taha tinana: physical wellbeing
take care of your body
Look after your Taha Tinana by getting active, eating well and knowing what to do when something isn’t right.
be active
The science is clear: being active is good for your body and your mind!
Any activity is better than none and raising your heart rate is a good thing however you do it. Some experts say that just doing something fun and active with people you like is enough to make you feel happier.
The Ministry of Health website has more detail about how much activity we should all be doing, and a helpful list of resources you can use to get more active.
ministry of health: physical activity resources
Joining a sports club can be a great way to get active and meet new people. At the Sport New Zealand website, you can find lots of advice on getting into sport and see what’s going on in your local area.
eat well
Eating well means different things to different people – but whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, a super chef or a takeaway fiend, make sure you’re eating what you need to get the right nutrition and be a healthy weight.
The Ministry of Health website has some useful guidance on what makes a good diet.
ministry of health: healthy eating
Cook!
Everyone loves a takeaway, but if you cook for yourself, you’ll save money and eat better. You might even be surprised by how easy it is to cook some things, and how relaxing it can be! Get ideas for things to make from healthy eating accounts on social media, or cookery shows on TV.
The Health Navigator website recipes library has hundreds of healthy meal ideas. It’s got a whole section for vegetarian food, and lots of recipes you can make on a budget.
heart foundation: healthy recipes
Grow your own
If you’ve got a garden or a balcony, growing your own vegetables and fruit is another good way to save money and enjoy fresh, seasonal food – and great fun to do with kids.
look after yourself
If you or your child don’t feel well or something doesn’t seem right, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as you can.
Seeing a doctor
If you or your child aren’t feeling well, but it isn’t an emergency, you should visit a family doctor, or GP.
You might already have a family doctor. If you do, you can call them to make an appointment. If you don’t already have a doctor, follow these steps:
- search for a doctor near you online
- call to make an appointment
Remember, children under-14 get free doctor’s appointments in New Zealand and you can get a discount with your Community Service Card.
Seeing a dentist
Your teeth need to last you a lifetime, make sure you look after them and visit your dentist for check-ups once every six months.
if you’re under 18
If you’re under 18, you get free dental care in New Zealand – make the most of it! This includes regular check-ups, and it’s easy to enrol- just call 0800 825 583. The Ministry of Health website has more details of what treatment you can get for free.
ministry of health: publicly funded dental care
if you’re over 18
If you’re over 18 and you have a low income or you get a benefit, you may still be able to get help to pay for the cost of emergency dental care. You can read about the help that’s available at the New Zealand Government's website.
new Zealand government: help to pay for dental care
To book an appointment to see a dentist, follow these steps:
- Search online for a dentist near you.
- Call to book an appointment.
You’ll have to pay for the appointment. You can ask how much it will cost over the phone.
look after your teeth
The better you take care of your teeth, the lower your chances of having an expensive dental emergency! The New Zealand Dentist Association website has lots of great advice about taking care of your teeth.
have safer sex
Knowing your stuff about safer sex can make your life a lot easier. At the Ministry of Health website you can find the most up-to-date information about safer sex, STIs and the different kinds of contraception you can use.
Understanding consent protects you and your partner. Read a helpful overview at the Family Planning website.