Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter
Send news

News tags

mental health  physical activity  earthquake  vacancies  families  public health  children  funding  poverty  health determinants  social  Community development  planning  employment  healthy cities  volunteers  newsletter  youth  volunteering  nutrition  employment opportunity  housing  alcohol and drugs  maori  community engagement  rebuilding  wellbeing  disabilities  Lectures  counselling  Training  earthquake recovery  sustainability  event  community gardens  Community  seminar  Awards  stress  Community Groups  mens health  research  arts  smokefree  culture  men  exercise  migrants  community event  education  environment  resilience  human rights  health  medical  business  sport  conferences  survey  mental wellbeing  Courses  obesity  elderly  support group  environmental health  healthy food  health promotion  violence  pacific health  resources  rebuild  women  race relations  meeting  gardens  workshop  services  leadership  forum  water  disabled  repair  transport  prevention  pacific  dance  fundraising  asian health  sexual health  inequality  cancer  support  disasters  development  mindfulness  dementia  presentation  collaboration  health in all policies  data analysis  recovery  smoking  law  drugs and alcohol  technology  safety  cycling  Sleep  policy  parenting  media  hearing  walking  land  neighbours  social justice  qualification  resilient cities  information  community connection  consultation  oral health  bullying  depression  youth empowerment  young people  activities  non-profit  charity  harm  NURSES  addiction  disease  Communication  alcohol  symposium  submission  anxiety  accessibility  Relationships  eating  economics  Advocacy  eLearning  falls  parking  energy  efficiency  heating  insulation  advice  Eating Disorders  abuse  waste  Matariki  webinar  diabetes  workplace  Film  Climate Change  solutions  urban  management  economy  plan  restoration  Report  Vulnerability  welfare  parks  learning  awareness  emergencies  legislation  injury prevention  reading  Meeting Room  conservation  language  refugees  recreation  built environment  data  venue  urban design  Food  older people  finances  suicide  heritage  gender  recycling  breastfeeding  public  identity  Nursing  submissions  Rainbow  biodiversity  campaign  promotion  Gut Health  diversity  therapy  older adults  sexuality  computing  pollution  School Holidays  Arts Therapy  providers  gambling  Maori health  Cervical cancer  screening  trauma  autism  Governance  treaty of waitangi  care  mentoring  pets  relaxation  Professional Development  pornography  exhibition  history  discrimination  vaping  equity  lockdown  grief  rural  hygiene  participation  tourism  summer  intervention  warning  podcast  science  petition  swimming  roadworks  traffic  wildlife  beaches  pools  immunisation  vaccination  brain  preparation  open day  market  evaluation  noise  music  property  testing  crafts  CALD  cultural diversity  camping  creativity  child health  tamariki  climate action  Pasifika  refugee  migrant  community events  road safety  library  Hornby  skills  placemaking  regenerative communities  journey  reflection  regional council  councillors  water management  emergency management  retirement  stress management  Christmas  family  festival  alcohol harm  waterways  planting  health protection  legionnaire's disease  hepatitis  heatwaves  river beds  water safety  fishing  gardening  workshops  stormwater  biosecurity  volunteer  plant and animal pest management  politics  faith  crime  drugs  pregnancy  native birds  Waimakariri  water quality  schools  early childhood  health professionals  heart disease  kura  school  ethical issues  rangatahi  Linwood  running  donations  whanau  financial pressures  online  health professional  flooding  conflict  peace  winter  agriculture 

Stay cool and Go well this summer by planning ahead

Wednesday, December 13, 2023   Posted in: Signatory Notice Board By: Administrator With tags: summer, health, campaign, support, heatwaves

Summer has officially arrived and the countdown to Christmas has begun. So Te Whatu Ora is calling for people to stay cool and look out for whānau with the intense heat predicted these holidays.

“With El Niño set to bring particularly hot, dry days, it’s important that we all think about sun protection and hydration, particularly if out with young and old whānau members enjoying the sunshine,” says Dr Sarah Clarke, National Clinical Director, Primary and Community Care, Te Whatu Ora.

“The age-old advice to slip, slop, slap and wrap should be top of mind, as well as to seek shade, keep hydrated and check first whether it’s safe to swim at your local swimming spot.”

Visit the ‘Can I Swim Here?’ section of the Land Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website for the latest information when you’re heading for the water.

Getting prescriptions or health advice

Dr Clarke says if you’re planning on heading to a popular holiday hotspot, to think about your health needs in advance.

“Pharmacies outside the main centres may not carry some medicines, or have limited stock, so it is best to be prepared and take what you need with you,” she says.

“If you or a whānau member is running low on prescription medication, please contact your local GP or healthcare provider now to book an appointment.”

Most general practices across the motu will be either closed or operating limited hours over the Christmas and New Year period.

Visit the HealthPoint website for up-to-date information on GP and pharmacy opening hours.

Hospital emergency departments and many urgent care clinics will remain open – so if it’s an emergency, always call 111 or go to ED if you are seriously unwell or if it’s a life-threatening emergency.

People are also encouraged to consider packing a first aid kit, including a supply of paracetamol or ibuprofen, and some over-the-counter medications for cough and cold symptoms.

“With COVID-19 still circulating in our communities, it is also a good idea to pack some RATs, hand sanitiser and face masks in case you need them,” Dr Clarke says. “If you get sick whether you’re at home or away, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free medical advice 24/7 – interpreter support is available.

“If you’re not sure what to do or where you can get in-person health care, Healthline can also advise what services are open wherever you are in the country.”

You can also call your own GP after hours. Your phone call will be redirected to their after-hours service. A rural after-hours telehealth service launched late last month is another option too.

People in rural areas can access the service by calling 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672) or book online at kaora.co.nz directly or via referral from their rural healthcare provider. The service runs from 5pm to 8am on weekdays and 24 hours a day at weekends and on public holidays.

Support for your mental health and wellbeing

“The holiday season can be a difficult time for some of us and contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Remember to check in on your family, friends and neighbours, even a friendly wave or a quick phone call can keep everyone feeling connected,” says Dr Sarah Clarke.

You can free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day for wellbeing support. You can also call Lifeline at 0800 543354 or text HELP at 4357.

Check out the All Sorts website to find ways to boost your wellbeing this summer.

Simple steps to keep cool this summer

  • Plan ahead - check the forecast, pack enough water and food, use a chiller bag.
  • Drink plenty of water and encourage your children to drink often.
  • Stay out of the sun, find shade outside wherever possible and stay indoors when you can and wear loose and light cotton clothing.
  • If you have to be outside, remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap.
  • Don’t leave children or pets unattended in parked cars.
  • Keep a close eye on neighbours, especially the elderly, to check they’re okay. Remember, children, older people or those with health concerns may find it more difficult to cope with the heat.
  • Keep your house cool by opening windows and doors on the shaded side and close curtains and blinds to keep the sun out. Opening windows at opposite ends of a room can help with cross-ventilation.
  • Keep wet flannels in the fridge to help you cool down, or take a cold shower.
  • Use a fan if you have one, particularly for elderly relatives.
  • You can also identify locations nearby with air conditioning that are free to access such as libraries, shopping malls and other public spaces.
  • Keep cool while exercising. If possible, exercise or do outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Don’t forget to call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for FREE health advice.