At last, the Christmas holiday is almost upon us.
While people are preparing for Santa’s arrival and planning summer getaways, there are important things you can be doing for your health, doctors say.
Ahead of what could be a hot, dry summer, two clinicians share their advice on what you can do now to make it a smooth few weeks for your whānau and ease pressure on rural health services.
Get medication sorted in advance
As a lot of general practices have shut-down periods, Kaitaia-based hospital generalist Dr Sarah Clarke said people should be looking to see their GP now to ensure they have all the regular prescription medication they need.
“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,” Clarke said.
“Making appointments now is critical, if they haven’t already.”
Northland gets “really busy” over summer, so if people take medication with them on holiday, it all helps to “take a little bit of pressure off”, Clarke said, who is Te Whatu Ora’s national clinical director for primary and community care.
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If you, or a whānau member is running low on prescription medication, contact your local GP or healthcare provider now to book an appointment, before the Christmas rush truly sets in.
Dr Jeremy Webber, Clinical Director at Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, said there is good access to healthcare throughout the motu, but it can be more limited in rural areas, so “do pack [medications] as well as the presents.”
Most general practices will either be closed or have limited operating hours over this period. If you’re away from home, you can find local GPs and pharmacies on Healthpoint.
Clarke also advised people to consider packing a first-aid kit, with things like paracetamol ibuprofen and plasters.
Make use of telehealth options
If you happen to forget your medication, Clarke said to contact your usual GP.
If open, they may be able to conduct a telehealth appointment and sort a script over the phone to be sent to the local pharmacy.
If you’re unable to get through, or if this isn’t an option, Clarke recommends people in rural parts of the country contact the Ka Ora telehealth service.
The service (0800 2 KA ORA, or 0800 252 672) provides after-hours clinical telehealth care from 5pm to 8am on weekdays, and 24-hours on weekends and public holidays, for all rural people whether they are enrolled or not with a primary care practice.
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You can 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, Ka Ora, is another option too.
There’s also Healthline, available on 0800 611 116.
Christmas and New Year can also be a challenging time, particularly for those who are isolated.
“Wave at your neighbour over the fence, go and have a yarn… keep an eye on your community, and make sure you’re sharing your celebration with them too,” Clarke said.
If you’re feeling alone or want someone to talk to, 1737 is a 24/7 service available via free phone or text.
Be sun smart and water safe
Forecasters say this could be a hot, dry summer, with the confirmation of the arrival of the El Niño weather pattern in Aotearoa.
Every El Niño is different, but it can bring increased risks of drought and water scarcity, wildfire, heat-related human and animal health concerns, along with flooding.
Clarke said the ‘slip, slop, slap and wrap’ message is really important.
People should ensure they’re seeking shade in the hottest part of the day – don’t plan a big hike on a sunny day between 11am and 3pm, she said.
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, and keep cool.
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Dr Sarah Clarke, National Clinical Director, Primary and Community Care at Te Whatu Ora.
Get into the water, if possible, or use a wet flannel on your neck or forehead to refresh. Use fans, open windows and close curtains on the sunny side of your house to help cool it down, Clarke said.
If you do get too much sun, “hydration is key”.
Too much sun can be dangerous, so if you’re feeling really dreadful – headachey or weak – seek medical support, she said.
Clarke recommended people also check that water is safe before swimming.
Other ways to prepare
Clarke said it’s a good time to check that your immunisations are up-to-date.
Measles has been around this year, so “if you’re not caught up with your MMR [vaccinations], now would be a good time to”.
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With Covid-19 still circulating, it’s also a good idea to pack some RATs, hand sanitiser and face masks in case, Clarke said.
You can also find out if you are eligible for free antiviral medicines if you get Covid-19. You may need to get a prescription organised in advance.
Clarke and Webber encourage people to prepare now, to ensure they’re able to have a great summer.
Hospital emergency departments and many urgent care clinics remain open, so call 111 or go to ED if you are seriously unwell or if it’s a life-threatening emergency.
Healthcare staff working over the summer are doing so “at times everyone else is enjoying themselves,” Webber said, so “a smile and a ‘thank you’ goes a long way”.
