Practice Newsletter
16 December, 2006

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

& A HEALTHY HAPPY NEW YEAR

Christmas is upon us again, every year it seems to come around more quickly. We hope you all have an opportunity to spend time with family and friends through the holiday season. Maybe some time relaxing in the sun- when it decides to shine!

The Medical Centre will be closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and for New Years Day and the day after, (Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th December and Monday1st and Tuesday 2nd January). We will be open for appointments 8:30am to 5:00 pm for the days in between.

News

Counselling Amanda Wilde has joined Terri Walters, enhancing the counseling resource available at the Medical Centre. Amanda is a qualified gestalt psychotherapist who is looking forward to forming therapeutic relationships with a wide variety of people, to work on an equally broad number of problems and concerns. When not at work Amanda is a dedicated mother who relaxes with biking, swimming and especially dancing. Amanda's card is available at reception. She welcomes calls to discuss counselling and to make appointments.

Podiatry Unfortunately our podiatrist Mathew Franken left to go to Australia. We have not been able to replace him, but are still looking and a little bird tells me getting very close.

Travel Vaccinations These are now available from the surgery. Karen is available to provide advice and vaccinations. Please book an appointment with her for this. Prices are available on request.

Nurse appointments The nurses are now able to see you for various problems without the need to see a doctor. This can include uncomplicated bladder infections and contraceptive advice. If you think the nurse may be able to help check with the receptionist when asking for an appointment.

Phone Advice Should you want results or phone advice that are not urgent please contact the nurses between midday and 2pm as they do not have booked appointments at that time and it is easier for them to take the call directly. There is an answer phone if the nurse is treating patients away from her work station. Please leave a message including your name and contact phone number -they are very good at promptly returning your call.

Prescriptions and letters Most prescriptions and letters require a visit to the doctor. If you are requesting a phone script please remember to call the nurse well before your pills run out. All scripts will be ready in two working days. If letters or scripts are required urgently on the same day an increased charge will apply.

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Eat More Fruit and Vegetables

What are the health benefits if I eat enough fruit and vegetables?

You have a lower chance of developing cardiovascular diseases due to atheroma ('hardening of the arteries'). For example, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, or a stroke.

• You have a lower chance of developing some cancers such as bowel and lung cancer.
• Fruit and vegetables also:
• contain lots of fibre which help to keep your bowels healthy. Problems such as constipation and diverticular disease are less likely to develop.
• contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, which are needed to keep you healthy.
• are naturally low in fat.
• are filling but are low in calories. So, are ideal to keep your weight in control.

One study showed that, for people of the same age, there were about a quarter less deaths in those who ate lots of fruit and vegetables compared to those who did not. This was mainly due to a reduction from three common causes of death in the NZ - heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

How do fruit and vegetables prevent illness?

They are rich in vitamins and minerals which keep the body healthy. They also contain chemicals called 'anti-oxidants', such as carotene, which are thought to protect against damaging chemicals that get into the body. However, the exact way in which they prevent illness is not fully understood.

One portion of fruit or vegetables is roughly equivalent to:

• One large fruit such as an apple, pear, banana, orange, or a large slice of melon, or
• Two smaller fruits such as plums, kiwis, satsumas, apricots, etc, or
• One cup of small fruits such as grapes, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc, or
• Two large tablespoons of fruit salad, stewed or canned fruit, or
• One tablespoon of dried fruit, or
• One glass of fresh fruit juice (150ml), or
• A normal portion of any vegetable (about two tablespoons), or
• One dessert bowl of salad.

Medical certificate for driver licence.

Drivers must renew their driver licence at age 75, 80 and every two years after that.

When renewing your licence from age 75, your health and vision must be regularly checked, both for your own safety and the safety of other road users.

During your appointment your doctor will discuss your present state of health with you and test your eyesight. He or she will then recommend whether you are:

• medically fit to drive without restrictions
• medically fit to drive - with conditions (such as corrective lenses, time-of-day restriction, distance restriction)
• medically fit to drive - but referred for an On-road Safety Test due to uncertainty about your ability to drive safely (see below for more information)
• to be referred to a specialist (such as an optometrist or occupational therapist driving assessor) for further assessment
• not medically fit to drive. In this case your doctor is required to advise Land Transport New Zealand. Unless notified otherwise, your licence will expire on your birthday, as indicated on your photo driver licence.
  If your doctor decides you are medically fit to drive, he or she will provide you with a Medical certificate for driver licence.

The On-road Safety Test

If your doctor decides you are medically fit to drive, but is unsure about your ability to drive safely, he or she may issue you with a Medical certificate for driver licence enabling you to renew your driver licence, provided you pass an On-road Safety Test with a testing officer.

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Some points to ponder……

• Old age ain't no place for sissies - Bette Davis
• I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb - and I'm also not blonde. - Dolly Parton

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