Conifer Gardens Medical Centre

12/02/2026

🎒 SUPPORTING KIDS WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANXIETY 💚

Back-to-school season is well underway across the motu (the country), and for many whānau it brings a mix of excitement and worry. If your child is feeling anxious about returning to school, that’s okay. It’s a very common feeling.

The good news is there are simple, practical ways to help children feel supported and more confident:

❤️ Let your child know it’s normal and common to feel anxious.
🛡️ Remind them of times they’ve been brave before, and that they are safe, loved, and cared for.
👏 Praise their effort when they try something that feels hard for them.
🧩 Help them think through small solutions if challenges come up.
🗪 Keep conversations calm and open so they feel heard and supported.

For more guidance, visit KidsHealth NZ 👉 https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/anxiety

www.cgmc.co.nz

10/02/2026

🧠 WHAT YOU REPEAT, YOUR BRAIN BELIEVES 💭

Our brains learn through repetition.

That’s why the thoughts we return to again and again can start to feel true, even when they are not based on facts. Our brains love familiarity.

Thankfully, Daniel Pink recently shared a timely reminder about how this works and why repeating accurate, positive thoughts really matters.

Swipe through the slides below for a simple explanation and a moment to pause and reflect 👇

05/02/2026

✨ LOOK AFTER YOU, TOO 💚

You can’t be everything to everybody and nothing to yourself.

So many of us spend our days showing up for whānau, work, friends, and everyone else who needs us. But when there’s no space left for you, something has to give.

This is your reminder that caring for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. Even small moments of rest, reflection, or support can make a real difference.

If you’ve been feeling stretched, tired, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Our team is here to listen and can help you explore the support options that may be right for you.

www.cgmc.co.nz

04/02/2026

🎗️ WORLD CANCER DAY 🎗️

Today, we acknowledge everyone affected by cancer. Whether they’re living with it, have faced it, or are the whānau, friends, and carers walking alongside someone on their journey.

It’s also a moment to reflect on the choices and actions that can reduce our risk, support one another, and keep pushing for better outcomes for all.

Change is possible when we act together.

www.cgmc.co.nz

01/02/2026

📄 12-MONTH PRESCRIPTIONS: WHAT TO KNOW 📄

From today (1 February 2026), some people may be eligible for a 12-month prescription instead of the usual 3-month repeats.

Here’s a helpful explainer from The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners on what these changes to prescribing lengths mean for you and your whānau 👇

28/01/2026

🧠 MIGRAINE IS MORE THAN A HEADACHE 🧠

Migraines are a complex neurological condition that can affect work, family life, and overall wellbeing.

New data from the New Zealand Health Survey shows that around 628,000 adults experienced migraine symptoms in the three months before the survey. That’s a significant number of people living with pain, fatigue, and disruption to everyday life.

If migraine affects you or someone in your whānau, a few practical steps can help with management and support:

📝 Keep a simple migraine diary to identify patterns and triggers
💤 Prioritise regular sleep, meals, and hydration
🌿 Manage stress where possible, even small changes can help

Migraines look different for everyone, and support should be personalised.

Talk to our team about treatment options and when preventive care might be appropriate, especially if your migraines are becoming more frequent, severe, or harder to manage.

You don’t have to just push through it 💙

www.cgmc.co.nz

27/01/2026

Not all dopamine is created equal.

Choose habits that help you feel good tomorrow, not just right now 💙

23/01/2026

A little laugh for your Friday afternoon. Have a great weekend! 😊

20/01/2026

Learning new things isn’t just fun, it’s also good for your health! Keeping your brain active can support mental wellbeing, boost confidence, and help reduce stress.

Here are a few reo phrases you can use when the weather is actually playing nice for once 😅

19/01/2026

💚 EVERYDAY MOVEMENT MATTERS 🚶‍♂️

Did you know that being physically active is proven to boost wellbeing and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression? And being active doesn’t have to mean working out at the gym!

Simple, everyday movement can make a real difference to how you feel, whether it’s a walk, gardening, stretching, or playing with tamariki.

The Mental Health Foundation has created a helpful guide to getting started with physical movement that feels achievable and enjoyable. Read it here 👉 https://mentalhealth.org.nz/wellbeing-hub/a-guide-to-starting-physical-movement

www.cgmc.co.nz

13/01/2026

☀️ SUMMER HEAT SAFETY TIPS 🌡️

As the weather heats up, remember these simple tips to stay safe in the heat:

💧 Drink water often (even if you don’t always feel thirsty)
🧢 Keep cool by seeking shade and wearing light clothing
🏠 Keep indoor spaces cooler by closing curtains during the day (open windows and doors for airflow if you don’t have air conditioning)
☀️ Slip, slop, slap, and wrap when heading outdoors
👥 Check in on whānau, neighbours, and friends (especially older people and young children)
🐾 Make sure pets have fresh water, shade, and a cool place to rest (avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day)

Take care, look after each other, and stay safe in the heat ☀️

www.cgmc.co.nz

13/01/2026

Gosh, this is something so many people need to hear, as school is just one part of your journey 👇

If you are getting your exam results back today, remember that it is normal to feel upset or disappointed if you didn't get the results you hoped for.

No matter what happens, your results don't define you or your potential.
💜 💚 🩵