Let’s be honest: life’s chaotic. Between endless screens, non-stop notifications, and schedules that make us feel like unpaid Uber drivers, finding a moment of family zen seems as…
When can hypnotherapy help me or my child, and what are the benefits of hypnotherapy? Find out all you need to know about this growing practice and how…
It’s cold outside but this easy to make heating pad or wheat bag will help keep you toasty warm. Wheat bags are so easy to make, and they’re…
In the new world of navigating COVID-19, we’ve seen a surge in online healthcare and it’s certainly been welcomed by many. Kiwis across the country can see the…
If you’ve had a baby, you likely attended a 6-week postnatal check with your obstetrician, midwife, or GP. But you may not have had a postnatal check with a women’s…
We really can’t cope without our Mums can we? They’re always there for us, when we need a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to bend. And…
My heart died a little bit when my daughter got ill and my arms could not comfort her. When she looked at the light, and turned towards the…
Winter is high season for colds, viral infections, asthma exacerbations and the flu, but you can reduce the risk of getting sick by making sure that you and…
A beam of sunlight projects through the window and across the bathroom. You notice the dust dancing in the golden light. You can’t see it, but floating in that…
There are several reasons why New Zealanders have a higher risk for developing skin cancers – including a high proportion of the population with fair skin, our low ozone…
Over 2000 years ago, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said ‘All disease begins in the gut’. This is as true today as it was then. When our digestion…
Wet or fine, children (and parents with “cabin fever”) need to explore the world via full-day or half-day outings. Find interesting places to visit in your area — parks, museums,…
Get gardening with your children these holidays. Here are some great gardening activities, projects, and ideas to get kids started. This should keep them busy for at least a…
Find out what can you create with your kids for free or at low cost in our Craft Activities for Parent and Child article. Craft activities like card…
Holidays can be really expensive, so finding some free activities for the children is great. Once you start thinking about it, there’s actually lots of 100% free holiday outing…
Information sharing on periods can be tricky – this information sheet on periods can be used to help explain periods to young people.
When should mums and daughters talk about periods, what advice should we give them and how can we do this effectively?
This article discusses the menopause or change of life and examines what the menopause means to women and their families.
Find out about mammograms and what breast screening is all about. This article also explains who should be having mammograms in New Zealand today.
Many women in New Zealand do not get enough iron in their diet. Read about why women’s health depends upon regular intake of iron rich foods.
Endometriosis – is often referred to as a silent disease or a hidden epidemic, and yet it affects more than 128,000 women in NZ. The words “hidden” and “silent”…
September is Cervical Screening Awareness month, so Kiwi Families (KF) interviewed Helen Waaka, RGON, BN, Registered Nurse and Smear-taker to find out the key issues, misconceptions and fears…
Find out what a cervical smear is all about – who should have cervical smears and why they are recommended.
Breast self examination is recommended to all women over 20, every month. Read on to find guidelines on how to effectively do a breast self examination.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD as it is commonly known, is described here, as well as common signs and possible treatments for those winter blues.
This article covers the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, the treatment and the complications that can occur in children with pneumonia.
This article on influenza – or flu as it is commonly known – explains the common symptoms of flu and how to care for your afflicted child.
This article explains the cause of cold sores, how to prevent the spread of them and the treatment available for cold sores in New Zealand today.
Building immunity is vital as we are all more susceptible to colds and flu in the winter – building your immunity can help you to stay well.
Kiwi Families has provided helpful articles on salmonella and explains this common stomach bug, its signs and symptoms, treatment, risks & complications and how to prevent the spread…
We provide information on gastroenteritis and explains the signs and symptoms, Treatments, Risks and Complications of this bug and the special considerations for children with gastroenteritis.
Read on to find out all about campylobacter, we explain the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of the stomach bug and how to prevent the spread of campylobacter.
This article on urinary tract infections in adults will help you to prevent, treat and to ease the symptoms of urinary tract infection.
Meningitis is inflammation of the layers covering the brain and spinal cord. It is an illness that can be caused by a virus, fungus, parasite, bacterium, medical condition…
This article explains reflexology, the history and the benefits and what to expect from reflexology therapy in New Zealand.
This article on naturopathy explains natural health medicine and how naturopathy can benefit the health of your family and what to expect of your treatment.
This Kiwi Families article on iridology provides parents with a guide on iridology and how it can be used to benefit families.
This article on homeopathy explains the natural healing process of homeopathy and how it may help your family.
Craniosacral Therapy is a very gentle, non-manipulative and non-invasive approach to whole-body treatment.
What is the Aura-Soma® Colour Care System? The Aura-Soma Colour Care System is an internationally recognised natural therapy. It is a non-intrusive, self-selective, self-empowering system that enables you…
This article gives parents an excellent insight into aromatherapy. It explains how aromatherapy may benefit you and how to access this natural therapy.
This article on acupuncture provides parents with great tips on the benefits of acupuncture and how it can help your family.
Men need to know about prostate glands. This article explains the function of prostate glands and its importance to men’s health.
All men over the age of 15 need to look after those testicles. A self examination of the testicles should be part of every man’s monthly routine.
Headaches are very common in the adult and adolescent population. Find out more about types of headaches, headache causes and treatment.
There is increasing awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health among men – for information on maintaining cardiovascular health, read on.
Vitamin and mineral supplements are used commonly in New Zealand, but are vitamin and mineral supplements necessary for healthy toddlers, young children, teenagers, and women?
Women often need advice on staying healthy during the menopause. Here are some great tips on feeling strong and healthy around the menopause.
Most women are aware of the importance of hygiene. For more information on the importance of hygiene for women, read on.
Women and diet – we are obsessed by it! Women probably think about their diet more than any other health related issue.
Women need time out – time out from children, time out from household chores and even time out from their partners. Here is how to get it.
Exercise – we women need to be passionate about it! Women who exercise feel great and look great, so here are some neat ideas.
The role of the public health nurse is many and varied: this article covers the main aspects of the work of the public health nurse and when you are…
This article outlines the role of the practice nurse within a general practioner surgery. It explains when you are likely to need to see a practice nurse and…
This article explains the role of the podiatrist and explains how a podiatrist can help your family. There are also great tips on recognising problems and taking care of your…
This article outlines the history of Plunket in New Zealand and what Plunket Nurses have to offer young families.
Physiotherapists can help family members in many different ways to achieve optimal health. This article covers the role of the physiotherapist in health care and what you or your…
This article describes the role of the pharmacist and explains how advice from the pharmacist can help your family.
This article explains the complex role of the paediatrician in looking after children of all ages, how you can access a paediatrician for your child and some tips…
This article covers the role of the orthodontist, best known in families for corrective braces for teeth. There is also information on how finding orthodontists and how they can help…
This article covers the role of the optometrist, how they can help your family and what to expect from your visit to the optometrist.
This article explains the role of obstetricians and when you may require the specialist care of an obstetrician in pregnancy or childbirth.
This article explains the role of the midwife in New Zealand, how to find a midwife and what they will do during pregnancy, birth and afterwards.
This article on GPs covers the complex role of the General Practitioner, or family doctors, in New Zealand. There is great advice on how to access GP services,…
This article gives information for parents on the role of the doula, a fairly new phenomenon in New Zealand, how to find a doula and what the benefits…
Dietitians and nutritionists are quite different – this article dietitian will help you to understand the difference and know how they can help your family.
Dentists are highly skilled health professionals who offer advice and treatment for teeth and gums. This article explains role of a dentist, how they can help your child…
A dermatologist will treat people of all ages and work both in private practice and in hospitals throughout New Zealand. Find out more about dermatologists, their role, how…
This article contains information on the role of the dental therapist, treatments they may carry out and how to access a dental therapist as well as what to…
This article on chiropractors gives you all the necessary information for finding a chiropractor and knowing whether they may be able to help you, as well as understanding…
Audiologists are highly trained individuals in hearing and auditory problems. This article covers the role of the audiologist, how to find one and what to expect – and…
A vasectomy or male sterilisation is a common and effective form of contraception and family planning. Read about the procedure, costs, the pros and cons of vasectomy.
This article on Tubal Ligation or Female Sterilisation explains how it works, who it is suitable for and the advantages and disadvantages of Tubal Ligation.
This article on progesterone only, or mini pill, explains the advantages & disadvantages of the progesterone only pill as a contraceptive choice.
This article explains the concept of natural family planning, the pros and cons and how natural family planning may work for you.
This article on the Intra Uterine Device / IUD contraceptive explains how it works, who IUDs are suitable for, and the advantages & disadvantages of intra uterine devices.
This article on diaphragms and caps explains how they work, who they are suitable for and the advantages & disadvantages of diaphragms and caps. Note: Diaphragms and caps…
This article on Depo Provera Contraceptive Injection explains how it works, who the injection is suitable for, the risks, the side effects, and the advantages and disadvantages of Depo…
This article on condoms what they are and how they work, the pros and cons of condoms and how to use them safely!
This article explores the combined pill, its advantages, disadvantages, side effects. How does the combined pill work? Will it be suitable for you?
This article on food allergy symptoms and diagnosis gives great advice and information on allergies and nutrition for families in New Zealand.
This article on postnatal depression explores this common condition and the fears and myths that surround postnatal depression.
Understanding male infertility is crucial for couples facing conception challenges. While it often lacks obvious symptoms, there are potential indicators to be aware of. In this article, we’ll…