Positively Pacific

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Positively Pacific

Growing a healthy and thriving Pacific community offering information and news around healthy living.

The Positively Pacific page & website has been setup in partnership between Pacific Health Service Providers and the 2DHBs in the Wellington region. Our aim is to help get accurate information to our Region’s Pacific communities in the battle to stop the spread and if possible, to eliminate coronavirus. With your help, Positively Pacific will keep our families and our communities safe wit

h up-to-date information, advice and important updates on how to reduce the impact of Covid-19. The information on this website will be available in English and wherever we are able to, also in different Pacific languages. Positively Pacific has web links to important web pages and social media sites so that you have the most up to date information we can provide. Ultimately we want positive health outcomes for our Pacific population in all areas of health and well-being.

18/06/2026

As part of our Men's Health Awareness Week campaign, today we're focusing on Excess Weight and Waist Circumference.

For many Pacific men, carrying excess weight around the waist is more than just a cosmetic issue—it can significantly increase the risk of serious health conditions and reduce overall quality of life.

A large waistline is linked to:
⚠️ High blood pressure
⚠️ Heart disease
⚠️ Type 2 diabetes
⚠️ Stroke
⚠️ High cholesterol
⚠️ Sleep apnoea
⚠️ Joint and mobility problems
⚠️ Kidney disease

Fat carried around the abdomen places extra strain on the body's organs and is one of the strongest indicators of future health problems.

✅ Ways to Reduce Your Waistline:
• Be physically active every day
• Choose water instead of sugary drinks
• Reduce takeaway foods and processed snacks
• Increase fruit, vegetables and lean protein
• Watch portion sizes
• Get enough sleep
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Set realistic goals and make small, sustainable changes

Remember, even a small reduction in waist size can lead to significant improvements in your health.

Looking after your health isn't about being perfect—it's about making positive choices that help you stay strong for your family, your children, and your community.

Take the first step today. Your future self will thank you.

16/06/2026

We continue our Men's Health Awareness Week campaign, and today we're focusing on Heart Health.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of serious illness and death among Pacific men. The good news is that many heart attacks can be prevented by recognising the warning signs early and making positive lifestyle changes.

❤️ Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
• Chest pain, pressure, tightness or discomfort
• Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw or back
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual fatigue

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. If you think someone is having a heart attack, call emergency services on 111 immediately.

✅ Ways to Reduce Your Risk of a Heart Attack:
• Get your blood pressure checked regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active most days of the week
• Eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods
• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress
• Get regular health checks, especially if you have a family history of heart disease

Looking after your heart isn't just about living longer—it's about being there for your family, your community and future generations.

Know the signs. Know your numbers. Protect your heart.

14/06/2026

It's Men's Health Awareness Week, and unfortunately many of our Pacific men are living with high blood pressure (hypertension), a condition that can lead to serious health complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other long-term health issues.

The challenge is that high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, which is why it's known as the "silent killer."

Today's post focuses on High Blood Pressure (High BP) and some of the common symptoms and risk factors to be aware of.

Knowing your numbers is one of the most important steps you can take for your health. Regular blood pressure checks can help identify problems early and allow you to make positive lifestyle changes before more serious complications develop.

Take care of yourself, encourage your brothers, fathers, sons, uncles and friends to get checked, and let's work together towards healthier Pacific communities.

10/06/2026

Exciting news from from PHSHV, with their recent announcement.📣

A new General Practice. A new model of care. Designed with and for you. Watch this space.

07/06/2026

🤒 FLU AWARENESS – KNOW THE EARLY SYMPTOMS

The flu often comes on quickly and can leave you feeling much worse than a common cold. Knowing the early warning signs can help you take action sooner.

⚠️ Watch for:
🌡️ Sudden high fever (38°C or higher)
🥶 Chills and severe body aches
😷 Dry cough and sore throat
😴 Extreme tiredness and weakness
🤕 Headache and loss of appetite
🤢 Nausea (especially in children)

If you notice two or more of these symptoms, it's a good idea to rest, stay hydrated, and monitor how you're feeling.

Looking after yourself early can help reduce the spread of illness and support a faster recovery.

02/06/2026

🦠 FLU AWARENESS – PROTECT YOUR FAMILY 🏡

When someone in your household is unwell, taking a few simple steps can help prevent the flu from spreading to the rest of your whānau.

✅ Keep the sick person in a separate room if possible
✅ Wear a mask when caring for them
✅ Wash your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds
✅ Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, phones, and benches
✅ Use separate utensils, towels, and bedding
✅ Open windows to improve airflow and bring in fresh air

A little extra care today can help keep your family healthy tomorrow. 💙

29/05/2026

Forget the fad diets. Forget trying to look like someone on your social media feed. 🙅‍♀️

Real health isn't about dropping a dress size in 30 days — it's about feeling good in your body for the next 30 years.

Small changes stick. Big overhauls don't.

Here are a few easy swaps to start with:
🥤 Swap one sugary drink a day for water or herbal tea
🍽️ Add one extra vegetable to whatever you're already cooking
🚶‍♀️ Walk somewhere you'd normally drive — even once a week
🛒 Shop the edges of the supermarket — that's where the real food lives
😴 Treat sleep like nutrition — your body repairs itself while you rest
🧂 Ease up on the salt shaker and ultra-processed snacks gradually — your tastebuds actually adjust

None of these are dramatic. That's the point.

You don't need to eat like an influencer or follow a plan that costs $80/month. You just need to make slightly better choices, slightly more often.

That's a healthy lifestyle. And it's yours to build — at your own pace, on your own terms. 💚

26/05/2026

We need to talk about something that surprises a lot of people. 💬

Stroke is not just something that happens to older people.

Christian was 18 years old — in the middle of a rugby league game — when he had a stroke.
Candra was a young mum going about her everyday life.
Preston was young, active, and had no warning.

Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. And that's exactly why every single one of us needs to know the signs.

F — Face drooping
A — Arm weakness
S — Speech difficulties
T — Take action. Call 111.

Know it. Share it. Talk about it with the people you love — whatever their age.

For more information visit: stroke.org.nz

22/05/2026

Busy mums, working women, caregivers — this one's for you. Movement doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful.

Try one of these today:
✅ Stretch while the kettle boils
✅ Walk around the block at lunch
✅ Dance in the kitchen (yes, that counts)

Drop a 💪 in the comments if you're committing to your 10 minutes today.

19/05/2026

Here's something worth knowing this May. 👇

High blood pressure is the number one modifiable risk factor for stroke in New Zealand.

And the tricky thing? You can't feel it. There are no obvious symptoms. Many people live with high blood pressure for years without knowing — until something serious happens.

The good news? Checking your blood pressure is quick, simple, and free.

Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand offer free blood pressure checks in communities across the country. If you haven't had yours checked recently, this May is the perfect time.

Take 10 minutes. It could be the most important thing you do this month. 💛

👉 Most Pacific Health providers can support.

Also some Pharmacies offer Blood Pressure checks for a small fee.

Address

Capital And Coast District Health Board Wellington Hospital, Riddiford Street Newtown
Wellington
6021

Website

https://positivelypacific.org.nz/

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