Be smart about swimming

Drownings are a serious but preventable risk. Recent reports show that Māori and Pasifika people have higher than average drowning risk in Aotearoa. Simple safety steps, like swimming with a buddy, wearing life jackets, and learning water skills, can help save lives.

Remember that little ones can get into trouble quickly – even in shallow water. so they should always be within arm’s reach of an adult. Keep your focus on them at all times (no phones, no distractions), make sure they’re wearing proper flotation devices, and choose swimming spots with lifeguards whenever possible. Remember: children don’t splash or shout when they’re in danger — they go silent. Staying close, alert, and engaged is the best way to keep them safe while they enjoy the water.

Keep drama out of the kitchen

Food is at the heart of the festive season, bringing whānau and friends together. Preparing the food itself brings opportunities for creating lasting memories – both good, and bad. ACC reported that over 4141 claims were made during the 2023-2024 holiday season for baking, barbecuing and carving alone.

Let’s make good memories this summer, and have a little more caution when it comes to our meals. Simple precautions, like using oven mitts, handling knives carefully, keeping children away from hot surfaces, and cleaning up spills promptly, can prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.

Mr Golden Sun

Hot summer days can quickly lead to dehydration or heatstroke. Drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and avoid prolonged exposure during peak heat hours (10 am–4 pm). Light, breathable clothing helps your body stay cool, and watching for signs of dizziness or nausea in children and elders can prevent serious health issues.

It takes less than 15 minutes to get sunburnt, and during summer when being outdoors is all the rage, it’s easy to forget to protect your skin. New Zealand has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, caused by overexposure to UV radiation – i.e. the sun. Taking a few minutes to be sunsmart can help protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer in the long run.

Don’t let your holiday end on the road

Summer is a time for road trips, beach drives, and family outings – but it’s also one of the busiest and most dangerous times on New Zealand roads. Hot weather, increased traffic, and fatigue can lead to more accidents. Drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians all need to stay alert. Simple precautions like wearing seatbelts, avoiding alcohol, and taking breaks can make every journey safer. Staying vigilant and prepared can help ensure your summer travels end on a high note.

As summer continues, it’s important to stay on top of your health while enjoying the warmer weather. Whether it’s managing summer allergies, staying hydrated, getting travel vaccinations, or booking a routine check-up, our team is here to support you and your whānau. Southpoint Family Doctors is open from 5 January, and we welcome patients to book appointments early to avoid the post-holiday rush. Your health doesn’t take a summer break-and neither do we.

Bakerfield Urgent and Medical Care

16a Bakerfield Pl, Manukau ⏐ 09 263 7770 ⏐ 8am-8pm

Eastcare Botany

260 Botany Rd, Golflands ⏐ 09 277 1516 ⏐ 7am-11pm

Takanini Urgent Care

2 Te Napi Drive, Takanini ⏐ 09 299 7670 ⏐ 8am-8pm

White Cross Ōtāhuhu

15-23 Station Rd, Ōtāhuhu ⏐ 09 276 3000 ⏐ 8am-8pm

White Cross Ascot 24/7

90 Green Lane East, Remuera ⏐ 09 520 9555 ⏐ 24hours

Kia ora Southpoint whānau,

It is with sadness that we share the news that Dr Davao Mariner and Dr Liam McKenzie will be concluding their time with the Southpoint Family.

Dr Davao will be relocating to Australia with his whānau, and Dr Liam will be moving to the South Island with his wife as they begin their next chapter together.

We will dearly miss them both and deeply appreciate the exceptional standard of care they have provided to their patients, along with their unwavering commitment to excellence. It has been a privilege to have them as part of our clinical team.

Their final working day will be Friday, 16 January 2026. If you wish to see either doctor before they finish, we kindly encourage you to book your appointments as early as possible.

Rest assured that the new doctors we have joining the team, will continue to provide the same high quality standard of care you have experienced and trusted

As we head into the holiday season, we wish you all a safe and restful break. Remember to look after yourselves, stay hydrated, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

A new measles case has been detected in the Bay of Islands, Northland, linked to overseas travel. The person is no longer infectious, but six other people are being checked as part of contact tracing. Public health teams are also working to identify anyone else who may have been exposed.

What to Look Out For

Measles can affect children, babies, and adults. It spreads very easily. Symptoms usually start with:

• High fever (over 38°C)
• Cough, runny nose, and red, sore eyes
• A rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body

If you feel unwell, please stay home and call your doctor, nurse, or hauora provider before visiting so they can take precautions. You can also call Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime for free advice.

Protect Yourself with the MMR Vaccine

The best protection is the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

• Free for everyone under 18, and for adults who are eligible for free healthcare
• Available at pharmacies, GPs, nurses, or hauora providers
• Book online at info.health.nz/bookavaccine

Free Immunisation Clinics in Northland

• Health New Zealand, Whangārei – 16 Commerce St | Thursdays: 8:30am to 6pm, Saturdays: 8:30am to 3.30pm

For more clinics, visit this page

Keep an eye on info.health.nz/measles for any updates, including possible locations of interest.

For more info on measles, visit our measles info page

As we head into the warmer months, here’s a quick reminder that the Winter Energy Payment will finish for the 2025 season on 1 October.

For those receiving weekly payments (e.g. on a benefit):

• Last full payment with the Winter Energy Payment included will be the one starting 29 September.
• The payment for the week of 6 October will include 3 days of the Winter Energy Payment.
• The first payment without the Winter Energy Payment will be made in the week starting 13 October 2025.

For NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension clients:

• The payment on Tuesday 7 October will include 8 days of the Winter Energy Payment.
• The first full payment without it will be on Tuesday 21 October 2025.

Power payments and financial support:

If you’re redirecting part of your benefit to help cover power bills, now might be a good time to review that setup — especially as power usage tends to drop with the warmer weather.

We know the end of this payment can be tough for some. If you or someone you know is worried about making ends meet, please encourage them to contact Work and Income. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and they’re there to help explore what other support might be available.

Looking ahead:

The Winter Energy Payment will return on 1 May 2026.

For more details, visit workandincome.govt.nz – Winter Energy Payment

Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know

Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by the dengue virus, spread through the bite of infected (Aedes) mosquitoes. It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa.

In Samoa and other Pacific Islands, dengue has caused serious illness and even deaths, so it’s important to know the signs and how to protect yourself; especially if you are travelling.

What is Dengue Fever?

• Spread by: Mosquito bites (mosquitoes often bite early morning or late afternoon).
• Starts: Usually 4–10 days after a bite.
• Lasts: Around 2–7 days.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Dengue can feel like the flu, but often worse. Watch out for:

• Sudden high fever
• Bad headache (often behind the eyes)
• Pain in muscles and joints (called “breakbone fever”)
• Feeling sick (nausea or vomiting)
• Skin rash (shows up a few days after fever)
• Feeling very tired
• Easy bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)

Severe Dengue: When It Becomes Dangerous

Some cases progress to severe dengue, which can be life-threatening.

Warning signs of severe dengue:

• Severe stomach pain
• Constant vomiting
• Bleeding (gums, nose, blood in vomit or stool)
• Fast breathing
• Cold, sweaty skin
• Feeling very weak, restless, or unusually sleepy

Seek urgent medical care immediately if these symptoms occur.

Treatment for Dengue Fever

There is no specific antiviral medicine for dengue. Treatment focuses on supportive care.

If symptoms are mild (can be managed at home):

• If symptoms are mild (can be managed at home):
• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids (water, coconut water, soups, rehydration drinks)
• Take paracetamol for fever and pain
  Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen – these can make bleeding worse.

Go to the hospital immediately if:

• You see any signs of bleeding
• You have severe stomach pain
• You are very weak or cannot wake up properly
• You are not improving with fluids at home

Babies, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with other health problems are at higher risk and may need hospital care.

Hospitalisation May Be Required For:

• Severe dehydration
• Signs of shock or severe dengue
• High-risk groups (very young, elderly, pregnant, or people with chronic health conditions)

How to Prevent Dengue Fever

The best way to avoid dengue is to prevent mosquito bites:

• Use mosquito repellent
• Wear long sleeves and pants
• Sleep under a mosquito net
• Keep your home and surroundings clean (remove standing water where mosquitoes breed, like buckets, tyres, and open containers)

Key Takeaway

If you are in the Pacific Islands (including Samoa) or travelling to an area where dengue is common, watch out for sudden high fever and other symptoms. See a doctor early—early care and staying hydrated saves lives.

Pasefika Resources

Gagana Samoa: Dengue fiva | Samoan)

Lea Faka-Tonga Mofi Tengi | Tongan

Vosa Vakaviti | Fijian

Vagahau Niue: Tigikī | Niuean

Te Reo Māori Kuki ‘Āirani: Maki Dengue | Cook Islands Māori

Measles is an infectious disease, caused by a virus that resides in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It spreads when the infected person coughs or sneezes, and due to its airborne nature, it is highly contagious.

Measles symptoms usually appear about 10-14 days after exposure – so for that amount of time, you could have no idea you’ve got it.

Click to expand

First Stage

Once symptoms start to appear, they usually begin with one or more of the following;

• runny nose
• cough
• red and watery eyes
• small white spots inside mouth
• mild to moderate fever

These early symptoms usually last around 4-5 days.

Second Stage

A rash appears between 3-7 days of illness, starting on the face, moving behind the ears and down the body to the hands and feet. The rash tends to last around 5 to 6 days, before it begins to fade.

Measles is caused by a virus, and so there is no dedicated medicine or antibiotic to treat it – the disease has to run its course.

Symptoms can be relieved with paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended doses, to treat the fever and body aches. It is advised that fluid intake is increased to avoid dehydration – water and electrolytes are best.

The most effective way to remove eye discharge is by using a damp cotton ball. Additionally, relief can be provided with eye drops – please consult with your healthcare provider first beforehand.

Vitamin A has also been proven to be effective in preventing eye damage.

Measles itself can make people feel very unwell, and typically leaves people bedridden as their body attempts to recover.

However, complications from measles are very dangerous and life threatening, and include the following:

• eye problems and blindness
• encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling – rare but can cause brain damage or death)
• intense diarrhoea and dehydration
• sore ears or ear infections
• extreme breathing problems
• pneumonia

Measles can pose serious risks when contracted during pregnancy, potentially endangering both the mother and her baby. It can increase the likelihood of miscarriage, premature labour and low birth-weight in babies.

It’s important to note that complications are most frequently seen in children under 5 years old and adults over the age of 30 years old. Children who are lacking essential nutrients like vitamin A, or those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to complications.

The best and most effective way to ensure protection against measles is vaccination. This will not only protect you and your family – it also helps to prevent the spreading of the virus within the community.

There are two doses of MMR vaccine given: the first provides a 95% chance of protection, and the second will increase that number to 99%. Not many fully vaccinated people catch measles, but if they do, their illness is usually less severe, and they’re less likely to spread it to others.

Vaccination is available at no cost for individuals under the age of 18 and for those over 18 who qualify for free healthcare services in New Zealand.

If you are unsure whether or not you’ve received this vaccine, contact your healthcare provider to check for you.

If you or someone in your whānau is experiencing measles symptoms or suspects they have measles, it’s advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider first. They can then provide guidance on the best course of action, such as directing you to a specific area for infected individuals or arranging a visit to your car, to prevent disease transmission.

What do I do if my baby or child has measles?

Stay at home, and keep your child from going to school or daycare to avoid spreading measles. If your child is not eating or drinking, has fewer wet nappies than usual, has difficulty breathing, is hard to wake, contact your doctor immediately.

It is not recommended that you get the measles (MMR) vaccine if:

• You’re pregnant
• You have experienced a severe allergic reaction to MMR previously
• You are immunocompromised.

Book a vaccination with our nurse, or use our contact form to find out if you’re unsure if you’ve received it before.

For more information about the MMR vaccine, visit Immunisation Advisory Centre of New Zealand

Please refer to the locations of interest to check if you have been anywhere near reported active cases.

For more information and data about measles, visit https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/m/measles/

The answer is straightforward: to safeguard yourself and those around you from serious and preventable diseases.

• Immunisation protects our community from serious diseases.
• Herd immunity happens when enough people in a community are immune to a disease, decreasing the chances of it spreading. This is achieved through immunisation, and protects everyone, including those who can’t be vaccinated.
• Administering immunisations on schedule is the most effective method to shield expecting mothers, infants, children, and immunocompromised from preventable illnesses, that their bodies are too vulnerable to fight off.
• Less time taken off work and school as immunisation protects your whānau from getting seriously sick or hospitalised as a result of these preventable diseases.

Immunisation not only shields you, but also safeguards those most susceptible to disease. This includes our pēpi who are too young for vaccination, expecting mothers, or people with compromised immune systems. These people and children depend on the immunisation status of those around them for protection.

Right now, there are still diseases within our community that can cause serious illness for those who are unvaccinated, including: measles, whooping cough, and mumps.

If you’re unsure whether your child has received these vaccines, contact your healthcare provider, or visit here for more information on the immunisation schedule.

Book your vaccination with our nurse, or use our contact form to check with our team if you or your child are overdue for any immunisations.

Immunisation has helped to get rid of some very dangerous diseases that used to affect children in New Zealand.

Disease used to run rampant within the community before vaccines were developed to protect against them. As a result, many children and adults died or developed long-term disabilities.

• Tetanus is now very rare, although it can still happen in children who haven’t had their shots.
• New Zealand no longer has polio due to herd immunity after the vaccine started to be administered. From 1910 – 1950, hundreds of kiwi children died from polio. Since the vaccine was introduced in the 60s, there have been fewer than 10 cases.

However, these diseases are still present in other countries, which is why we must remain vigilant and immunise.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for any announcements about upcoming vaccination events. We know the weekdays can be a bit hectic, so having these events in our community can provide a more convenient and accessible option to get your whānau immunised.

Myth: It is safer to gain natural immunity from contracting the disease than gaining immunity from vaccines.

Fact: While natural immunity is effective, it comes with risk of severe complications that the disease can cause, especially for those with weakened immune systems. Vaccines provide immunity without the severe consequences of the disease itself.

Myth: Vaccines cause autism.

Fact: This theory has been debunked by numerous scientific studies.

Myth: Vaccines contain harmful toxins that can cause long-term health problems.

Fact: Vaccines undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials involving thousands of participants before being approved for public use.

Myth: Vaccines alter your DNA.

Fact: Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce an immune response to a specific pathogen. They do not interact with or change a person’s DNA.

Myth: Vaccines can cause the diseases they are designed to prevent.

Fact: In reality, vaccines do not contain live viruses in sufficient amounts to cause the disease. Instead, they prompt the immune system to produce antibodies, providing protection against future infections.

Myth: Vaccines are not necessary because diseases like measles and mumps were disappearing before vaccines were introduced.

Fact: Vaccines have contributed to the eradication of diseases like smallpox and the near-elimination of others like polio. The decline in these diseases is largely attributed to the widespread use of vaccines, not natural trends.

Click on the tiles below for more information about these vaccines.

Whooping cough is a serious infection that causes long-lasting coughing. It spreads easily between people and can be especially dangerous for babies, kids, and older adults. Also known as pertussis, it is known for bringing on bouts of intense coughing, causing difficulty breathing.

The name “whooping cough” comes from the unique gasping sound made by infected individuals as they struggle to breathe during coughing fits. These episodes usually last for about 2-3 minutes, and can continue to stick around for up to 3 months.

Whooping cough epidemics tend to hit every four or five years. Although cases were low during the Covid-19 pandemic, they’re starting to pick up again. In 2023 alone, eight cases have been reported, with all but one affecting children, and three of those kids ended up in the hospital.

Whooping cough spreads very easily. It transfers from one person to another when the infected person coughs and sneezes. On average, every individual with whooping cough transmits the infection to 12 others.

For most adults, it will cause discomfort and present with symptoms similar to that of the cold or flu.

For children and immunocompromised adults, it can be serious due to the severity of the cough. It can lead to severe illness, or hospitalisation. In some cases, tragically it has also lead to death.

Pertussis can be a nightmare for parents and children because there’s no antibiotic or treatment that can cure it – you just have to wait it out.

For babies under 6 months old, whooping cough can be quite unpredictable and escalate rapidly. It will initially appear to look like a common cold, and can be tricky to pick up on at first.

Keep an eye out for the below symptoms to help determine whether your pēpi has pertussis.

Hard to Breathe: Whooping cough can make breathing difficult for infants, causing distress. Look for signs like flaring nostrils or chest retractions, pauses in breathing, or change in colour and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these.

Vomiting: Babies with whooping cough may vomit due to intense coughing, making it hard for them to keep food down. If vomiting is frequent or severe, seek medical help to prevent dehydration.

Getting vaccinated reduces your chances of contracting whooping cough, and can lessen the severity of the illness if you do happen to catch it.

Since the last outbreak in 2018 where there were four deaths reported, childhood immunisation rates have dropped from 78 percent to 69 percent. The situation is even more concerning for Māori children, whose immunisation rates have fallen from 61 percent to 49 percent.

As cases rise, it’s crucial to remember the importance of vaccinations in keeping our kids safe from pertussis. Let’s tackle this issue head-on to protect our children from this dangerous disease.

If you want to book an immunisation, or are unsure if you’ve received it, contact us today.

To find out more information about whooping cough, visit the links below:

Healthify

Health New Zealand

Immunisation Advisory Centre

Whooping cough Radio New Zealand article

To book a vaccination, call us on 0800 242 200 or use Manage My Health to schedule an appointment with one of our nurses.

Staying warm during the winter months is essential for your health and well-being, but with the rising cost of living, keeping energy bills low has become increasingly challenging. Many families are forced to make tough choices between heating and other necessities.

We’ve gathered some straightforward tips to help you keep your home cozy without breaking the bank. By incorporating these simple yet effective habits into your daily routine, you can make a lasting impact on your finances. Round up the whānau and take a look at these together!

Winter savings in the: KITCHEN

#1: Only boil the amount of water you need for your hot drinks

Boiling more water than necessary wastes energy and time. By boiling only the water you need, you can reduce your energy consumption and save on electricity bills. This simple habit can also speed up the process, making it more convenient for your daily hot drinks.

After cooking, leave the oven door half ajar:

After using your oven, leave the door slightly open to let the residual heat escape and warm up your kitchen. This can be particularly useful during the winter months. While it won’t replace your primary heating system, it can provide a little extra warmth without additional energy expenditure.

Winter savings in the: LAUNDRY

Use cold wash setting for your washing machine to save about 25 cents per load:

Heating water for laundry is a significant energy expense. Washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy use by up to 80% per load. For an average New Zealand household, this translates to saving approximately $60 annually on electricity bills. Additionally, cold washing helps maintain the quality of your clothes.

Wait until dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded:

Running these appliances with full loads maximizes their efficiency and reduces the number of times you need to use them. This helps save water, detergent, and energy. Ensuring that dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded before starting a cycle can contribute to overall household energy savings.

Winter savings in the: HOUSE

Turn off appliances at the wall instead of leaving them on standby mode

Many appliances continue to consume energy even when not in active use, a phenomenon known as phantom or standby power. By turning off appliances at the wall, you can eliminate this wasted energy, contributing to overall energy savings and reducing your electricity costs.

Set mixer taps to cold:

When mixer taps are left in the middle, they often draw hot water even when you just want cold, wasting energy. Pre-setting mixer taps to cold ensures that hot water isn’t unnecessarily drawn from the heater, helping to reduce your household’s hot water usage and energy consumption.

Reverse your ceiling fan motors:

Heat naturally rises, and reversing the direction of your ceiling fans can help redistribute warm air that gathers near the ceiling back down into the living space. Most ceiling fans have a small switch to change the direction of the blades. Operating them at a low speed clockwise during winter can help circulate warm air more efficiently, potentially reducing heating costs.

Open blinds or curtains of windows that face the sun:

Utilize natural sunlight to warm your home. During the day, open blinds or curtains on north-facing windows to let in the sun’s heat. At night, close them to reduce the chill from cold windows. This simple practice can help to naturally warm your home during the day and keep it insulated at night.

Implementing these simple energy-saving hacks can make a significant difference in your winter energy bills, while keeping your home warm and cozy. Every little bit counts, and these practical steps can add up to substantial savings over time. So…what are you waiting for? Round up the whānau and get them warmed up to these new winter tips!

For more tips and information on how to save energy in your home, visit Genless.

To learn more about winter viruses, visit our community blog page here.

Heart disease is a major health concern in Aotearoa, with Māori and Pasifika communities experiencing higher rates and earlier onset of heart failure than other groups. However, much of this burden is preventable with the right education, early intervention, and culturally appropriate care.

Heart disease statistics for our community

Heart disease disproportionately affects Pasifika, leading to higher rates of illness, hospitalisation, and premature death.

More than 7,000 Pacific people live with heart disease in New Zealand.

2 in 5 Pacific deaths from heart disease occur between ages 35–65.

Pacific people are 1.2x more likely to live with heart disease than non-Pacific people.

Pacific women are 2.4x more likely to experience heart failure than non-Pacific women.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for Pacific people.

1 in 3 Pacific deaths are from CVD.

372 Pacific people died from CVD in 2016—60% of these deaths were premature (before age 75).

Underlying risk factors for Pacific people

1.5x more likely to be smokers than non-Pacific adults.
2.27x more likely to be affected by obesity than non-Pacific adults.
3.07x more likely to be affected by childhood obesity than non-Pacific children.
0.91x less likely to be physically active than non-Pacific adults.

(Source: Heart Foundation NZ)

Why are Pasifika more at risk?

Many Māori and Pasifika patients face systemic and social challenges that impact their heart health, including:

• Cultural barriers – A lack of culturally safe care leads to mistrust and disengagement.
• Language barriers – Many patients rely on family members to translate medical information.
• Financial pressures – Some whānau feel they cannot prioritise their health due to work and family responsibilities.
• Limited access to care – Long wait times, travel difficulties, and financial constraints prevent regular check-ups.
• Mistrust in the system – Past negative experiences discourage Māori and Pasifika from seeking medical help.

How are we addressing these issues at Southpoint Family Doctor’s?

At Southpoint Family Doctors, we are committed to breaking down these barriers by:

Providing culturally mindful care – Our diverse team understands and respects Māori and Pasifika values, ensuring patients feel heard and cared for. We are committed to helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment in a way that makes sense to them.

Flexible and accessible appointments – We do our best to provide affordable care, online bookings and seasonal weekend clinics to make it easier for busy families to get check ups.

Whānau-centered health plans – We involve families in healthcare discussions to ensure support at home.

Offering social navigation services – looking after your health goes beyond the physical needs. Our team of social navigators provide guidance on accessing community resources, social support, and healthcare services to help you navigate challenges and improve overall well-being. Learn more here.

Prevention: How to reduce your risk

The good news? Heart disease is largely preventable! Here’s how you and your whānau can take action today:

1. Regular check-ups

• Early detection saves lives—don’t wait until it’s too late. Book a consultation now.
• Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked regularly.
• Encourage whānau to get checked too—sometimes a little “nagging” can save a life!

2. Eat heart-healthy kai

• Reduce salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
• Add more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to your meals.
• Healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive—buying in bulk, choosing seasonal produce, and preparing meals at home can help.

3. Move your body

• Physical activity reduces heart disease risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement a day—this can be walking, dancing, or even playing with the kids.
• Find something you enjoy—exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore!

4. Quit smoking

• Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease.
• If you or a loved one wants to quit, there are free support services available—reach out for help.

5. Manage stress & prioritise mental wellbeing

• Stress impacts heart health. Practices like prayer, meditation, and spending time with loved ones can help.
• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out for support. We offer a mental wellness clinic providing personalised support tailored to the unique needs of our diverse communities.

Long-term management: living well with heart disease

For those already diagnosed with heart failure, continuity of care is essential. The right support can improve survival rates, quality of life, and overall wellbeing. At Southpoint Family Doctor’s, we offer tailored treatment plans and support to help patients take back control of their health, and their quality of life. To find out more, visit our long term conditions services.

How we support long-term heart health at Southpoint Family Doctor’s

Individualised care plans – Tailored to each patient’s needs, culture, and lifestyle.

Dietary and lifestyle advice – Practical, culturally appropriate guidance on heart-healthy eating and movement.

Ongoing monitoring & follow-ups – We keep in touch to help you stay on track.

Whānau involvement – Encouraging family support for better health outcomes.

Need a check-up? Book an appointment today! Your heart and whānau will thank you.

Sources & further reading

Heart Disease Resources in Pacific Languages –https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/resources

Heart Foundation Pacific Heart Health Statistics – https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/pacific-heartbeat/pacific-heart-health-statistics

NZ Medical Journal: Māori & Pacific Heart Failure – https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles

Manawa Ora – Heart Failure Care Guides – https://www.hqsc.govt.nz

Together, we can change the future of heart health for Māori and Pasifika.