Devonport Health Centre

20/11/2025

With asbestos recently appearing in the news, WorkSafe is reminding tradies and businesses that there are no excuses for failing to protect workers and others from the risks of asbestos exposure.

Learn how to protect yourself and others at 👉 https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/asbestos/asbestos-awareness-week/

19/11/2025

📣 REMINDER: HEALTH & WELLNESS MORNING! 💙

Here is a friendly reminder that the Devonport Health Centre team is hosting a special Health and Wellness Morning on Saturday, 29 November.

This relaxed, community-focused event is a chance to learn about key health topics with guidance from our clinical team, including short talks from Dr Ben and Dr Ori. It will cover:

🥗 Healthy weight management advice
☀️ Skin checks and sun safety
🌿 Menopause support
✈️ Immigration medicals
🩺 And more!

EVENT DETAILS

🗓️ DATE: Saturday, 29 November
⏰ TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍 LOCATION: Devonport Health Centre (Upstairs), 20 Victoria Road

REGISTRATION

To help us plan for the day, please register your interest here 👉 https://forms.gle/52AYHmdXsuFSCana7

Everyone is welcome, so feel free to share this with your family and friends. We hope to see you there!

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

18/11/2025

☀️ HELLO SUNSHINE? HELLO SUNSCREEN! 🧴

Summer is on our doorstep. Here's a friendly reminder to keep your skin protected by:

🛡️ Using lots of sunscreen and reapplying it often.
Any parts of your body that you cannot cover need sunscreen. Rub sunscreen into clean, dry skin 20 minutes before going outside.

✅ Choosing the right sunscreen.
Always use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

🥄 Using enough sunscreen.
Aim for about one teaspoon for the major parts of your body, including each arm, each leg, your front and your back.

📆 Checking your sunscreen's expiry date.
Expired sunscreen will not protect you.

Here's to enjoying the sunshine safely and making the most of the warmer days ahead.

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

14/11/2025

🧰 NUTS & BOLTS: SUPPORTING MEN’S HEALTH 💙

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, but early diagnosis and treatment give you an excellent chance of coming out the other side A-OK.

Movember’s Nuts & Bolts tool covers the essentials, from understanding risk factors and checking your nuts to knowing what to do if something does not feel right.

It also includes practical tips to support your mental health, including ways to improve sleep, manage stress, stay active, and stay connected.

Take a few minutes today to look after yourself. It could make all the difference. Learn more here 👉 https://nutsandbolts.movember.com/

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

Whether you’re facing testicular cancer, supporting someone through their journey or simply wishing to learn more, Nuts & Bolts has the resources you need.

13/11/2025

📣 SPECIAL EVENT: HEALTH & WELLNESS MORNING! 💙

The Devonport Health Centre team is hosting a special Health and Wellness Morning on Saturday, 29 November, and we'd love for you to join us.

This relaxed, community-focused event is a chance to learn about key health topics with guidance from our clinical team, including short talks from Dr Ben and Dr Ori. It will cover:

🥗 Healthy weight management advice
☀️ Skin checks and sun safety
🌿 Menopause support
✈️ Immigration medicals
🩺 And more!

EVENT DETAILS

🗓️ DATE: Saturday, 29 November
⏰ TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍 LOCATION: Devonport Health Centre (Upstairs), 20 Victoria Road

REGISTRATION

To help us plan for the day, please register your interest here 👉 https://forms.gle/52AYHmdXsuFSCana7

Everyone is welcome, so feel free to share this with your family and friends. We hope to see you there!

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

13/11/2025

🌿 STAY SAFE WHEN GARDENING 🌿

Did you know that inhaling dust from potting mix or compost can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection that can be life-threatening?

Protect your lungs by following these simple steps:

👉 Use potting mix or compost outside
😷 Wear a well-fitting face mask (N95 or respirator is best)
🧤 Wear gloves when handling potting mix or compost
✂️ Open bags carefully with scissors, away from your face
💧 Dampen the mix first to reduce dust
🧼 Wash your hands thoroughly after gardening and before touching your face or removing your mask

Taking a few extra precautions can make all the difference. Stay safe while enjoying your garden this season. 🌸

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

11/11/2025

👀 IS IT MEASLES OR CHICKENPOX? 🌡️

With measles spreading in New Zealand, it’s important to know the difference between measles and chickenpox. The two are sometimes mixed up, but they’re very different illnesses, and measles is more severe.

Here’s what to look for:

MEASLES

Starts with:

🔥 a high fever
👁️ red, itchy eyes
😮‍💨 a cough
🤧 and a runny nose

A rash follows, beginning on the face and spreading across the body.

CHICKENPOX

Starts with:

🩹 itchy blisters all over the body

It often comes with a mild to moderate fever and tiredness.

Both viruses can cause serious illness, and measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, or hearing loss.

Thankfully, both illnesses have vaccines. Check you’re up to date with your immunisations for the best protection.

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

06/11/2025

👀 HOW TO: CHECK YOUR PAIR 🍐

Testicular cancer is the number one cancer in younger guys. The good news is that it's highly curable when caught early.

A simple monthly self-check can help you spot any changes early. While every nut is unique, here's how to check your pair:

🚿 STEAM
The best time to check is after a warm shower, as the heat relaxes and loosens things, making it easier to feel for any changes.

👌 ROLL
With your thumb and finger, roll one testicle to learn what's normal for you. Then, feel for any lumps, swelling, or changes in size or shape. Roll gently, there's no need to rush!

🔁 REPEAT
Do the same for the other side. It's that easy.

You can also get guidance on what's normal and what's not here 👉 https://nz.movember.com/are-my-testicles-normal

REMEMBER: If something feels wrong, don't wait. Talk to us. Make that appointment and play it safe.

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

04/11/2025

🚨 MEASLES IS CIRCULATING IN NEW ZEALAND 🚨

Measles is here, and the risk of it spreading in our communities is increasing. It's highly contagious and can cause serious illness, especially in children and those who are not fully immunised.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

🤒 Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, and a rash
💉 Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect about 99% of people
✅ The vaccine is free for under-18s and for adults eligible for funded care

Now is a great time to check your immunisation status. If you're unsure whether you've had both doses, our team can help you check and catch up if needed.

📞 IMPORTANT: If you or your child develops a fever and rash, please call us before visiting the practice so we can take precautions and help keep everyone safe.

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

02/11/2025

🧔‍♂️ STAND UP FOR MEN'S HEALTH THIS MOVEMBER! 💙

Movember is here! And it's your chance to take part in something that matters.

Whether you're growing a moustache, getting active, or simply checking in with your mates, every action helps reduce preventable men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges.

Want to know how you can get involved or support the cause? Visit 👉 https://nz.movember.com/ 👈 to learn more about the movement and how your actions can make a difference.

This month, we also encourage all men to book a check-up and prioritise their wellbeing. A quick visit to your healthcare provider can make a real difference.

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

22/10/2025

🌟 HOW TO BRING MORE HOPE INTO YOUR LIFE 🌟

Hope is more than just a feeling. It is a powerful tool for your mental wellbeing.

Hopeful people are less likely to experience depression or anxiety, and a strong sense of hope can also build resilience, helping you cope when life gets tough.

The good news is that hope can grow. With small, positive actions, you can train your mind to focus on what is possible and give yourself things to look forward to.

👉 Swipe through for practical tips from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand to help you build more hope day by day.

www.devonporthealth.co.nz

20/10/2025

💻 TECHNICAL ISSUES RESOLVED ✅

The cause of our recent technical issues has been identified, and a fix has been implemented.

All systems are now back up and running normally, and our IT providers are monitoring everything closely to ensure stability.

Thank you for your patience and kindness while we worked through this. Your understanding always makes a big difference, and we’re glad everything is back on track.

www.devonporthealth.co.nz