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Menopausal Symptoms

Navigating Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, often misunderstood and misjudged. Our women’s health expert, Dr Nalini Kohlhagen, is here to explain what menopause is, its common symptoms, and why it’s a time of empowerment.

Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause

Menopause, a biological process, marks the conclusion of a woman’s reproductive years, and usually happens in her late 40s to mid-50s. However, it affects each woman differently, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and personal health. It’s not something to be ashamed of; instead, it should be welcomed. Understanding this transition is crucial, not only for women experiencing it but also for those who support and care for them.

Menopause starts with perimenopause, which can start in your late 30s or early 40s. During this stage, ovarian activity decreases, causing unpredictable periods. As this transition unfolds, the ovaries produce fewer hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to many different symptoms.

Coping with Menopausal symptoms

Menopause happens gradually and spans several years.  It is accompanied by varying symptoms, such as;

  • Hot Flashes
  • Night Sweats
  • Mood Swings
  • Menstrual Changes
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Memory Lapses
  • General Discomfort

These symptoms differ in time and intensity among women. Understanding these changes is essential to navigate the challenges and opportunities that menopause presents.

When Tracey, a mother of two, began experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, and occasional memory lapses, she dismissed them, assuming they would pass.

“As I’m the oldest in my friend group, none of my friends had gone through menopause yet. So it’s not something we ever really talk about or acknowledge, even though we are all kind of getting to that age.”

Many women, like Tracey, avoid discussing or accepting menopause due to concerns about lifestyle changes. Dealing with symptoms proactively is vital. Contact your GP for guidance, questions, and tailored treatment options. Delaying treatment may make things worse.

Lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise, can help with mood swings and sleep issues. Staying hydrated and wearing layers can manage hot flashes. Furthermore, support from friends, family, or those with similar experiences can provide emotional assistance during this transitional phase. Speaking to a healthcare provider, as Tracey did, can offer education and symptom management tips.

“Speaking to my GP was the best thing for me. They were able to educate me and provide me with some tips to help with the symptoms. I’m so glad that I took action quickly, and now I can be there to support my friends who will no doubt go through the same thing soon”

Menopause Treatment

Embracing Menopause for a Healthier You

A common misconception is that menopause is a sign that you are getting old or your body is breaking down. This is not the case, and many women actually find this period to be very freeing and exciting.

It’s important to note that it is not unusual to experience a decrease in libido, as you may find your intimate relationships less appealing, or you may find that your experiences are more painful. If that is the case, it’s important to discuss options with your healthcare provider.

However, this phase can also mean freedom from menstrual discomfort and the need for contraception for many women. Fewer hormonal ups and downs can lead to emotional stability. Menopause can be a time for personal growth, letting women focus on their goals and self-care. Experience and wisdom can boost self-confidence, making menopause empowering.

Finally, it’s essential to be aware of some long-term health considerations. Decreasing estrogen levels may affect bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Cardiovascular health is also important; monitor cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider will help keep you on track with these aspects of your health.

Menopause is a significant yet natural phase in a woman’s life that deserves understanding, acceptance, and even celebration. With the right strategies and a supportive network, women can navigate the path to a fulfilling post-reproductive life.

Contact our clinic today to access expert women’s health GPs and health coaches who can support your wellness journey.

Ear Wax Build up

Clearing the Air around Micro Suctioning

Have you experienced the annoyance of blocked or wax-filled ears? Blocked ears can be a real pain, and worse they can cause long-term damage to your ear canal. That’s why we have asked our experienced nurse Rozena to explain everything from ear wax and micro suctioning to cotton buds and earphones!

Understanding Ear Wax

Ear wax is a wax-like oil that lives inside your ears, predominantly to keep your ear drum clean and healthy. In most instances, ear wax naturally passes out of the ears. For the most part, ear wax is a good thing, as it provides a layer of protection from bacteria and germs for the skin inside the ear, as well as assisting with cleaning. However, like many things in life, it is only good in moderation. For those of us who produce more ear wax than others, it can often block up the ear canal.

Ear wax buildup can be caused by a number of things, most of which we cannot control. Factors that influence excess ear wax include:

  • Eczema in the ear canal
  • Dry skin in the ear canal
  • Genetics

Contrary to many beliefs, earwax buildup is not a sign of bad health. Excessive earwax can occur as a result of various genetic and lifestyle factors. Sometimes the shape of your ear canal can mean you’re prone to excessive ear wax buildup. As far as lifestyle factors, people who spend a lot of time in the water, or in dusty environments tend to produce more ear wax. Neither of these factors means there that you have poor hygiene, however, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your ears and monitor for any signs of blockage.

Ear Health

The Importance of Ear Wax Removal

Not everyone who produces ear wax needs ear suctioning. However, some of us produce more ear wax than others. Therefore we need to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Ears feeling blocked or full
  • Ear pain
  • Hearing has decreased
  • Ringing
  • Ear feeling funny or weird
  • General wax build-up
  • Dizziness

    Blocked ears can affect our daily life, and isn’t something you should leave, as it won’t just go away. There is no specific time frame on how often you should have your ears cleaned, it generally depends on how your ears are feeling.

    If you do notice any of the above symptoms, we recommend that you take swift action. A build-up of ear wax can cause a range of symptoms that can potentially cause short and long-term problems, such as;

  • Ear pain or itchiness
  • A feeling of fullness or blocked ear
  • Ear infection
  • Reduced hearing ability
  • Dizziness
  • Tinnitus

Due to the potential symptoms that can occur, we recommend that you book an appointment as early as possible.

 Ear Wax Removal

When you do notice that your ears are not feeling right, there are a few different actions you can take for ear wax removal;

Ear drops

  • Self-treatment by putting a few drops into your ear. You can buy it from the supermarket.
  • May take a few days to fully clean your ears.

Irrigation

  • Cleans your ear canal with water to flush out the earwax.
  • You can do it at home, but we recommended you get a doctor or nurse to do it.

Micro suctioning

  • A trained clinician inserts a small surgical instrument to suck out the wax.
  • Quick and easy solution.

There are potential risks with all options, we suggest you take the time to do your own research. 

We recommend ear suctioning as the most efficient and safest option for your ear wax removal. Just like a clogged drain can impede the flow of water, the accumulation of ear wax can build up in the ear canal and block the passage of sound. Think of micro suctioning as a gentle, precise instrument, similar to a plumber removing debris from a blocked pipe. With its vacuum-like suctioning power, micro suctioning carefully sucks up the unwanted wax, clearing the path for sounds to travel unobstructed through your ear canals once again.

In some instances, you might not require full ear suctioning, as your ears may only be slightly blocked. In this case, your GP will give you medical wax lubes instead of suction.

What to Expect during a Micro Suctioning Session

A micro suctioning session is a simple procedure. During the session, you will be asked to lie down on your back, and our experienced nurse will begin the micro-suctioning process. The procedure usually takes 25 minutes. While it is not usually painful, you might experience some discomfort or find the noise of the suction strange.

Once the procedure is complete, you are free to go home. Before the session, it is important to note that you might be given instructions on how to soften the ear wax and return for suctioning at a later date. While rare, there is a slight risk of an ear canal laceration (skin tear) and, in severe cases, an ear drum perforation, which would require immediate medical attention.

On a positive note, when you come in for your ear suctioning, we also take the opportunity to check your ears and identify potential infections or other abnormalities.

How to reduce the chance of future ear wax blockages & General Ear Cleaning

As previously mentioned, most excess earwax is due to genetics and ear canal anatomy. However, there are a few things we can do to keep our ears healthy and limit ear wax build-up;

  • Limit earphone/earbuds use as it pushes wax further into the ear – try headphones instead.
  • Avoid cotton buds or putting foreign objects into your ears. Trying to fix blockages yourself often makes things worse.
  • Keep your hearing aids clean – as ear wax can build up on the end of them and lead to blockages
  • Over cleaning your ears – despite the general build-up of wax, your ears have a self-cleaning mechanism in which it regulates the removal of excess ear wax, through chewing and talking. Constantly cleaning your ears may lead to irritation or infection.

Micro suctioning emerges as the safest and most efficient method for removing excess ear wax. This procedure, performed by our specialist trained nurses effectively relieves discomfort and restores proper hearing. By prioritizing micro suctioning and avoiding harmful practices, individuals can address blockages and maintain optimal ear health.

Book your appointment now with Ormiston Medical!

Remove Ear Wax Blockage

Drivers Licence Test for Heavy Vehicle | Ormiston Medical

Get a Heavy Vehicle Licence Medical Test

A heavy vehicle licence is something you might need if your job requires you to drive a truck, trailer or roller. However, when you apply for your heavy vehicle licence, you must present a DL9 Medical Certificate. Fortunately, our team is here to support you in acquiring a DL9 Medical Certificate.

When do you need a heavy vehicle licence?

A heavy vehicle license is required to operate a range of vehicles, including; 

  • Roller
  • Bus
  • Truck
  • Truck with a trailer

There are different types of vehicle classes, but in our clinic, we often see class 2 truck licences.

Ormiston Medical has a lot of businesses that need the class 2 truck licence, which requires you to obtain a DL9 medical certificate. However, we have to ensure that you’re fit to drive, to earn this certificate.  So come and see our clinic to take a driver’s licence medical check as per the rules and regulations of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)

What are the NZTA medical requirements for a class 2 licence?

You must present a medical certificate that meets some preset requirements when applying for a class 2 truck licence. It is necessary that a New Zealand-registered health practitioner must complete your medical certificate. This could be your doctor (GP) at the clinic you’re enrolled at, a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, or a specialist if appropriate.

The simplest way for you to get a certificate is to ask your GP to complete a Waka Kotahi medical certificate. The certificate must be no more than 60 days old when presenting it to the NZTA. It must also either state that you’re safe to drive or give a set of conditions in which it is safe for you to drive.

What to do to prepare or expect from the medical exam?

A driver’s licence medical examination is very simple and straightforward. Usually, we begin with a driver’s licence eye test. Next, we will ask you to fill out a simple form, from the New Zealand Transport Agency. This form states that you must declare if you have any medical conditions that may require a medical certificate. This is to ensure your safety as well as that of the people you share the road with. You should declare any of the following medical conditions;

  • Diabetes 
  • High blood pressure
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Joint problems
  • Nervous/mental disorder
  • Other conditions which may affect your ability to drive, such as fatigue, disabilities and dementia

Our fantastic team can provide you with the driver’s licence medical assessment to demonstrate you’re fit to drive. Please call customer service to request an appointment with your GP or an Ormiston Nurse, as this cannot be booked via MyIndici Patient Portal

100% vaccinated team | Ormiston Medical

Our team are 100% vaccinated

Proud to have fully vaccinated staff

We hit a great milestone of getting our team 100% Vaccinated for Covid-19 this week. We’ve been encouraging our South Auckland communities to get vaccinated to build their immunity. It’s important to us that we lead from the front.   So, all of our staff at our clinics have prioritised getting their second jabs, so we are fully Covid-19 vaccinated.

We’re committed to 100% team Vaccination across our clinics

Our sister clinics, Botany Junction & Highbrook Medical, and the team at Ormiston Medical are committed to maintaining our 100% team vaccination rate. Firstly, this means that we now have another way of protecting not just ourselves and our families, but also all of our community when they come to see us at any of our clinics.  We will continue with all the other good ways of protecting you. This includes wearing gowns and masks and washing or sanitizing our hands. We’ll ask you to scan in with the Covid Tracer, wear a mask and keep two meters from other people while visiting the clinic. 

Secondly, we would love to ask you to join us to achieve another very important goal. Please help us make this happen.

Helping Aotearoa achieve a high goal too

We want to vaccinate as many people in our community as are able to have the vaccine. That is all of you over the age of 12 years!  It’s a big target, but a very important one to reach.

It’s really important because if you’ve had both doses of the vaccine are much less likely to get very sick or be hospitalised if you do get Covid-19. Also, when more of us are vaccinated, it will be harder for the disease to spread.

Most importantly, by having the Covid vaccination you can protect your whole family.  This includes those children under the age of 12 who cannot be vaccinated yet but can still get sick. We know that Delta can affect all ages, so the best way to protect everyone from getting ill – from little babies to elderly – is to vaccinate. 

Also, because our team are 100% vaccinated, we can give extra protection to our kuia and koroua and people with long-term illnesses like diabetes, who are more at risk if they do get sick.  Protecting our loved ones and our neighbourhood is a team effort.

Still unsure about having the vaccine?

This is something we can achieve if we all get on board. But, if you are still a little unsure about having the vaccine, please ring to talk with us. Our team speak many different languages and we are happy to listen to your questions. We can help you make sense of any confusing things you may have heard on social media or from friends. We are very open to hearing your worries.  We’re sharing the content we think you need to know on our Facebook page, so follow us there for updates.

Staying focused on moving to Level 2

Remember, if you have even the slightest sore throat or runny nose call us to get tested for Covid 19.  We’ve done great work as a community in the last weeks. Keep your bubble small, shop and exercise locally, scan in and wear a mask.

Most important of all, come to get a vaccination. Reach out to all your family and friends to help them feel comfortable about coming for a vaccination too. It is really our best way back to a more normal way of living, returning to work, attending activities, events and rejoining the community activities that we all love.

Finally, we want to extend our gratitude to our amazing staff for standing together in this goal of having our team 100% vaccinated. It’s no mean feat getting everyone onboard across 3 clinics, so we feel privileged to work with a team who stands behind each other in all aspects of their work.

Covid-19 Lockdown questions

Lockdown Covid-19 Questions Answered

As we go into Alert Level 4 Covid Lockdown we’ve had lots of questions. It’s normal to feel anxious and feel uncertain at times like this, and we’re happy to help you to understand by answering some frequently asked Lockdown Covid-19 questions. 

The recent community outbreak of COVID-19 is a timely reminder that we are still battling against a global pandemic. The new Delta variant is more virulent, and this means that it can spread more easily from person to person.

Our team is proud to support the community by taking part in the vaccination campaign. We are now vaccinating anyone aged 40+. People aged 30+ can be vaccinated from 25 August onwards and anyone aged 16+ from 1 September.

You can book an appointment to have your Covid-19 vaccine at Ormiston Medical here. Select Ormiston by adding the following code: KDE8ZFQ93D .

Meanwhile, here’s the information on common Lockdown Covid-19 questions.

Covid-19 FAQs

What do I need to know about the Delta Covid Variant? 

Several cases of Covid 19 have been detected in the community and this outbreak is different from last time as it is of the Delta variant, which is very easily passed on. This is because it is more contagious than other variants. Symptoms can be more serious and there is a higher risk of hospitalisation. Keep up great hand hygiene, get a Covid Swab if you have symptoms and most importantly get fully vaccinated. This gives you a high degree of protection, especially if you’ve had 2 doses.  

If I have had two doses of the Covid vaccination, can I still get Covid 19?

Fully vaccinated people are less likely to become infected, however, it is still possible for some vaccinated people to catch Covid 19, especially this Delta variant.

It is also possible for vaccinated people to pass on the infection, so it is really important for you to follow the advice given to all people at Level 4. 

Research from the UK shows that having two doses of the Pfizer vaccine gives 96% protection against a person needing hospital admission. (1) Being fully immunized against Covid-19 also provides a high level of protection against severe illness from the new Delta variant.

What happens if I have only had a first dose of the Covid Vaccination?

This will not give you the degree of protection that you need to fight Covid 19 if you do become infected. It is really important to get your second dose of the vaccine.  From 19th August vaccination centres will again be open for vaccinations. If you are booked for a vaccine please do attend your appointment. We have been working to make this a safe environment for you and for our staff.  We will contact you if we need to change your appointment. If you need to make your 2nd vaccination time, call us or use the new National Booking System. 

 

What should I do if I have not had a Vaccination yet? 

You might be wondering, should I bother to get a vaccination if it does not guarantee that I will not get infected or be able to spread Covid 19?

Apart from maintaining good hand hygiene, staying at home if you have any respiratory symptoms and getting tested; one of the most important things that you can do is to get vaccinated when offered.

Covid Vaccination   is our best defence against not getting a severe illness or dying from Covid 19. It is also the best way we can protect our whānau and our community. 

If you are in an eligible age band, that is all people 40 and over,  phone one of our clinics now to book a Vaccination now. 

New Zealand has secured enough Pfizer vaccines to give everyone over the age of 16 years the recommended two doses. Whilst you can still get Covid-19 when fully vaccinated, you are likely to get much milder symptoms.

How can I protect myself from Covid and keep whānau safe:

  • Stay at home as much as possible, unless you are:

– exercising in your neighbourhood, 

– going food shopping, to the chemist, petrol station 

– going for a Covid Vaccination or Covid test.

  • Wear a mask when you leave home and keep a distance of 2 meters from other people 
  • Use hand sanitiser or wash and dry your hands often. 
  • Use the Covid Tracer App at all places that you visit
  • Clean all high touch surfaces regularly  

If you have respiratory symptoms or have been in a location of interest stay at home and call us for advice and to arrange a free Covid test.

If you are fully vaccinated, your immune system is prepared to fight the virus and you have far less risk of becoming seriously ill or dying if you do become infected. 

Can I see the doctor about other health complaints of illness?

Remember it is safe for you to come into our clinic, but please phone ahead if  are seeking treatment you think you have been exposed to Covid 19, or if you have respiratory symptoms or a cold or flu-like illness. 

Our most important message to all our patients is  DO NOT DELAY MEDICAL TREATMENT.   If you are ill with non- Covid symptoms or need to see a doctor, please seek advice.  Give us a call to book an online consultation, or if you need to be seen in person this can be safely arranged. Prescriptions can be ordered using our Patient Portal. In an emergency dial 111.  We are here to answer your Lockdown Covid-19 questions.

Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout South Auckland

Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout

The team at Ormiston Medical is very excited to announce that we are opening our COVID-19 vaccination clinic next week, for our registered patients by appointment only.

We are proud to be amongst the first GP clinics to start rolling out the vaccinations to East and South Auckland Primary Care patients. 

From next Monday 17th May, our team will start vaccinating,  by booked appointment only, the following people as per MoH guidelines:

  • East and South Auckland people who are aged 65 and over
  • Māori and Pacific people older than 55 years.

We’ll be keeping you updated as soon as we know more about when we can open vaccinations to the general populations. 

Please note that you may also receive a message from Counties Manukau DHB inviting you to attend one of the mass vaccination sites for your vaccine.

You can choose where you receive your vaccination, the most important thing is to get it done.

Please keep a lookout on the government Covid website for updated information

FAQs

What do I need to do to get a Covid vaccine? 

We will contact you to make an appointment when you are eligible for your Covid vaccine.

Do I need an appointment? 

Yes, you are required to have an appointment. You can contact one of our Customer Service team members on 09 265 1325 to book a time that is convenient for you.

Given the Ministry of Health Administration process required and after vaccine observation time necessary, we recommend that you allow up to an hour for this appointment to be completed.

How do I prepare for the vaccine?

If you have had another vaccination recently, such as the flu or a Tetanus vaccination please make sure you wait 2 weeks before getting the COVID-19 Vaccination.  If you have had the Zostavax (shingles) vaccine you will need to wait 4 weeks until you can have your Covid vaccine.

No other preparation is required but, as usual, only come into the clinic when you have no covid related symptoms.

Which Vaccine will I get?

In New Zealand, we have access to the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine. The shot is given in the muscle of the upper arm. The clinical trials performed on the Pfizer vaccine show it’s approximately 95% effective against symptomatic COVID-19, seven days after receiving two doses.

When will I get my second dose?

The second dose must be at least 21 days following your first dose. We will discuss your vaccination schedule during your appointment and book another appointment.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

We recommend that you bring a water bottle and something to read/do during your observation time.

What else should we be doing?

Vaccines are just one part of our strategy to keep COVID-19 out of New Zealand. We need to keep washing our hands, staying home if we’re unwell and using the COVID Tracer App or keeping a record of where we’ve been. Testing for Covid will be an important ongoing part of keeping Aotearoa safe.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccination Safe?

Medsafe have a great resource here about their vaccine assessment and approval process.

No vaccine will be made available for public use in New Zealand until Medsafe complete their assessment and it’s been approved.

Read more about the safety of the Vaccine at the MOH site.

Will there be side effects?

Like all medicines, the vaccine may cause side effects in some people. Most side effects are mild and don’t last long.  The shot may cause temporary pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the injection.

Find out more about side effects

What is New Zealand’s MOH Vaccination Plan?

  • to put safety first with all COVID-19 vaccines
  • secure enough safe and effective vaccines to protect Aotearoa and the Pacific
  • protect Māori, Pacific peoples, and other groups at greater risk of COVID-19
  • make it easy for people to get vaccinated
  • ensure we are prepared for future outbreaks
  • support New Zealand’s contribution to global wellbeing.

If you have further questions, or to book an appointment, please call us on 09 235 1325.

If you would like to find out more about becoming an enrolled patient at our clinic.

healthcare and medical centre

We are open!

Welcome to Ormiston Medical Centre. We are delighted to announce the opening of our beautiful, state-of-the-art facility. You’ll know our sister clinic, Botany Junction Medical.

We provide outstanding low cost health care for the East Auckland community. We’re currently enrolling new patients at our modern medical centre, where we provide high-quality health care, cost-effective pricing and a friendly atmosphere.

We’d like to extend a special welcome to the patients of Somerville and Highgate Medical clinics. Your normal Clinical teams are looking forward to caring for you here soon.

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