This page gives brief information on some health issues and conditions that you may be interested in, and includes some links to articles and websites which we believe provide reliable information.
Acne (Acne vulgaris) is the common cause of ‘spots’, blackheads and pimples. Acne is common in people aged between 12 and 35. 90% of teenagers develop some degree of acne. It is estimated that 30% of teenagers have acne that is bad enough to need treatment to prevent scarring. Even mild to moderate acne can cause significant psychological distress and medical treatment can greatly improve the sufferer’s wellbeing. There are a variety of treatments available for acne. Some treatments are topical (applied to the skin) and these may be sufficient to adequately treat mild acne. Often oral treatments (take by mouth in tablet form) are needed.
For more information on acne and its treatment visit www.dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-management/
For good up-to-date information that is easy to follow, the Family Planning Association of New Zealand has excellent on-line resources. This includes pamphlets which can be downloaded.
For detailed information on different methods of contraception visit:
Your doctor can give you contraceptive information and advice. At Hamilton East Medical Centre, a number of doctors provide specialised contraception services including:
- IUCD (including Mirena), and
- Contraceptive implants.
Sexually transmitted infections
Please visit the following websites for information, including downloadable pamphlets:
Immunisation information: the National Immunisation schedule
This is the group of immunisations( vaccinations) that is publicly funded in New Zealand.
For further information on these immunisations and the infectious diseases that they can prevent, go to:
A note about the ‘flu (Influenza) vaccine
Influenza immunisation is available annually and is free to people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women and adults and children with long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Even if you do not qualify for a free flu vaccine, you can still benefit from having one every year.