Preventing ill health is an established goal of modern general practice. There are several ways of helping to prevent disease in our lives, such as stopping smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and cutting down on alcohol, reducing stress. Regular health checks can help prevent illnesses which can be ‘silent’ at an early stage.

For example you should have your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD - heart disease and stroke) checked if you are a man over 45 or a woman over 55.  If you are Maori, Pacific Island, Asian, or have other risk factors such as smoking, your risk should be assessed 10 years earlier.

Ask your doctor or practice nurse what regular check-ups you should be having. Some medical centres in our group now offer special wellness clinics to help keep your health on track. And if you are an enrolled patient we can send you reminders for the following check-ups:

• Regular screening – chronic conditions
  This is an important service for those who require regular screening for a particular illness, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, people on epileptic medication, and other health conditions.
  
• Childhood immunisations
  Parents will be notified as the various immunisations fall due. If you need more information, please talk to the practice nurse. If you do not want your child to have immunisations please let us know.
  
• 9-month infant development assessment
  While no immunisation is currently required at 9 months, we like to see your baby at 9 months to check growth and development.
  
• Cervical Smears
  Women who are or have been sexually active are encouraged to have regular cervical smear tests from the age of 20 until they turn 70. You can call the practice nurse to check if and when a smear is needed. We work with the National Cervical Screening Programme, and unless patients request otherwise, anyone who has a smear taken is automatically registered.
  
• Mammograms
  We work with Breast Screen Aotearoa to remind women aged 45 to 69 to take advantage of free breast screening provided by the national breast screening programme

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