Preventative Health Care
A large proportion of a G.P. ‘s work is based on preventative health care.
Children all need routine “Well Child Checks” at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, 9 months, 15 months, and 4 years. These are free and are available from your G.P or your local plunket nurse.
Our practice nurses provide a free immunisation service and they all have a high level of expertise in this very important task. Immunisation is often performed at the same time as a well child check and it is helpful if you inform the reception staff that your child requires an immunisation when you phone to make the appointment. There is detailed information about each immunisation in the “Health Topics” section of this website.
Men are well known for avoiding preventative health care although recent promotion of issues such as prostate cancer screening have certainly helped improve things.
We feel that all men in the practice should be aware of their latest cholesterol level and blood pressure as men are at particular risk of heart disease. Around the age of 50 , men should consider prostate cancer screening at least every 2 years. We provide a comprehensive Well Male Check which takes 30 minutes, please ensure that you ask for a well male check when booking an appointment.
Women over the age of 20 are encouraged to take part in the cervical cancer screening programme. Our lab provides us with quality testing that is of an international standard. We also offer the new “Thin prep” smear test. If you have any questions on smear testing, our nurses are happy to talk to you . There is also information available in the “Health Topics” section. Karen Adams NZRN is a qualified smear taker who you can book with for routine smears.
Full contraceptive advice is avaiable and we offer Depo Provera injections and IUCD insertion for women who choose these contraceptive options.
Annual breast examinations and mammograms are advised for women between 40 and 50, and at least 2 yearly testing for women 50 and older.
We are able to advise women with concerns about osteoporosis and refer as needed for appropriate testing.
Skin cancer is particularly common in Auckland. A spot check should be carried out every year, especially in fair skinned people. Any new skin spots that are unusual should be checked out as soon as possible.
Adult patients would benefit from an annual heath “check-up” and we often find people have numerous questions and “minor” problems that can be sorted out in this consultation. This is also a good time for skin checks and the like. It is worth remembering to have a tetanus booster every 10 years.
We also have Nurse dedicated to helping with Care Plus CVD risk assessment and Diabetes and diet advice. Karen is available for appts if you have any worries about your health and feel that you need a risk assessment.
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