| Rakaia Medical Centre |
February 2012 Marcel, our PODIATRIST , is here once a month, so please phone for an appointment. This month he will be here on Monday 27th February. Because Marcel is here only one day a month it is essential to book early. Will, our OSTEOPATH, is here every Tuesday from 9am till 6pm. Catherine, our PHYSIO, is here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday every week. Anyone can refer themselves to these Professionals - you don't have to be referred by your GP. Suzanne Croft - our ARTHRITIS CO-ORDINATOR can be contacted on 03-308-2211 or in Christchurch on 03-379-6718. Dr Samanthi left at the end of 2011 so we are in the process of trying to find another GP to replace her. In the meantime we have Anna Higgins - a Nurse Practitioner coming one day a week and Heather Maw - a Rural Nurse Specialist coming twice a week to help Jean-Marc until we find someone else. We are very grateful to these ladies as it certainly takes the pressure off Jean-Marc. LESIONS Lesions removed at our practice by the Doctor will cost far less than going to Christchurch. Plastic surgeons and Skin specialists are encouraging GP's to do these in their surgeries to prevent long waiting lists and with the same result as you would have, going to Christchurch. Our Doctors have been trained in removal of lesion procedures. If you would like them to check out your suspected sunspots, blemishes etc please ring and make an appointment. HEALTHY TIP
Breastscreen Aotearoa is a free National Breastscreening programme that checks women for early breast cancer. Women are entitled to a free mammogram every 2 years if you meet the following criteria:
1. Are aged 45-69 years 2. Have no symptoms of breast cancer 3. Are not pregnant or breast feeding
The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. 3 out of 4 women who get breast cancer are 50 years or older. Mammograms are X-rays that detect breast cancer early, which means a very good chance of successful treatment. The X-ray is safe because it is only a tiny amount of radiation every 2 years. Being fit, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are also important in preventing breast cancer. The Breastscreen Mobile unit has finished its Ashburton stint but will be back for 2 months in the middle of 2012. If you are due for a mammogram please phone 0800-270-200 and make an appointment.
A lot of our registered patients are having success quitting smoking with Champix. To see if you are eligible or if you want smoking cessation advice, please let us know. We are here to help.
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