nz

12/10/2026

🫶 BELONGING MATTERS | FIND THINGS IN COMMON 🔎

Welcome to the second day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026!

This year’s theme is “Belonging Matters”. Each day this week, we’ll explore a different part of connection and belonging, with something to try, something to watch and something to read.

Today’s activation? Find things in common 👇

🧩 DO: Play In Common Bingo with a group of people 👉 Workplace Bingo: https://mhaw.nz/resources/workplace-bingo/ | Tamariki Bingo: https://mhaw.nz/resources/tamariki-bingo/ | Rangatahi Bingo: https://mhaw.nz/resources/rangatahi-bingo/

👀 WATCH: Eman shares how she found a sense of belonging 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/eman-ghandour-khawat-network/

📖 READ: Learn how InCommon brings people together through shared interests 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/incommon/

At the heart of wellbeing is a need we all share: to belong. Finding something in common can be a lovely place to start.

🌿 Curious to learn more? Find Mental Health Awareness Week resources at https://mhaw.nz/

www.taitokohealth.co.nz

12/10/2026

🫶 BELONGING MATTERS | HAVE A CHAT 💬

Welcome to the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026!

This year’s theme is “Belonging Matters”. Each day this week, we’ll explore a different part of connection and belonging, with something to try, something to watch and something to read.

Today’s activation? Have a chat 👇

🧩 DO: Use these Kōrero Cards to start a conversation and build a connection with someone you don’t know well 👉 https://mhaw.nz/resources/korero-cards-pack/

👀 WATCH: Riley shares how our different identities and experiences can shape connection, community and belonging 👉 https://mhaw.nz/stories/riley/

📖 READ: Find out why belonging matters and why it’s this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme 👉 https://mhaw.nz/belonging-matters/

At the heart of wellbeing is a need we all share: to belong. A small conversation can be a lovely place to start.

🌿 Curious to learn more? Find Mental Health Awareness Week resources at https://mhaw.nz/

www.taitokohealth.co.nz

09/10/2026

🌱 SPRING GARDENING? DON’T FORGET THE LITTLE CUTS 🧤

Spring is a great time to get back into the garden, but it can also mean the odd cut, scratch or puncture along the way.

Most are minor and can be looked after at home, but soil-contaminated wounds deserve a little extra care because tetanus bacteria can enter through broken skin.

If you do pick up a gardening injury, make sure you:

💧 RINSE IT → Clean it under running tap water as soon as you can.

🩹 COVER IT → Protect it with a clean dressing while it heals.

👀 KEEP AN EYE ON IT → Increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge or a bad smell can be signs of infection.

🩺 KNOW WHEN TO GET HELP → Seek advice if it’s deep, gaping, difficult to clean, has something stuck in it or won’t stop bleeding.

🛡️ CHECK YOUR TETANUS PROTECTION → If you’re not sure whether your immunisation is up to date, give our team a call.

For more advice about cuts and wounds, visit Health New Zealand 👇

https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/tests-and-treatments/emergencies-and-first-aid/cuts-scrapes-and-wounds-first-aid

www.taitokohealth.co.nz