– Young people urged to get free HPV immunisation
New mural from DHB musical
Last year staff and patients of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board were encouraged to audition for a play written by playwright Andrea Kidd , wife of the BOPDHB Physiotherapy Leader Martin Kidd .
A Matter of Taste played in the 16th Avenue Theatre for four performances and was extremely well attended . This success resulted in a profit from ticket sales and those who were part of the production agreed where the profits would be spent : on art , music , and rehabilitation equipment .
Earlier this month , a vibrant mural , illustrated by BOPDHB staffer Christine Clark , and funded by the A Matter of Taste profit , was unveiled in Tauranga Hospital ’ s physiotherapy gym . In addition new rehabilitation equipment and music equipment for the wider DHB service was also bought .
Eleven year old Stephy White , who starred in the play and is a regular user of the area where the mural now resides , helped Andrea Kidd officially unveil the mural .
Stephy describe the gym as looking really grey and boring and “ blech ” before the mural was installed .
The cast of ‘ A Matter of Taste ’.
“ I think the new mural ' s pretty cool , my favourite part is the ocean and seeing the animals . The toys and the new equipment look pretty fun and I think they ' ll be pretty good to exercise with too .”
A Matter of Taste director Martin Kidd said he was chuffed to finally unveil the mural and gift the rehabilitation equipment to the service , on behalf of the cast and crew of A Matter of Taste .
“ The mural was designed primarily with children in mind , but we hope people of all ages will appreciate it .”
Playwright Andrea Kidd together with patient and star of the show Stephy White officially unveil the new mural .
Young people across the Bay of Plenty are being encouraged to get their free HPV immunisation .
Your Choice , Your Chance
– Young people urged to get free HPV immunisation
Young people across the Bay of Plenty are being urged to ensure they are protected from a common virus that can cause some cancers .
The human papillomavirus ( HPV ) immunisation is now available for both males and females , aged 16-26 . It ’ s free and helps to protect against HPV , a group of very common viruses that infect about four out of five people at some time in their lives . HPV causes cells to grow abnormally and over time can lead to cancer . HPV causes almost all cervical cancer and several other cancers that affect both males and females .
“ The vaccine is safe , very good at preventing HPV infection , and at reducing the HPVrelated cancer risks for young people into the future ,” says Dr Jim Miller , Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service .
“ My advice is that you take this chance , and choose to reduce your cancer risk for the future ,” says Dr Miller .
Make an appointment today with your doctor to get your free HPV immunisation .
For further information visit www . ttophs . govt . nz / HPV
Unique Online Health Hub Launched to Celebrate Hapū Health
The health of whānau and hapū was celebrated at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae in Whakatāne recently , as Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service , along with many collaborative partners , launched a one of a kind online Māori health hub to local whānau , hapū and iwi .
Hapū Hauora is a unique health resource hub available at www . hapuhauora . health . nz that has been developed with hapū and whānau to specifically improve Māori health and celebrate whānau wellbeing .
Hapū Hauora provides hapū with baskets of knowledge , ‘ Ngā Kete Mātauranga ’, around three health areas ; oranga kai ( healthy food ), auahi kore ( smokefree ), and te karonga I ngā momo mate ( avoiding infections ). Within each of these kete are resources , tips , interactive tools , and templates whānau can use to improve their health - using the marae to set the example and lead the way for tamariki .
An integral component of the initiative has been the inclusion of hapū throughout its development . Group interviews were held with a number of local Eastern Bay of Plenty hapū to discuss key health priorities , and a Reference Group established to provide overall guidance and advice to the initiative . The Reference Group consists of active hapū members who also have health sector experience , a number of them employed within local Māori health providers .
Hapū Hauora will be a living resource and will be continuously updated with relevant Māori health information as well as the opportunity for whānau and hapū to contribute success stories of health in action at their marae .
In the near future there will be two additional health areas developed to support whānau to whakakore waipiro ( reduce alcohol intake ) and increase korikori tīnana ( physical activity ).
• For more information go to : www . hapuhauora . health . nz
• To subscribe to the Hapū Hauora Kumara Vine panui email hapu . hauora @ bopdhb . govt . nz or go to www . hapuhauora . health . nz / hh _ panui