Ruatahi Medical Centre

10/08/2026

🙋‍♀️ WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK: PERIODS 🩸

This week is Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine (Women’s Health Week).

We’re beginning the week with periods, a health topic that affects many women but is not always easy to talk about.

Periods are a normal part of life, but that does not mean you have to put up with pain or bleeding that disrupts your day.

Very painful, heavy or irregular periods can sometimes be a sign that something else is going on, particularly if your cycle has changed or your symptoms are becoming harder to manage.

Keeping track of your cycle and symptoms can help you recognise what is normal for you and explain what you are experiencing when seeking support.

Learn more about:

Periods and the menstrual cycle here 👉 https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/m/menstruation

Heavy periods here 👉 https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/p/periods-heavy-bleeding

Endometriosis here 👉 https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/e/endometriosis

If your periods are affecting your daily life or causing concern, get in touch with our team to book an appointment. We’re here to listen and help.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

07/08/2026

We all have ups and downs.

Positive self-talk can help us work through difficult moments. But if a few encouraging words are not enough, remember you do not have to go it alone.

Free face-to-face mental wellbeing support is available across New Zealand, with trained providers who can help you find practical ways to manage life’s challenges and get back on track.

Learn more about the wellbeing support available near you here 👉 https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/mental-health/where-to-get-help/wellbeing-support

www.ruatahimedical.nz

06/08/2026

⏳ SEEING OUT WINTER TOGETHER ❄️

We’re finally into the last few weeks of winter!

It’s been another busy season for our team, with influenza, RSV and other winter illnesses resulting in more people across our community seeking care. And we’d like to thank everyone for the patience and understanding you’ve shown our team throughout. It has been greatly appreciated.

As we see out the last of winter, here are a few simple ways we can all help:

🧼 Wash your hands regularly and cough or sneeze into your elbow to help reduce the spread of illness.

📅 If you can no longer attend an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer it to someone else who needs care.

📞 When we’re closed, you can call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 at any time. You can also visit healthify.nz for reliable health information.

💬 Please keep conversations with our team respectful. Questions, concerns and complaints are always welcome, but abusive language, threats or intimidating behaviour are not acceptable.

Until the warmer days arrive, take care, stay well and look after one another.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

05/08/2026

🤱 CELEBRATING WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 💚

This World Breastfeeding Week, we’re celebrating by sharing some helpful information and resources for parents and whānau.

Breastmilk provides your pēpi with the nutrition they need to grow during their first six months. It is easy to digest, adapts as your baby’s needs change, is always the right temperature and is FREE!

Whether you are preparing to breastfeed or already finding your way, Whānau Āwhina Plunket has some useful resources:

🌿 Preparing to breastfeed:
https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/feeding/breastfeeding/preparing-to-breastfeed/

🤱 How to breastfeed:
https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/feeding/breastfeeding/how-to-breastfeed/

💛 Looking after yourself when breastfeeding:
https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/feeding/breastfeeding/looking-after-yourself-when-breastfeeding/

No one expects you to be an expert at breastfeeding straight away, so please do not put that pressure on yourself. It can take time for you and your pēpi to find what works, and there is nothing wrong with asking for help along the way.

🩺 Breastfeeding problems and solutions:
https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/feeding/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-problems-and-solutions/

We also recognise that, for many different reasons, some parents may experience difficulties with breastfeeding or may not be able to breastfeed. That is okay. What matters most is that you and your pēpi receive the care, nutrition and support you need.

🍼 What to do if you can’t breastfeed:
https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/feeding/breastfeeding/what-to-do-if-you-cant-breastfeed/

💻 Free lactation consultant service:
https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/feeding/breastfeeding/vcbreastfeeding/

Every breastfeeding journey is different. If you have questions or need some extra support, please reach out to your midwife, Plunket nurse or our team. We’re here to help.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

All you need to know about breastfeeding, expressing breastmilk, looking after yourself while you're breastfeeding, and common breastfeeding problems and solutions.

04/08/2026

👋 HELLO, AUGUST! 📅

August is here, and there’s plenty happening this month! Several important health and awareness events give us the chance to learn more, start conversations and show our support.

Here’s what we’ll be recognising throughout August:

🤱 WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK | 1 TO 7 AUGUST

A chance to celebrate breastfeeding and recognise the importance of ensuring parents and whānau have access to the information, encouragement and practical support they need.

🌱 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY | 12 AUGUST

An opportunity to celebrate our young people, listen to their experiences and encourage open conversations about their health, wellbeing and future.

🌼 DAFFODIL DAY | 28 AUGUST

A time to stand alongside New Zealanders affected by cancer and support the Cancer Society’s work across our communities.

❄️ STAYING WELL THROUGH WINTER

Spring may be getting closer, but we still have a few more weeks of winter to get through.

Keep warm, stay active where you can and look out for one another. If you or someone in your whānau is feeling unwell, please get in touch with our team. We’re here to help.

We’ll also be sharing useful health information and practical advice throughout August, so keep an eye on our page.

Here’s to a healthy August and brighter days ahead.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

31/07/2026

🎉 YOU DID IT, DRY JULYERS! 💛

As Dry July comes to an end, we want to say a big well done to everyone who took part.

Whether you went alcohol-free, made a donation or supported someone completing the challenge, you have helped raise funds to improve the comfort and wellbeing of New Zealanders affected by cancer.

Taking a break from alcohol can also have some positive benefits for your own health and wellbeing, so there is plenty to feel good about as July wraps up.

Thank you for getting behind such an important cause. Your efforts have made a real difference.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

29/07/2026

🎬 MOVE OVER, THE ODYSSEY! 🦠

It may not be the winter blockbuster anyone asked for, but the flu is still circulating in our community.

Getting your flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself and reduce the chance of passing the flu on to your loved ones, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.

If you have not had yours yet, it is not too late. Get in touch with our team to book, or ask about getting your flu vaccine at your next appointment.

Here’s to staying well through the rest of winter. 💙

www.ruatahimedical.nz

Image credit: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. A flu-season parody of He’s Just Not That Into You.

28/07/2026

🌏 HEPATITIS: LET’S BREAK IT DOWN 🔨

Today is World Hepatitis Day! But what exactly is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection. It can affect how your liver works and, if left untreated, some types can cause serious liver damage.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

When symptoms occur, they can include:

🤢 Nausea or vomiting
🍽️ Loss of appetite
🤕 Stomach pain
💛 Yellowing of the skin or eyes
🚽 Pale poo or dark urine
🤒 Flu-like symptoms

But here is the important part: many people with hepatitis have no noticeable symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure.

COULD YOU BE AT RISK?

You may be at greater risk if you:

🩸 Were born in a country or region where hepatitis is more common
👨‍👩‍👧 Have a family member or live with someone who has hepatitis B
💉 Have ever shared injecting equipment
🖋️ Received a tattoo or piercing using unsterile equipment
🏥 Received a blood transfusion before 1992

If you are concerned about your risk or unsure whether you should be tested, kōrero (have a chat) with our team. We are here to help without judgement.

www.ruatahimedical.nz

22/07/2026

💙 WORRIED ABOUT SOMEONE, BUT NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY? 💬

Have you noticed that someone you care about has not seemed like themselves lately?

Starting a kōrero can feel difficult, and it is natural to worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. But simply showing up, listening and letting them know you care can make a real difference.

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has created a free guide to help you have a safe and supportive kōrero with someone who may be going through a tough time. It includes practical tips on:

📝 Preparing for the kōrero
💬 Ways to start the conversation
🤝 Finding additional support

Download the free guide and feel more confident supporting someone you care about here 👇

https://bit.ly/4fgxPdf

www.ruatahimedical.nz

21/07/2026

A friendly reminder 👇