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Benefits of Immunisation

Protecting Our Tamariki: The Importance of Childhood Immunisations

As a parent, you want the best for your child. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your tamariki’s health is through immunisation. Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, offering protection that extends beyond individual children to the entire community.

Why Immunise?

Immunisation is one of the most significant public health achievements of the past century. After access to clean water, it’s the most effective health intervention for saving lives worldwide. Here’s why immunising your child is so important:

Disease Prevention: Vaccines protect against serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and polio.

Community Protection: High immunisation rates create ‘herd immunity’, protecting those who can’t be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Long-term Health Benefits: Immunisation can prevent long-term health issues and disabilities caused by vaccine-preventable diseases.

The New Zealand Immunisation Schedule

In Aotearoa New Zealand, a comprehensive immunisation schedule is available free of charge for all babies, children, and young people. This schedule is carefully designed to provide optimal protection at the most appropriate ages.

Immunisations begin at 6 weeks of age and continue through childhood and adolescence. These vaccines protect against a range of diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and many others. Please call us if you are unsure of whether your child is up to date with their immunisations.

Vaccines for Children NZ

Safety and Effectiveness

Modern vaccines have excellent safety records. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Every vaccine available in New Zealand has been thoroughly assessed for safety and effectiveness, both within New Zealand and overseas.

It is important to remember that children are much more likely to be harmed by vaccine-preventable diseases than by the vaccines themselves.

What If I Have Concerns?

It is natural to have questions about your child’s health. If you have any concerns or queries about immunisation, we encourage you to: 

  • Speak with one of our GPs or Nurses
  • Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (available 24/7)
  • Visit the Healthify website for comprehensive, reliable information

 Immunisation is a safe, effective way to protect your tamariki and contribute to the health of our community. By following the recommended immunisation schedule, you are giving your child the best possible start in life.

For more information on childhood immunisations, visit:

Based on the National Immunisation Schedule, this handy tool shows what immunisations your child needs from 6 weeks to 13 years, and the dates due. 

Menopausal Symptoms

Navigating Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, often misunderstood and misjudged. Our women’s health expert, Dr Nalini Kohlhagen, is here to explain what menopause is, its common symptoms, and why it’s a time of empowerment.

Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause

Menopause, a biological process, marks the conclusion of a woman’s reproductive years, and usually happens in her late 40s to mid-50s. However, it affects each woman differently, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and personal health. It’s not something to be ashamed of; instead, it should be welcomed. Understanding this transition is crucial, not only for women experiencing it but also for those who support and care for them.

Menopause starts with perimenopause, which can start in your late 30s or early 40s. During this stage, ovarian activity decreases, causing unpredictable periods. As this transition unfolds, the ovaries produce fewer hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to many different symptoms.

Coping with Menopausal symptoms

Menopause happens gradually and spans several years.  It is accompanied by varying symptoms, such as;

  • Hot Flashes
  • Night Sweats
  • Mood Swings
  • Menstrual Changes
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Memory Lapses
  • General Discomfort

These symptoms differ in time and intensity among women. Understanding these changes is essential to navigate the challenges and opportunities that menopause presents.

When Tracey, a mother of two, began experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, and occasional memory lapses, she dismissed them, assuming they would pass.

“As I’m the oldest in my friend group, none of my friends had gone through menopause yet. So it’s not something we ever really talk about or acknowledge, even though we are all kind of getting to that age.”

Many women, like Tracey, avoid discussing or accepting menopause due to concerns about lifestyle changes. Dealing with symptoms proactively is vital. Contact your GP for guidance, questions, and tailored treatment options. Delaying treatment may make things worse.

Lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise, can help with mood swings and sleep issues. Staying hydrated and wearing layers can manage hot flashes. Furthermore, support from friends, family, or those with similar experiences can provide emotional assistance during this transitional phase. Speaking to a healthcare provider, as Tracey did, can offer education and symptom management tips.

“Speaking to my GP was the best thing for me. They were able to educate me and provide me with some tips to help with the symptoms. I’m so glad that I took action quickly, and now I can be there to support my friends who will no doubt go through the same thing soon”

Menopause Treatment

Embracing Menopause for a Healthier You

A common misconception is that menopause is a sign that you are getting old or your body is breaking down. This is not the case, and many women actually find this period to be very freeing and exciting.

It’s important to note that it is not unusual to experience a decrease in libido, as you may find your intimate relationships less appealing, or you may find that your experiences are more painful. If that is the case, it’s important to discuss options with your healthcare provider.

However, this phase can also mean freedom from menstrual discomfort and the need for contraception for many women. Fewer hormonal ups and downs can lead to emotional stability. Menopause can be a time for personal growth, letting women focus on their goals and self-care. Experience and wisdom can boost self-confidence, making menopause empowering.

Finally, it’s essential to be aware of some long-term health considerations. Decreasing estrogen levels may affect bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Cardiovascular health is also important; monitor cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider will help keep you on track with these aspects of your health.

Menopause is a significant yet natural phase in a woman’s life that deserves understanding, acceptance, and even celebration. With the right strategies and a supportive network, women can navigate the path to a fulfilling post-reproductive life.

Contact our clinic today to access expert women’s health GPs and health coaches who can support your wellness journey.

Ear Wax Build up

Clearing the Air around Micro Suctioning

Have you experienced the annoyance of blocked or wax-filled ears? Blocked ears can be a real pain, and worse they can cause long-term damage to your ear canal. That’s why we have asked our experienced nurse Rozena to explain everything from ear wax and micro suctioning to cotton buds and earphones!

Understanding Ear Wax

Ear wax is a wax-like oil that lives inside your ears, predominantly to keep your ear drum clean and healthy. In most instances, ear wax naturally passes out of the ears. For the most part, ear wax is a good thing, as it provides a layer of protection from bacteria and germs for the skin inside the ear, as well as assisting with cleaning. However, like many things in life, it is only good in moderation. For those of us who produce more ear wax than others, it can often block up the ear canal.

Ear wax buildup can be caused by a number of things, most of which we cannot control. Factors that influence excess ear wax include:

  • Eczema in the ear canal
  • Dry skin in the ear canal
  • Genetics

Contrary to many beliefs, earwax buildup is not a sign of bad health. Excessive earwax can occur as a result of various genetic and lifestyle factors. Sometimes the shape of your ear canal can mean you’re prone to excessive ear wax buildup. As far as lifestyle factors, people who spend a lot of time in the water, or in dusty environments tend to produce more ear wax. Neither of these factors means there that you have poor hygiene, however, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your ears and monitor for any signs of blockage.

Ear Health

The Importance of Ear Wax Removal

Not everyone who produces ear wax needs ear suctioning. However, some of us produce more ear wax than others. Therefore we need to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Ears feeling blocked or full
  • Ear pain
  • Hearing has decreased
  • Ringing
  • Ear feeling funny or weird
  • General wax build-up
  • Dizziness

    Blocked ears can affect our daily life, and isn’t something you should leave, as it won’t just go away. There is no specific time frame on how often you should have your ears cleaned, it generally depends on how your ears are feeling.

    If you do notice any of the above symptoms, we recommend that you take swift action. A build-up of ear wax can cause a range of symptoms that can potentially cause short and long-term problems, such as;

  • Ear pain or itchiness
  • A feeling of fullness or blocked ear
  • Ear infection
  • Reduced hearing ability
  • Dizziness
  • Tinnitus

Due to the potential symptoms that can occur, we recommend that you book an appointment as early as possible.

 Ear Wax Removal

When you do notice that your ears are not feeling right, there are a few different actions you can take for ear wax removal;

Ear drops

  • Self-treatment by putting a few drops into your ear. You can buy it from the supermarket.
  • May take a few days to fully clean your ears.

Irrigation

  • Cleans your ear canal with water to flush out the earwax.
  • You can do it at home, but we recommended you get a doctor or nurse to do it.

Micro suctioning

  • A trained clinician inserts a small surgical instrument to suck out the wax.
  • Quick and easy solution.

There are potential risks with all options, we suggest you take the time to do your own research. 

We recommend ear suctioning as the most efficient and safest option for your ear wax removal. Just like a clogged drain can impede the flow of water, the accumulation of ear wax can build up in the ear canal and block the passage of sound. Think of micro suctioning as a gentle, precise instrument, similar to a plumber removing debris from a blocked pipe. With its vacuum-like suctioning power, micro suctioning carefully sucks up the unwanted wax, clearing the path for sounds to travel unobstructed through your ear canals once again.

In some instances, you might not require full ear suctioning, as your ears may only be slightly blocked. In this case, your GP will give you medical wax lubes instead of suction.

What to Expect during a Micro Suctioning Session

A micro suctioning session is a simple procedure. During the session, you will be asked to lie down on your back, and our experienced nurse will begin the micro-suctioning process. The procedure usually takes 25 minutes. While it is not usually painful, you might experience some discomfort or find the noise of the suction strange.

Once the procedure is complete, you are free to go home. Before the session, it is important to note that you might be given instructions on how to soften the ear wax and return for suctioning at a later date. While rare, there is a slight risk of an ear canal laceration (skin tear) and, in severe cases, an ear drum perforation, which would require immediate medical attention.

On a positive note, when you come in for your ear suctioning, we also take the opportunity to check your ears and identify potential infections or other abnormalities.

How to reduce the chance of future ear wax blockages & General Ear Cleaning

As previously mentioned, most excess earwax is due to genetics and ear canal anatomy. However, there are a few things we can do to keep our ears healthy and limit ear wax build-up;

  • Limit earphone/earbuds use as it pushes wax further into the ear – try headphones instead.
  • Avoid cotton buds or putting foreign objects into your ears. Trying to fix blockages yourself often makes things worse.
  • Keep your hearing aids clean – as ear wax can build up on the end of them and lead to blockages
  • Over cleaning your ears – despite the general build-up of wax, your ears have a self-cleaning mechanism in which it regulates the removal of excess ear wax, through chewing and talking. Constantly cleaning your ears may lead to irritation or infection.

Micro suctioning emerges as the safest and most efficient method for removing excess ear wax. This procedure, performed by our specialist trained nurses effectively relieves discomfort and restores proper hearing. By prioritizing micro suctioning and avoiding harmful practices, individuals can address blockages and maintain optimal ear health.

Book your appointment now with Ormiston Medical!

Remove Ear Wax Blockage

Dr Jing Dong | Bi-lingual doctor near East Tamaki

Dr Jing Dong joins our Ormiston Team

As Dr Jing (as she is known to the East Tamaki community) joins our Medical Centre, we anticipate the benefits our Ormiston patients will experience. Clinical Director, Daniel Calder, talks to Dr Jing Dong about her GP career, becoming a mum and being a bi-lingual GP.

Ormiston Medical welcomes popular East Tamaki GP, Dr Jing Dong, to our centre.

Being a local herself, Dr Jing Dong knows it won’t be long until she feels at home at Ormiston Medical. Dux of Pakuranga College, Dr Jing didn’t leave the area for long during medical training before bringing her skills back to the Burswood and East Tamaki suburbs. “As an immigrant to Auckland from Qingdao, China, I learnt that making new roots is really important. And I’ve felt welcome everywhere I’ve lived and worked in this area. It’s nice to stay close to East Tamaki and Howick with my GP work. It’s home now.” So, for a decade Dr Jing has brought her skills to the local surroundings. Being a bi-lingual GP is something she finds especially useful in her day-to-day doctor’s life here.

It was a twist of fate that steered Dr Jing to General Practice. During a trip to Nadi, Fiji, when she was a Registrar, a well-respected colleague saw Dr Jing’s potential as a General Practitioner. Whilst she had initially been drawn to Radiology, Jing took some wise words onboard. Her colleague noted how as a GP there would be huge potential to really support the health journeys of her people. And Dr Jing’s wholehearted approach to wanting to improve well-being pathways for everyone is evident. As a GP she brings as much care to immigrants as she does for parents of newborns or those needing support with mental health.

Dr Jing Dong Ormiston Medical | doctor for mental health

Continuing the family tradition as a doctor, whilst having a soft spot as a GP for Immigrants.

Growing up, Dr Jing was used to medical environments, visiting hospitals with her mother and uncle who were doctors too. “Dad was a teacher, but that didn’t appeal like the work I saw my mum doing. Still, becoming a doctor in New Zealand required a big element of teaching, because the health system is so different in NZ to China. One of my great pleasures is being a GP for immigrants and taking them on the journey of understanding how to access Primary Care here. As an immigrant, when you arrive in NZ, there is a big learning curve, because there are no GPs in China. When people settle here they need to learn about their rights to healthcare. And the biggest bonus for them is access to preventative medicine.”

So, Dr Jing spends a lot of time educating immigrants to NZ about things like screening for breast, cervical and prostrate cancer as well as monitoring blood pressure and heart health.

“Of course, in China, the benefit of the set-up there is the swift access to specialists. The trade-off is that an appointment with a doctor might only be 5 minutes. And that would be totally focused on the main symptoms at hand. In contrast, in NZ, I get to spend up to 15 – 30 minutes with people, completing thorough health assessments. So, as a GP for immigrants, I have the added bonus of helping them settle in NZ. It’s really rewarding to give back to my people like that.”

Feedback from patients from Howick, to Burswood and East Tamaki, is that they appreciate how much time Dr Jing spends with them. The option to talk in English or Chinese with a bi-lingual doctor definitely helps.

A GP who loves looking after mental health (especially in a post-Covid environment)

Unsurprisingly, Dr Jing has noticed a real shift in mental health cases since the Pandemic. Notably, she says that pre-Covid, it was common to see about 4 people with mental health concerns a week. “After the lockdown at the end of 2021, a change was very evident. Now, I see 4 – 5 patients a day who need support with mental health.” Moreover, there is a split in presentations.

Firstly, she notices a group who have short-term concerns due to the stress Covid lockdowns circumstances. “Understandably, people have faced more financial pressures, changes in personal circumstances and work changes or redundancy. It’s my job to help people navigate this temporary time of change and come out the other side.” And naturally, in busy work centres like East Tamaki work has been especially busy for a GP like Jing Dong.

But, Dr Jing also noticed an amplification of mental health problems for people who has long-term depression or a predisposition to mental health conditions. So, she’s extra focused on supporting people to navigate this for the long term. So, Dr Jing spends time ensuring people can access the right support or psychologist care. “As a GP, I notice that immigrants away from their homes miss the bonds with their wider family the most. It can be a trigger.”

Becoming a mum herself has made Dr Jing a great GP for newborns and new mums.

The proud mum of twin girls, Dr Jing Dong has two toddlers who keep her and her partner on their toes. Having her babies in Covid times, Dr Jing knows all too well the challenges parents have faced during this time. “As a mum, I find it much easier to recognise post-natal symptoms like Post-Natal Depression when mums bring in a newborn to see the GP. Likewise, it’s easier to open up and walk the journey. There’s no such thing as too much help. But, often, I notice mums of newborns often don’t know to ask for support, even from a GP. As new mums, we discover we’ve underestimated the work that comes with caring for a little person, right? But in Covid, it was even harder to access support.” says Dr Jing.

So, Dr Jing loves empowering mums of newborns with connections to local support with lactation or feeding, such as Te Rito Ora. Similarly, it’s often just as important to have a well-needed chat.

Above all, Dr Jing Dong’s optimistic attitude shines through. “I can’t wait to meet more of the Ormiston community and become a part of this lovely clinic. I’m joining at the same time with an old colleague, Dr Lily Liu, so that’s going to be extra fun. “

Enrolling online with Dr Jing Dong is fast and easy

To enrol with Dr Jing, complete your enrolment online. It only takes a few minutes. Next, simply let us know you’d like to go onto Dr Jing’s list.

Dr Jing GP for new mums and immigrants East Tamaki

Dr Lily Liu GP | Chinese speaking doctor | Ormiston Medical

Dr Lily Liu joins the Ormiston Medical Team

When Dr Lily Liu agreed to join the Ormiston Team, we knew our community would share in our delight. Dr Daniel Calder explains why Dr Lily is such an asset to our Auckland patients.

Welcoming Dr Lily Liu to our General Practitioner team

Bringing fantastic General Practitioners to South Auckland is a top priority for Ormiston Medical. So when we met Dr Lily Hanxin Liu (affectionately known as Dr Lily) it was clear she was the perfect fit. What makes Dr Lily Liu special is her attitude. From the moment you meet her, it’s clear she has a genuine care for all people. Whether she expresses it in the thoughtful way she treats elderly and dementia patients or how she supports her wider team of healthcare professionals.

A Chinese speaking doctor (who has also worked as a nurse!)

When Dr Lily Liu arrived in Auckland from China, she didn’t rest on her laurels while she finished her NZ qualifications. Despite many years as a practising doctor in China, Dr Lily thought outside the square and became a Registered Nurse in the interim. Unperturbed about changing rolls for a while, she rolled up her sleeves and hit the wards. “Time on the hospital wards attending patients for Orthopedic conditions, renal transplants and dermatology conditions was fascinating.  I got a different perspective as a nurse. That’s something I carry with me in my General Practice role. Nurses work so hard and have genuine empathy and care. So now, I feel an extra connection with nursing teams. I’ll always be one of them, too.” says Dr Lily. Soon enough, she became a medical doctor in NZ and headed off to Palmerston North Hospital as a House Officer. Next, Dr Lily worked for 8 years in Auckland Whangarei and then returned to General Practice in Botany. “It was back to life as a GP, but the nurse is still there.” Says Dr Lily.

Living back in Auckland, Dr Lily loves the diversity of the Ormiston location. As a Chinese speaking doctor, she says it’s nice to be able to make healthcare accessible to those who find it easier to speak in Chinese. “When people can use their first language, the conversation is often easier. Having the Ormiston website translated into Chinese is really helpful for many people too.”, Says Dr Lily. 

Your family doctor who especially supports elderly patients with chronic conditions (including treating Dementia) 

One of the outstanding traits of Dr Lily Liu  as a GP is her thoughtful approach to the elderly community of patients. Having worked in three rest homes, Dr Lily became a firm favourite amongst residents. As a doctor in the Dementia units, it was important to have real patience with the people she was treating.  “Everyone was so lovely in the rest homes I worked in as a doctor. Firstly, it was nice to see the elderly patients treated so nicely and with such respect. And in turn, you felt a connection, in the moment, with them. As a Chinese speaking doctor, sometimes it felt like being home, having a conversation at another place in time.” When asked about her interest in elderly patients, it’s clear Dr Lily has a soft spot. “You learn as you get older the value of youth – or feeling young. It’s my job to give everyone the best quality of life for as long as I can. Whether that’s by helping with Advanced Care Plans; a gentle approach to minor surgery; or Palliative care, we need to look after not only the patient but also for their family. Everyone needs support.”

A highly knowledgeable doctor for female health (including cervical health and immunology)

A graduate of the prestigious Xi’an Medical University, Dr Lily Liu flew through her GP studies. She finished with a Master’s Degree majoring in Macrobiology and Immunology. “Studying immunology in the ’90s was especially exciting, and I was fascinated by the work I did on Cervical Cancer. Back then, we were connecting the dots between Cervical Cancer and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come since then, especially in recognising the importance of vaccination. I’m so proud to have been involved at the beginning of that movement. In 2023, cervical screening will be heavily promoted in NZ and self-screening available. But I will be encouraging my patients to have a proper cervix check too. That’s because cervix health is an important part of a female’s health picture.”

Enrol online with Dr Lily Liu today

Ready for 2023, you can now enrol with Dr Lily via our handy online enrolment form. A true General Practitioner, you’ll also find that Dr Lily is particularly good with with skin services for dermatology need.

Naturally, she will have limited places on her list, so don’t delay. Simply drop us a note on email following your enrolment to let us know that Dr Liu is your preferred GP. Whether you need a Chinese speaking doctor, are an elderly person or have a loved one who needs support, you’ll find Dr Lily to be an amazing support.

“I’m so excited to become a part of the Ormiston Medical team and continue my work in the Flat Bush area. Joining at the same time as my wonderful long-term colleague Dr Jing Dong is an added bonus.”

 Start your enrolment today with Dr Lily Liu as your new General Practitioner today.

Dr Lily Liu GP | Ormiston Medical | doctor treating dementia

Drivers Licence Test for Heavy Vehicle | Ormiston Medical

Get a Heavy Vehicle Licence Medical Test

A heavy vehicle licence is something you might need if your job requires you to drive a truck, trailer or roller. However, when you apply for your heavy vehicle licence, you must present a DL9 Medical Certificate. Fortunately, our team is here to support you in acquiring a DL9 Medical Certificate.

When do you need a heavy vehicle licence?

A heavy vehicle license is required to operate a range of vehicles, including; 

  • Roller
  • Bus
  • Truck
  • Truck with a trailer

There are different types of vehicle classes, but in our clinic, we often see class 2 truck licences.

Ormiston Medical has a lot of businesses that need the class 2 truck licence, which requires you to obtain a DL9 medical certificate. However, we have to ensure that you’re fit to drive, to earn this certificate.  So come and see our clinic to take a driver’s licence medical check as per the rules and regulations of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)

What are the NZTA medical requirements for a class 2 licence?

You must present a medical certificate that meets some preset requirements when applying for a class 2 truck licence. It is necessary that a New Zealand-registered health practitioner must complete your medical certificate. This could be your doctor (GP) at the clinic you’re enrolled at, a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, or a specialist if appropriate.

The simplest way for you to get a certificate is to ask your GP to complete a Waka Kotahi medical certificate. The certificate must be no more than 60 days old when presenting it to the NZTA. It must also either state that you’re safe to drive or give a set of conditions in which it is safe for you to drive.

What to do to prepare or expect from the medical exam?

A driver’s licence medical examination is very simple and straightforward. Usually, we begin with a driver’s licence eye test. Next, we will ask you to fill out a simple form, from the New Zealand Transport Agency. This form states that you must declare if you have any medical conditions that may require a medical certificate. This is to ensure your safety as well as that of the people you share the road with. You should declare any of the following medical conditions;

  • Diabetes 
  • High blood pressure
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Joint problems
  • Nervous/mental disorder
  • Other conditions which may affect your ability to drive, such as fatigue, disabilities and dementia

Our fantastic team can provide you with the driver’s licence medical assessment to demonstrate you’re fit to drive. Please call customer service to request an appointment with your GP or an Ormiston Nurse, as this cannot be booked via MyIndici Patient Portal

atrial fibrillation awareness | Heart Health | Know your pulse | Irregular Heart Beat

Heart health: Know your pulse

Recently, heart health risk checks have been in the media thanks to the ‘Know your pulse’ campaign from the Heart Foundation. Keep readying as we explain why heart health is so important.

The truth is that the earlier we begin to take notice of how well our heart is functioning, the better it is for our health. Because, as we start to age, it’s essential to take care of our heart health. By doing this, we can help to reduce our risk of heart disease and strokes.

And the good news is that there are some easy ways to get to know how your heart is doing. By learning these simple heart health checks, we can lower the risk of heart disease and help our whānau improve their heart health.

Know your pulse. Every beat tells a story. Know your pulse, Know your whakapapa

Every time your heart beats, it sends a wave of blood rushing around your body. You can feel this pulse on your wrist.

Here’s how to take your pulse.

What’s A Normal Heart Rate? Learn How To Check Your Pulse.

Your pulse can tell you a lot about the health of your heart. As you take your pulse, check for these things:

  • Does your pulse have a regular steady rhythm?
  • Is your heartbeat irregular? Is it jumping around or missing a beat?
  • How fast is your heart beating? 60 -100 beats a minute at rest is normal. Athletes may have a heart rate under 60.

There are lots of reasons why your pulse may be fast or irregular. Things like caffeine, the nicotine in cigarettes, recreational drugs and some medicines can affect the rate. Emotions like excitement, fear and anxiety also make your heart beat faster.

However, if often your pulse feels too fast or your heart is racing when you are at rest, it’s essential to see your doctor. Also, if you think your pulse is missing or adding a beat, it is good to have a check-up.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) awareness

Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular heartbeat and it’s important you have awareness of anything unusual. Even if your symptoms are mild, you should always get any heart concerns checked out. That’s because atrial Fibrillation can increase your risk of having a stroke or developing heart failure, a condition when your heart has difficulty pumping.

Common signs of atrial fibrillation may include irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath and fatigue. In addition, you may feel like your heart is racing for quite long periods of time. Other symptoms could be the feeling that your heart is fluttering, thudding or pounding in your ears. You may also feel dizzy.

Where to get Heart Health Risk Checks for yourself of Whānau (and why an ECG is a good start)

Unsurprisingly if you have a family history of heart disease, do not delay getting any of these symptoms checked out by your doctor. Your GP will start by doing tests like an Electrocardiogram (or ECG), a quick and painless tracing of the electrical activity of your heart. It will show any irregular activity in your heartbeat.

If more tests or treatments are required, you will find that our experienced doctors will explain everything. They will also prescribe medicine to manage your symptoms and reduce your stroke risk. Naturally, if you need more support we can recommend you to some great cardiologists who can investigate further.

Our resident GP with special interest in long term health conditions and heart health expert, Dr Nalini Kohlhagen says: “Understandably, being diagnosed with heart disease can be frightening. Our friendly staff at Ormiston Medical are here to support you. Not only will we treat your condition, but we will teach you to help yourself. We run health and wellbeing workshops, at which you learn how to look after yourself better.”

At what age should you get a Heart Health Check with a GP? (and what is your risk profile?)

You might be surprised to hear that Heart checks may need to start earlier than you think.

  • If you are Maori, Pacifica or South Asian, all men over 30 and women over 40 should start your heart screening as we do see a higher risk for you.
  • People with severe mental illness should start at age 25, as mental health can be connected to heart health.
  • If you have a genetic family history of heart conditions or other known risk factors like developing Diabetes, screening is a good idea. So, if you are a male aged 35 or a female aged 45, make an appointment time for a check. It’s also good to know that people with Diabetes should have annual checks from the year of diagnosis.
  • If you don’t have any known risk factors, then start from 45 for men and 55 for women as part of this screening, your doctor will check your Blood Pressure, weight and cholesterol levels and look out for any signs of diabetes.

The best thing you can do at home to help your heart health is to KNOW YOUR PULSE.

Get to know your pulse by popping in for a quick appointment with our team. Make a booking on the Patient Portal or sign up today if you are a new patient. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes to get started.  Having atrial fibrillation awareness is your best bet in protecting your heart health, so if you have any concerns, do get in touch. There’s lot of information on the Heart Foundation website.

Influenza vaccine NZ | Seasonal influenza vaccination | Flu jab East Auckland

How to protect yourself and your whānau from flu with a seasonal influenza vaccination

The winter flu season is almost here, so our Clinical Director, Dr Daniel Calder, explains how to get a flu jab at our three East Auckland clinics: Ormiston Medical, Botany Junction Medical or Highbrook Medical.

Like us, you will have noticed the weather is changing and very soon, the winter flu season will be here. So, now is the time to plan your seasonal influenza vaccination.

Yet another shot may be a frustrating prospect after a year of Covid jabs, so we wouldn’t blame you for feeling tired of vaccines! However, as we all know, getting the flu can not only make you feel very miserable. It can also have severe symptoms.

Firstly, not only do you feel ill, but often you need to have time off school or work. Secondly, for people who have long term health conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes, a dose of the flu can cause severe illness and hospitalisation.

As a result of the lockdowns and border closures, there has been less flu in our communities over the last two years. As a result, our natural immunity may well have been reduced. With the NZ borders reopening and people getting back into everyday activities, there will likely be more flu around this coming winter. The best ways to protect ourselves and our community are simple actions such as keeping up your hand hygiene to combat our lowered natural immunity to bolster ourselves against the spread and booking in a flu jab.

Five important reasons to get the seasonal influenza vaccination to protect your family

  1. Each year, one in every four people in New Zealand gets seasonal flu. Some people will have mild or no symptoms, but you can still spread it. Consequently, others who are more at risk of getting seriously ill may catch it from you. A flu shot helps to slow the spread to others.
  2. You may wonder why you need to get a flu jab every year. Because the flu virus changes each year, the influenza vaccine also has to be changed to include any new flu strains.
  3. The sad fact is that influenza kills 500 New Zealanders each winter. You will want to protect family members who may get very sick if they get the flu. Young children, pregnant mothers and those people with underlying health conditions like asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes are vulnerable.
  4. Frustratingly, the symptoms of Covid-19 and the flu are similar. Therefore, if you get a flu-like illness, you will not know if it is Covid or the flu. While Covid-19 is circulating in the community, it is also possible to get both viruses together. Therefore, your best protection is to get a shot for both flu and Covid.
  5. As the winter flu season starts in April, now is the time to get your flu jab, so you have built up immunity before the winter begins.

Learn how to get an Influenza vaccine at Ormiston Medical Centre in East Auckland, NZ.

  • You will want to get a flu shot as fast and efficiently as possible. Therefore, we will be running flu vaccination clinics. Visit your Patient Portal or contact us by phone.
  • Our expert nurses are happy to answer your questions about things like any side effects you may have and reassure you about the safety of the flu vaccine.
  • For adults and children over 9, only one dose of the flu shot gives you protection for the flu season.
  • Children 6 months to 9 years old need two flu vaccinations four weeks apart. Although, children in this age group who have received a flu vaccine at any time in the past need only one dose.
  • Quite simply, our nurse gives you an injection into the muscle of your upper arm.
  • Then, you need to wait for 20 minutes to ensure you don’t’ have any reaction to the vaccine.
  • It is safe to have the 2022 NZ Influenza vaccine and a Covid-19 booster at the same appointment.
  • Before having your shot, please tell us if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners. Or if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any vaccines.

You can find more information about what to expect at Influenza vaccine | Health Navigator NZ

Who can get a free seasonal influenza vaccination? ( and what does a flu shot usually cost)?

At Ormiston Medical, we are passionate about ensuring that we provide affordable healthcare for all your whānau.

The cost of the influenza vaccine in NZ is $33 for both adults and children.

People who are eligible for a free flu shot include:

  • All people over 65 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • Young children with a history of respiratory illness
  • People with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer and other conditions.

Generally, the winter flu season lasts from April to September, but it’s worth planning your flu vaccine now. Ultimately, the sooner you and your family are protected against influenza, the more immunity you will build and the safer you will be over winter. For kids, you may want to talk to us about scheduling any childhood vaccinations so that we can space them accordingly. We know it isn’t evident to plan everything after the last year!

Call us at any of our East Auckland clinics today to book in for your Seasonal NZ influenza vaccine. Our friendly staff are always happy to advise you if you are eligible for a free flu shot. 

100% vaccinated team | Ormiston Medical

Our team are 100% vaccinated

Proud to have fully vaccinated staff

We hit a great milestone of getting our team 100% Vaccinated for Covid-19 this week. We’ve been encouraging our South Auckland communities to get vaccinated to build their immunity. It’s important to us that we lead from the front.   So, all of our staff at our clinics have prioritised getting their second jabs, so we are fully Covid-19 vaccinated.

We’re committed to 100% team Vaccination across our clinics

Our sister clinics, Botany Junction & Highbrook Medical, and the team at Ormiston Medical are committed to maintaining our 100% team vaccination rate. Firstly, this means that we now have another way of protecting not just ourselves and our families, but also all of our community when they come to see us at any of our clinics.  We will continue with all the other good ways of protecting you. This includes wearing gowns and masks and washing or sanitizing our hands. We’ll ask you to scan in with the Covid Tracer, wear a mask and keep two meters from other people while visiting the clinic. 

Secondly, we would love to ask you to join us to achieve another very important goal. Please help us make this happen.

Helping Aotearoa achieve a high goal too

We want to vaccinate as many people in our community as are able to have the vaccine. That is all of you over the age of 12 years!  It’s a big target, but a very important one to reach.

It’s really important because if you’ve had both doses of the vaccine are much less likely to get very sick or be hospitalised if you do get Covid-19. Also, when more of us are vaccinated, it will be harder for the disease to spread.

Most importantly, by having the Covid vaccination you can protect your whole family.  This includes those children under the age of 12 who cannot be vaccinated yet but can still get sick. We know that Delta can affect all ages, so the best way to protect everyone from getting ill – from little babies to elderly – is to vaccinate. 

Also, because our team are 100% vaccinated, we can give extra protection to our kuia and koroua and people with long-term illnesses like diabetes, who are more at risk if they do get sick.  Protecting our loved ones and our neighbourhood is a team effort.

Still unsure about having the vaccine?

This is something we can achieve if we all get on board. But, if you are still a little unsure about having the vaccine, please ring to talk with us. Our team speak many different languages and we are happy to listen to your questions. We can help you make sense of any confusing things you may have heard on social media or from friends. We are very open to hearing your worries.  We’re sharing the content we think you need to know on our Facebook page, so follow us there for updates.

Staying focused on moving to Level 2

Remember, if you have even the slightest sore throat or runny nose call us to get tested for Covid 19.  We’ve done great work as a community in the last weeks. Keep your bubble small, shop and exercise locally, scan in and wear a mask.

Most important of all, come to get a vaccination. Reach out to all your family and friends to help them feel comfortable about coming for a vaccination too. It is really our best way back to a more normal way of living, returning to work, attending activities, events and rejoining the community activities that we all love.

Finally, we want to extend our gratitude to our amazing staff for standing together in this goal of having our team 100% vaccinated. It’s no mean feat getting everyone onboard across 3 clinics, so we feel privileged to work with a team who stands behind each other in all aspects of their work.

Covid-19 Lockdown questions

Lockdown Covid-19 Questions Answered

As we go into Alert Level 4 Covid Lockdown we’ve had lots of questions. It’s normal to feel anxious and feel uncertain at times like this, and we’re happy to help you to understand by answering some frequently asked Lockdown Covid-19 questions. 

The recent community outbreak of COVID-19 is a timely reminder that we are still battling against a global pandemic. The new Delta variant is more virulent, and this means that it can spread more easily from person to person.

Our team is proud to support the community by taking part in the vaccination campaign. We are now vaccinating anyone aged 40+. People aged 30+ can be vaccinated from 25 August onwards and anyone aged 16+ from 1 September.

You can book an appointment to have your Covid-19 vaccine at Ormiston Medical here. Select Ormiston by adding the following code: KDE8ZFQ93D .

Meanwhile, here’s the information on common Lockdown Covid-19 questions.

Covid-19 FAQs

What do I need to know about the Delta Covid Variant? 

Several cases of Covid 19 have been detected in the community and this outbreak is different from last time as it is of the Delta variant, which is very easily passed on. This is because it is more contagious than other variants. Symptoms can be more serious and there is a higher risk of hospitalisation. Keep up great hand hygiene, get a Covid Swab if you have symptoms and most importantly get fully vaccinated. This gives you a high degree of protection, especially if you’ve had 2 doses.  

If I have had two doses of the Covid vaccination, can I still get Covid 19?

Fully vaccinated people are less likely to become infected, however, it is still possible for some vaccinated people to catch Covid 19, especially this Delta variant.

It is also possible for vaccinated people to pass on the infection, so it is really important for you to follow the advice given to all people at Level 4. 

Research from the UK shows that having two doses of the Pfizer vaccine gives 96% protection against a person needing hospital admission. (1) Being fully immunized against Covid-19 also provides a high level of protection against severe illness from the new Delta variant.

What happens if I have only had a first dose of the Covid Vaccination?

This will not give you the degree of protection that you need to fight Covid 19 if you do become infected. It is really important to get your second dose of the vaccine.  From 19th August vaccination centres will again be open for vaccinations. If you are booked for a vaccine please do attend your appointment. We have been working to make this a safe environment for you and for our staff.  We will contact you if we need to change your appointment. If you need to make your 2nd vaccination time, call us or use the new National Booking System. 

 

What should I do if I have not had a Vaccination yet? 

You might be wondering, should I bother to get a vaccination if it does not guarantee that I will not get infected or be able to spread Covid 19?

Apart from maintaining good hand hygiene, staying at home if you have any respiratory symptoms and getting tested; one of the most important things that you can do is to get vaccinated when offered.

Covid Vaccination   is our best defence against not getting a severe illness or dying from Covid 19. It is also the best way we can protect our whānau and our community. 

If you are in an eligible age band, that is all people 40 and over,  phone one of our clinics now to book a Vaccination now. 

New Zealand has secured enough Pfizer vaccines to give everyone over the age of 16 years the recommended two doses. Whilst you can still get Covid-19 when fully vaccinated, you are likely to get much milder symptoms.

How can I protect myself from Covid and keep whānau safe:

  • Stay at home as much as possible, unless you are:

– exercising in your neighbourhood, 

– going food shopping, to the chemist, petrol station 

– going for a Covid Vaccination or Covid test.

  • Wear a mask when you leave home and keep a distance of 2 meters from other people 
  • Use hand sanitiser or wash and dry your hands often. 
  • Use the Covid Tracer App at all places that you visit
  • Clean all high touch surfaces regularly  

If you have respiratory symptoms or have been in a location of interest stay at home and call us for advice and to arrange a free Covid test.

If you are fully vaccinated, your immune system is prepared to fight the virus and you have far less risk of becoming seriously ill or dying if you do become infected. 

Can I see the doctor about other health complaints of illness?

Remember it is safe for you to come into our clinic, but please phone ahead if  are seeking treatment you think you have been exposed to Covid 19, or if you have respiratory symptoms or a cold or flu-like illness. 

Our most important message to all our patients is  DO NOT DELAY MEDICAL TREATMENT. If you are ill with non- Covid symptoms or need to see a doctor, please seek advice.  Give us a call to book an online consultation, or if you need to be seen in person this can be safely arranged. Prescriptions can be ordered using our Patient Portal. In an emergency dial 111.  We are here to answer your Lockdown Covid-19 questions.

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