Protecting the Troops!
[NZ Army Wellness Expo at Linton Camp Jan 2020]
Public Health’s Julie Beckett, Martin Macmaster, Kerry Metcalfe, Sigrid Lindbom and Michael Whareaitu staffed the Health Promotion stand at the annual Linton Camp Wellness Expo at Linton Army Camp.
The event was a half day where numerous health, and other organisations, set up in the Linton Camp gym providing information and advice to enhance the wellness of Army personnel and their whanau.
Public Health promoted messages protecting the troops from STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections); offered smoking brief advice and where/how to access local stop smoking services TOAM; cervical cancer and Alcohol related harm like FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)and responsible supply of alcohol to young people.
Overall the team interacted with several hundred of those passing through during the day and felt it was a good opportunity to reach out to this group of people.
Not even a little bit? Here's what the research says..
The festive season is here and we're encouraging everyone planning to drink and supply alcohol to do so responsibly.
Recent research out of Australia is for people under 18 to avoid drinking alcohol entirely, as early 'tastings' can lead to increased frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption and increased alcohol-related problems in early adolescence.
If you find it hard to stop drinking or to cut back, please talk to someone you trust or call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797.
More information click
here
Thinking about quitting? - new resources
MidCentral Public Health Services in partnership with MidCentral Community Pharmacy Group (MCPG), Te Ohu Auahi Mutunga (TOAM) Stop Smoking Services, Think Hauora (formerly PHO) and Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance designed the
"Thinking about quitting?" resources.
The resources will be helpful for people who are looking to quit smoking and those who support them. They provide a snapshot of the different forms of stop smoking medications available, information on cost and where to access the products from, along with contact details for local and national stop smoking services. Additionally, the brochure contains some real people stories.
They will be useful for a range of services including local stop smoking services, DHB smokefree health promotion, MidCentral Hospital, midwives, Māori and Iwi providers, general practice, pharmacies and our communities.
“No Mother Intends To Harm Her Children.”
“If you’re going to have a baby, you want it to be the best it can be. Stopping your alcohol intake would be a good step.”
“Don’t Know – Don’t Drink”
The Health Promotion Agency has information on its website and also a “Don’t Know – Don’t Drink” campaign with its own Facebook and Instagram pages. These not only have good advice but put the serious message in a humourous, relatable way.
Support
Partners and whanau can play an important role in supporting a pregnant woman to be alcohol free.
They can support by – joining her in being alcohol-free; discouraging others from offering alcoholic drinks; making sure there are non-alcoholic drinks available at parties and gatherings.
If a pregnant woman is finding it hard to stop drinking they can get help by talking to their midwife, doctor, nurse or other health professional, or contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline is also here for you. Contact them on
0800 787 797,
alcoholdrughelp.org.nz or free text
8681, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
By switching our sugary drinks to water, we can move towards being a healthier community!
Why switch to water?
• Its brewed by nature
• Free from calories
• No chemicals, sugars or preservatives
• It's free
• Available on tap
Mid Central DHB would like to support the New Zealand Dental Association’s (NZDA) ‘Switch to Water campaign’. This year Olympian Eliza McCartney is the ambassador for the campaign. Participants are invited to take the challenge by switching their sugary drinks with water for 30 days.
Switching to water can be habit that you might just stick with. This campaign has options for individuals, schools and workplaces.
All participating schools will be eligible to go in the draw to win; Olympian Eliza McCartney school visit, $500 towards a water fountain, $500 towards sports equipment, All participating workplaces will be eligible to go in the draw to win $500 towards a team building activity
We’re going where the air is clean!
The latest maps of New Zealand Councils Smokefree Outdoor Policies and Spaces
This resource can also be used to help the public find Smokefree outdoor parks, playgrounds, dining areas and beaches in their area that are controlled by Local Authorities (LAs) but also includes those business owners who have also volunteered to become a Smokefree as well.
Do you know of any outdoor Smokefree places we may not know about?
Want to know where you can go to play, relax or dine in a Smokefree Outdoor Areas environment?
Click here to read the
editorial or click below to access the New Zealand Councils Smokefree Outdoor Policies and Spaces maps