Piritahi Hau Ora

11/03/2026

🫘 WORLD KIDNEY DAY 🫘

1 in 10 New Zealanders has kidney disease, and most do not know it.

Kidney disease is often called a silent condition because you can lose a large amount of kidney function before noticing symptoms.

Thankfully, there are eight simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of kidney disease. They are:

1. Keep fit and stay active
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Check and control your blood sugar
4. Check and control your blood pressure
5. Drink an appropriate amount of water
6. Do not smoke
7. Avoid taking over-the-counter painkillers regularly
8. Get your kidney function checked if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease

If you notice anything unusual, it’s worth asking your doctor or nurse how your kidneys are doing. Early detection can make a big difference.

www.piritahi.co.nz

10/03/2026

⏰ WHEN A LITTLE MORE TIME CAN HELP 💬

Sometimes a standard appointment isn’t quite enough. Symptoms like ongoing fatigue, stress, sleep problems, or feeling generally “run down” can take a bit more time to talk through properly.

That’s where an extended appointment can help.

A longer consultation gives your clinician more time to explore what may be going on, review any relevant tests, and work with you on a plan for next steps.

If you feel an extended appointment would be helpful, please let our reception team know when you book so they can allow enough time for your visit.

www.piritahi.co.nz

09/03/2026

😴 SLEEP IS NOT A LUXURY 🧠

World Sleep Day is this Friday, and it’s a timely reminder that sleep supports both your immune system and your mental health.

So why does sleep matter so much?

When you do not sleep well, your immune system suffers. You get sick more easily. Your stress rises. Your focus drops.

If you are regularly struggling to fall asleep, waking often, or feeling exhausted despite a full night in bed, it may be worth having a kōrero (talk) with your clinician.

Looking after your sleep is one of the simplest ways to protect both your body and mind.

www.piritahi.co.nz

07/03/2026

🌸 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 🌸

Women’s health needs change across a lifetime.

We also know that women’s concerns are sometimes minimised or dismissed. That is why access to safe, respectful healthcare matters.

As always, our commitment to you is to listen carefully, take symptoms seriously and provide evidence-based care.

Not just today, but every day. Because that is what you deserve.

To the wāhine in our team and our community, thank you for the strength and care you bring to your work, your whānau and your everyday life. Our little corner of the world is better because of you.

www.piritahi.co.nz

06/03/2026

Sometimes the best support for new parents is practical help. The image below shares a few simple ways friends and whānau can make a real difference.

04/03/2026

👩‍⚕️ DON’T WAIT FOR WINTER TO CATCH YOU OUT 👨‍⚕️

While it may still feel like summer some days, the calendar says we are in autumn. And winter is not far away (we know…).

As temperatures drop and pesky bugs spread through our community, conditions such as asthma, diabetes, COPD and high blood pressure can become more difficult to control.

If you have one of these conditions, now is a good time to book a review before winter sets in. A simple check-in can ensure your medications are up to date and your management plan is working well for you.

Here’s to staying one step ahead this winter.

www.piritahi.co.nz

02/03/2026

🛡️ PROTECT YOUR HEARING 👂

This World Hearing Day, it’s time to ask yourself a few honest questions. Are you:

Turning the TV up louder than others?
Asking people to repeat themselves?
Struggling in noisy rooms?

Hearing loss often happens gradually and can significantly impact your quality of life.

Turning things up louder to compensate can also cause further damage over time. Once hearing is lost, it is very difficult to restore.

If you are concerned, have a kōrero (talk) with your clinician. Our team is always here to help.

You can read practical tips on ear protection and hearing health here:
https://healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/h/hearing-health-protect-your-hearing/

www.piritahi.co.nz

01/03/2026

🎗️ ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH 👭

Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth. Yet many live with symptoms for years before getting answers.

Painful periods that stop you from working or studying.
Ongoing pelvic pain.
Heavy bleeding.
Severe fatigue.

These are often brushed off as “normal”. They’re not.

If your period pain is affecting your quality of life, getting worse, or simply doesn’t feel right, it’s worth having a kōrero with your clinician.

For more information about endometriosis and support options, visit:
https://nzendo.org.nz/endo-information/

You deserve to be heard. 💛

www.piritahi.co.nz

26/02/2026

We’re often our own harshest critics.

In this five-minute read, Emily Priddy shares a simple but powerful way to quiet that inner voice.

It’s not about pretending the voice isn’t there. It’s about changing how you respond to it. 👇

Overcome self-criticism with Simon Sinek’s guide to self-compassion. Learn to name your inner critic, forgive mistakes, celebrate wins, and self-check for a happier life.

25/02/2026

Around 320,000 people in New Zealand are affected by diabetes.

Why is this significant? Because diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The good news is there are practical steps you can take to lower that risk and protect your heart.

Learn more here 👉
https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/managing-risk/diabetes-and-heart-disease

23/02/2026

Did you know that one in four deaths from heart disease and stroke are avoidable with the right prevention and treatment?

This Heart Health Awareness Month, protect your heart by learning your risk and finding out when to book an appointment with your doctor or nurse using MyHeartCheck.

It’s one of the simplest ways to take a step towards better heart health.

👉 https://myheartcheck.org.nz/

19/02/2026

Healthy lunchboxes don’t have to be complicated. 😮

The Heart Foundation’s lunchbox ideas are packed with practical tips to make things quicker, easier, and heart-healthy for the whole whānau this Heart Health Awareness Month and beyond.

Take a look here 👉 https://hfnz.org/45WI6WO