Call to Arms!
Dr Hans Raetz
I have written an opinion piece in the Mountain Scene Newspaper already, but it is timely for me to write in our practice newsletter again.
The Southland and Otago District Health Boards are currently canvassing the population of their respective areas for their opinion on the proposed merger of the boards.
Why should Queenstown patients care about this?
- If you want to dilute the influence of a parochial and Invercargill Hospital centric administration- vote for the Otago-Southland DHB.
- If you think that Queenstown is getting a sore deal from SDHB and Dunstan Hospital is getting better services- vote for Otago-Southland DHB
- If you had enough of constant infighting at your health board and minimal progress in Queenstown- vote for Otago-Southland DHB
- If you want to access services in Dunstan for cancer care or Dunedin for cardiology- vote for Otago-Southland DHB
This is our once in a lifetime opportunity to shape the future of our health services the way that we want it!
Don’t miss out!
If you want to vote:
http://www.southlandhealth.co.nz
"Here comes the sun....do do do do"! (sing)
By Practice Nurse Margi Bryant
Well, the sun is now shining in ever increasing quantities, albeit still too often filtered by cool winds and snow capped peaks!! Yes, it is supposed to be Summer, even if mother nature seems to be taking her time changing the seasons...again!
But despite the changeable weather, with these warmer sunny days, this is the time of year we all get caught out without the sunblock and the hats. It’s so nice getting out of winter clothes and getting our skin in the sun again, but we forget about the risk - you can get burnt just as easily now as in February. As the Cancer Society says, its not the sun's heat that burns, its the ultraviolet radiation (UVR). New Zealand is amongst the highest in the world for skin cancer - it is a reality and it can happen to anyone. So look after yourselves and protect your kids from lifelong skin damage - remember the Cancer Society mantra of Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. Keep a hat, T-shirt and sunscreen handy.
And while we're thinking about skin....unwrapping from winter clothes is also the time to check out our skin for any moles or freckles that are different to last time you looked. Don’t ignore it - a quick check by your GP can clarify if there is anything needing attention, and gives you peace of mind.
Now with all that outdoor activity and exercise you're into as the warmer days become more regular, remember to rehydrate during and after your exercise, bike rides and walks. This applies to anyone working outdoors too, as a whole day sweating in the sun will dehydrate you. It is important to replace what you're sweating out. If you have a dry throat your body needs water. No matter your level of fitness or age, every body needs good hydration to function well. So keep the water intake up - you will certainly feel better for it.
So let's stay skin safe and well watered this season
and.....
Smile and make a wish for a real summer!
EXERCISE TIME
Dr Tonya Cruikshank
Enjoy the Spring and Summer weather and get your heart pumping!
Now is a great time to get out and enjoy our stunning scenery. Regular exercise is great for weight control, muscle strength, aerobic fitness and helps to keep you in a good mood! Current guidelines recommend 30 mins of moderate intensity exercise (brisk walking) on most days of the week, as a measure to help reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event (stroke, high blood, pressure, heart attack). If you are already managing this, you may need to do more exercise to reduce your risk further. Come and see your doctor if you have any concerns about exercise, if you have any symptoms related to exercise or you are about to start a programme.
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Inside Page Two...
• Call to Arms - Dr Hans Raetz
• Here Comes the Sun
• Exercise Time
• Coming Events
• Kids Tri 2009
• Salvation Army Xmas Tree Appeal
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Links:
- Page One
- Page Two
- Page Three
- www.qmc.co.nz
COMING EVENTS:
Jacks Point Triathlon
Race 1 of the Salomon Southern Tri series. New event and great way to get the season started. 400m* (TBC) swim, 20km bike & 5km off-road run. Shorter course available for kids. Duathlon & team options. Saturday, 5 December 2009
Lake Hayes Triathlon
Race 2 of the Salomon Southern Tri series. The original triathlon. 750m swim (or 4km kayak), 20km bike, 5km off-road run. Duathlon & team options. Sunday, 27 December 2009
KID'S TRI 2009

QMC is again one of the gold sponsors and is providing medical support at the Kids Triathlon held on the Frankton Lake front, Sunday the 13th Dec. This is a great day for everyone!
During the month of December, QMC will have Christmas Trees at all three surgeries for you to donate food items to

“The Salvation Army Christmas Tree Appeal”


Is located upstairs from QMC
and is open 7 days.
Monday - Friday: 7am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Their facility has a full rehab gym and pilates area. Acupuncture and massage service is also available.
Phone 441 0580
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