Woodham Road Medical Centre

05/12/2025

Helpful tips for preventing or improving type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes can be prevented or improved by making lifestyle changes including:

* Healthy eating: Eat a balanced diet. Consider how much and when you eat, being mindful of carb, fibre, fat and salt intake. Find healthy and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.

* Being active: Regular physical activity helps your cells use insulin and lowers your blood sugar

* Getting enough sleep: Poor sleep can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

All of these are important to your long-term health. If you’re struggling with your eating, exercise or sleep habits, please seek support and advice from our expert clinical team. We’re here to support your health and well-being.

02/12/2025

Diabetes is when the level of glucose in your blood is too high.

If it’s not controlled, it can damage the organs in your body. The amount of glucose in your body is controlled by hormones - primarily insulin. With diabetes, your body is unable to produce insulin, or it doesn’t respond properly to the insulin it produces.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes:

* Unexplained weight loss
* Frequent urination
* Extreme hunger
*Irritability
* Excessive thirst
* Extreme tiredness
* Blurred vision
* Slow healing cuts and bruises

If you notice any of the above symptoms in you or a family member, it’s important to talk to a GP for testing, diagnosis and treatment.

30/11/2025

Measles Outbreak - FREE vaccines are now available

Measles is highly infectious. This year in Aotearoa New Zealand we have already had cases of measles. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is now FREE in New Zealand for adults and children.

After one dose of the vaccine, around 95% of people are fully protected, and after 2 doses, 99% of people are fully protected. The MMR vaccine is the best form of protection against measles.

Book your free MMR vaccine today at one of our medical centres! If you or your whānau feel unwell, please stay home and call us before visiting.

Learn more: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles

08/10/2025

🏠 Moving soon? You may not need to change healthcare providers! With over 65 medical centres nationwide, we can help you transfer to one of our other practices.

Speak to our team before you go to find out more.

View our full list of medical centres here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/

06/10/2025

Prostate checks are a simple way to look after long-term health, sexual function, and quality of life.

💠 When to start the conversation?
- If you’re 50+ (and have a prostate), have a chat with your GP about screening.
- If you have a family history (dad/brother diagnosed before 65) or you’re Māori or Pacific, talk to your GP earlier — from 40–45.
- Screening isn’t usually recommended over 70, but your GP can advise based on your health.
- Noticed changes (peeing more often, pain, blood, etc.)? Don’t wait — book in.

💠 What to expect?
- Most people start with a PSA blood test. A higher result doesn’t always mean cancer, but it may mean further checks.
- Depending on results, your GP might suggest a digital re**al exam, repeat PSA, or a specialist referral.
- We’ll talk you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Learn more:

Men should be proactive in taking responsibility for their health & wellbeing, and getting tested regularly. More options are available if prostate cancer is detected before it causes symptoms (not common in the early stages). Not all doctors are proactive in promoting prostate cancer testing so men...

01/10/2025

Regular cervical screening picks up early HPV changes and can prevent most cervical cancers.

▪ Who’s it for?
If you’re 25–69 and have a cervix, you’re due every 5 years — even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine. First timer? Book your first test at 25.
If you have unusual bleeding, pain, or discharge, please see your GP now — don’t wait.

▪ How it works
You can do a quick vaginal swab yourself in a private space at our clinic. Many people find it faster and more comfortable than a smear. It checks for HPV, and results go straight to your GP. If HPV is found, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

To book a smear, please call us.

Learn more:

Cervical screening every 5 years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Find out how to get cervical screening.

29/09/2025

There are a variety of contraception or birth control methods that prevent pregnancy, each with pros and cons. 👍👎

If you're considering contraception, your chosen method will come down to personal preference, and how your body feels. Here we compare some of the most common contraceptive options available. 💊

We recommend talking through the available options with a GP or Nurse Practitioner. If one method is giving you negative side effects impacting your life, please come back and see us, so that we can look at another option for you.

Some contraceptives may also be subsidised - ask your GP or NP to find out more.

To book an appointment, please use The Doctors App or call us.

28/09/2025

A reminder that we offer confidential, supportive sexual & reproductive healthcare.

We can help with:
- Contraception (pills, IUDs, implants, emergency contraception)
- Pregnancy testing & options counselling
- STI & HIV testing/treatment (incl. access to PrEP)
- Cervical screening — self-test swab or clinician smear
- HPV vaccination (ages 9–26)
- Prostate checks
- Support for sexual concerns
- Reproductive health care: preconception, fertility, menopause

To book an appointment, please use The Doctors App or call us.

09/06/2025

🌧️ Seasonal changes can affect your mood — especially with less sunlight, colder days, and more time spent indoors. Feeling a bit low or slow is normal at this time of year. But if it's impacting your daily life, it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a type of depression triggered by the seasons.

Small steps can help:
✔️ Get outside in the morning light
✔️ Stay active — even gentle movement helps
✔️ Boost your vitamin D through food or supplements
✔️ Reach out for support

💬 If you or someone in your whānau is facing mental health challenges or looking to make positive behavioural changes, we encourage you to book a FREE appointment with our Health Improvement Practitioner or Health Coach. They can provide guidance, coping strategies, and the support you need to navigate this stage with confidence.

05/06/2025

Flu vaccines are still available — have you had yours?

🛡Getting vaccinated on time is the best way to stay protected during autumn and winter.

This year's funded vaccine (Influvac Tetra) is FREE for people who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Pregnant people
- People aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible conditions
- Children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
- People aged 6 months to under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions.

If you don’t fit the eligibility for the funded vaccine, you can still get the flu vaccine with us for a small fee.

📲 To book, please use the MyIndici patient portal or call us on 03 389 9385.

02/06/2025

Struggling to breathe in the colder weather? 💨You’re not alone.

1 in 6 Kiwis live with a respiratory condition, and autumn and winter can make symptoms worse. Cold, damp air and more time indoors can trigger flare-ups — especially for asthma, COPD and bronchitis.

Breathe easier this winter:
✔️ Keep up with flu & Covid vaccines
✔️ Use your medications regularly
✔️ Keep your home warm, dry & ventilated
✔️ Stay active — even short walks help
✔️ Quit smoking, if you smoke
✔️ Chat to your GP or nurse about an action plan

If your breathing feels different or you’re worried, book an appointment with your GP or nurse.

30/05/2025

Our practice will be closed on Monday, 2nd June for Kings Birthday and on Friday, 20th June for Matariki.

For general health advice outside of our hours, call Healthline on 0800 611 116. If you require in-person care, please visit your nearest urgent-care facility. In an emergency, call 111.