Cervical Cancer ranks as one of the most preventable cancers.

A new method of cervical screening has been introduced in Aotearoa.

The old test used to focus on checking cervix cells. The new self-swab method detects the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is the cause of more than 95% of cervical cancers. This new testing method presents two options:

This new cervical screening method aims to be more comfortable and less intrusive. It is introduced with the hope that more Māori and Pasifika women will want to get screened. Our women have high incidence rates due to low screening numbers.

Let’s prevent avoidable deaths in our community—get screened today for yourself, and for your whānau.

For more info, visit https://www.timetoscreen.nz/cervical-screening/

To view our prices for cervical screening, visit https://southpointfamilydoctors.co.nz/fees

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

Why do I need immunisation?

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

• Immunisation safeguards our community from serious diseases.
• 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.
• Childhood immunisations are provided free of charge in New Zealand.

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

• Tetanus is now very rare, although it can still happen in children who haven’t had their shots.
• New Zealand no longer has polio or diphtheria.

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

Safeguarding vulnerable individuals:

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

Contact your healthcare provider to arrange an appointment to get your child immunised. For more information, visit https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/immunisation-overview

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is known for bringing on bouts of intense coughing, causing difficulty breathing. These spells typically last for around 2-3 minutes, and continues to linger for about 3 months.

How does it spread?

Whooping cough spreads effortlessly. It transfers from one person to another through coughing and sneezing. On average, every individual with whooping cough transmits the infection to 12 others.

Do I need to worry?

For most adults, it won’t be much more than a nuisance (and of course the sickies!). However, it can bring about severe illness in young children and immunocompromised adults due to the severity of the cough. In some cases, tragically it has also lead to death.

What does it look like for young babies?

For babies under 6 months old, Whooping cough can be quite unpredictable and escalate rapidly. Typically, babies under 6 months don’t exhibit the distinctive whooping sound. Instead, they may:

• Have breathing pauses
• Turn blue during severe coughing fits
• Initially appear to have a common cold, then struggle with coughing and breathing
• Feel drained from frequent coughing
• Encounter feeding difficulties due to coughing
• Experience weight loss due to feeding challenges and vomiting caused by coughing.

What is the best way to prevent it?

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

What is measles?

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.

What are the symptoms?

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.

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 is begins to fade.

Treating measles at home

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.

How serious is it?

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

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.

How can I protect my whānau from getting measles?

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 spreading in the community.

There are two doses of MMR vaccine given, the first provides a 95% chance of protection, and a 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, contact your healthcare provider to check your details on the system.

It’s not recommended to get the measles vaccine if:

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

How long does measles immunity (natural or from a vaccine) last?

Immunity is lifelong regardless if it is naturally acquired in those older than 50, or by immunisation in those younger than 50.

Does the measles vaccine (MMR) causes autism?

There was a paper published in claiming the MMR vaccine caused autism, which has since been found to be untrue and withdrawn, and the author Dr. Wakefield was found guilty of ethical, medical, and scientific misconduct and his medical license was cancelled. Additional studies showed that the data presented were fraudulent. There is no evidence that this vaccine causes autism

Where can I get more information about vaccines?

Immunisation Advisory Centre of New Zealand

What do I do if I have measles?

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.

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/

Check out some of these tips to ensure a safe summer ahead!

Here are some tips below to ensure your safe summer is uninterrupted – go through it with your family before hitting the road & make a safe summer plan together!

First Aid Kit: Be prepared for the unexpected

• Pack a well-stocked first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any personal medications
• Familiarise yourself with basic first aid procedures to address minor injuries promptly.
• For more info on first aid, visit https://healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/f/first-aid-tips/

RAT Test: Make sure you’re all clear to go!

• Don’t forget to bring along some COVID-19 test kits in your travel stash, especially since the virus is still around in the community. It’s a smart move, especially if you’re heading to busy travel spots where the risk might be a bit higher.

Regular Medication: Stay on schedule

• Ensure you have an ample supply of any prescription medications you may need during your trip
• Pack medications in their original containers with clear labels, and carry a copy of your prescription.

Insect Repellent: Ward off unwanted guests

• New Zealand’s summer brings out insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. Pack a reliable insect repellent to protect yourself during outdoor activities.
• Apply repellent on exposed skin, and consider wearing long sleeves and pants in insect-prone areas.

Sunscreen: Shield your skin from harmful rays

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin.
• Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Hand Sanitiser: Maintain hygiene on the go

• Carry a travel-sized hand sanitiser to maintain hand hygiene, especially when access to soap and water is limited.
• Use hand sanitiser before meals and after using public facilities (after washing your hands).

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your journey

• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities and long drives.
• Refill your water bottle at designated water stations to reduce plastic waste.

Hat: Shield yourself from the sun’s intensity

• Pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck, and ears from the strong New Zealand sun.
• Wearing a hat also helps prevent heat-related issues and provides additional shade.

Remember, proper preparation ensures you can focus on enjoying your summer travel in New Zealand with peace of mind. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or relaxing on the beach, these essentials will contribute to a safe and memorable journey.

What is gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis, that comes as a result of the body having high levels of uric acid. It occurs in the joints of the person afflicted, causing severe pain and potential damage to the joints. 

It is a serious life-long condition that not only contributes to a reduced life expectancy, but can also affect quality of life. Gout has prevented people’s inability to perform tasks at work, caring for family, participating in sport and tending to church responsibilities – just to name a few.

What causes gout?

Everyone has uric acid in their bodies, in fact, our bodies actually need it. The majority of people get rid of excess uric acid by passing it through their urine.

When urate levels in the body are high, that is when crystals start to form in the joints.

Several factors such as kidney disease, genetics, and diet can all contribute to the development of gout.

How is gout diagnosed?

Gout can be tested for in two ways:

• A sample of fluid taken from around the affected joint
• A blood test to measure the level of uric acid in your blood

Our people and gout 

Pasifika and Māori people have genetics that prevent their kidneys from getting rid of uric acid, and as a result are more affected by gout than other demographic group in New Zealand.

Statistics show that Pasifika and Māori who are over the age of 20 are three times more likely to live with gout than other non-Pasifika/Māori people, and that those aged between 20 and 44 are seven times more likely. They also experience a higher frequency of gout attacks accompanied with joint inflammation and severe disease, and have higher hospitalisation rates.

How can I prevent a gout attack?

The most effective way to reduce likelihood of getting a gout attack is by taking preventative medicines.

Statistics show that during the period of 2018-2019, about 26 percent of Pasifika males hospitalized for gout, were not receiving preventative gout medicine in the six months leading up to their hospitalisation, 21 percent had never received it at all, and 6 percent were on it six months prior, but did not continue after discharge.

It is vital that you speak to your GP or healthcare professional about options for preventative gout medicine, to avoid its severities. 

Diet is also another way to help prevent flare-ups

A low purine diet is the best way to prevent frequent gout attacks. It centres around vegetables, wholegrains and fruit, and limits the consumption of red meats, alcohol and seafood.

It it is encouraged to incorporate more of the following into your diet:

• Water
• Lite or skim milk
• Vegetables
• Fruit (vitamin C rich)
• Low-fat dairy products
• Whole grains
• Nuts

It is encouraged to reduce the following in your diet:

• Seafood (including canned fish)
• Alcohol
• Sugary drinks (soda, energy drinks, satchet or sweetened juices)
• Red meats
• Yeast spreads (like marmite and vegemite)

Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight

Being overweight is also a contributing factor to having high levels of uric acid, so it is important to stay active and find time to exercise where you can. 

Just take it steadily, one day at a time – as losing weight too fast can actually lead to a gout attack. 

For more information and resources on gout, visit the links below:

Gout – Ministry of Health

Pharmac: Pacific peoples health: gout data insights

Eating & lifestyle advice for gout

Prostate Cancer

In New Zealand, it is estimated that over 4000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, and that more than 600 of those cases result in death – it is the most common type of cancer affecting men in New Zealand. It mostly affects men aged over 50 years old, but if it is detected in younger years then it becomes more likely to cause issues in the body.

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a small part of the male reproductive system. It is a gland that is located below the bladder, and it produces part of the fluid found present in semen.

When cells in the prostate start to grow abnormally, they can form into a lump or a tumour – which is known as prostate cancer.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

There are generally no early warning signs of prostate cancer, but if you have any of these symptoms below, it is advised that you contact your doctor to get them checked out.

Symptoms include:

• Having difficulty passing urine
• Peeing more often than usual (esp at night)
• Experiencing pain when peeing (e.g. burning sensation)
• Having blood or semen present in your urine
• Stop and start flow in passing urine, or trouble doing either of those
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain in the lower back or pelvic region

How is prostate cancer tested?

There are three different tests that can be done to check for prostate cancer:

• A blood test is performed to check the levels of a protein known as “Prostate Specific Antigen” or “PSA.” Every prostate, whether healthy or affected by cancer, produces PSA – but a high PSA level could indicate the presence of cancer.
• Moreover, your physician may conduct a prostate examination by inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to assess the gland’s condition without causing discomfort.
• A biopsy is a crucial procedure in which a small sample of potentially cancerous cells is taken for evaluation. After a prostate biopsy, it’s common for men to experience short-term instances of blood in their urine and, in some cases, observe blood in their semen.

Testicular Cancer

This cancer most commonly affects males aged 15 – 39, but it can occur in men at any age.

What is testicular cancer?

The testicles are the part of the male reproductive system that creates sperm. When the cells in the testicles start to grow abnormally into a lump or a tumour, it is known as testicular cancer. 

What are the symptoms?

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is important to get them checked out by your doctor:

• a swelling or lump presence in testicle
• changes to the shape or size of testicle
• sensation of heaviness or unevenness in scrotum
• discomfort in lower back or lower abdomen
• breast tissue swelling or becoming tender in your chest

In the early stages, testicular cancer may cause no signs except a painless lump. You can check abnormalities by: squeezing for lumps or bumps or feeling the tubes at the back for anything that feels unusual.

How is testicular cancer tested?

An ultrasound is used to scan for masses in the testicle. Your doctor can also run blood tests to look for specific tumour markers in the blood. Once these tests are positive, additional tests can be carried out such as a CT scan, MRI scan or an x-ray to see if the cancer has spread.

Mental Health

In recent years – largely thanks to the influence of social media – there has been a growing awareness regarding men’s mental health and the impact it has on our families and communities.

Due to masculine and cultural social norms, men – particularly Pasifika and Maori – are found to be more reluctant in expressing their feelings, viewing it as a sign of weakness.

A key role of emotions is to share our inner feelings with others, so when we bottle up our emotions inside, it often leads to withdrawing socially – resulting in less connection and decreased satisfaction with family and friends.

In addition to this, we are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues when we are not able to talk about how we are feeling with others.

Suicide and Men

Males are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than females. In New Zealand, during the period of 2009 to 2022, the male suicide rate was significantly higher compared to females. In 2020 alone, men accounted for 72 percent of suicides.

Additionally, Maori and Pasifika had higher rates than any other ethnicities.

Resources that may be helpful

https://nz.movember.com/ – Movember movement

https://testicular.org.nz/ for more info about testicular cancer

https://prostate.org.nz/ for more info about prostate cancer

https://healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/m/mens-health-topics/ – Men’s health topics

https://www.toughtalk.nz/#intro-2 tools for men’s health mental wellbeing

https://www.depression.org.nz/get-better/your-identity/men/ Maori and Pasifika mental health tools for men

https://www.allright.org.nz/ Mental wellbeing tools for family