Teen health

If you are worried about your own drug taking, or a friend, get in touch with the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787... read more about Alcohol Drug Helpline»

Kidshealth has heaps of articles and resources on all sorts of children’s health topics, including (but not limited... read more about Being healthy from birth through the teen years»

Many general practices charge lower fees if you have a Community Services Card (CSC). If you have a CSC, the most you... read more about Community Services Card = cheaper GP fees»

If you have crooked teeth, your dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment which can improve how your teeth look and... read more about Do I need braces? And other questions for teenage teeth»

Childhood injuries are common. Thankfully most of these are minor. But every year in New Zealand children are badly... read more about Eight of the most common ways kids get injured»

Having a health condition or injury might seem limiting, but it doesn't mean you have to stop doing all the things you... read more about Everyday activities can be hard. Here’s how to keep going»

The Ministry of Health funds free hearing checks for children. If your child has a hearing loss, finding it early is... read more about Free hearing checks»

We’ve got some tips to help you get a good, refreshing night’s sleep as often as you can. Good sleep habits will... read more about Get a great night’s sleep, here’s how…»

Dental care is free up until you turn 18, so get it while you still can! The Community Dental Service provides free... read more about Get free dentist visits while you can»

Getting a flu jab is your best defence against influenza and 100,000 Cantabrians have now received theirs. If you... read more about Getting a flu jab is your best defence against influenza»

During and following this COVID-19 Omicron outbreak, influenza vaccination is more important than ever. As our borders... read more about Getting your flu shot early is more important than ever this year»

This Healthy Smiles video will show you some easy ways to keep your teeth healthy and looking good. Good oral health is... read more about Good-looking smiles are easy»

There are people and organisations that can help you. If you, or a child you know, needs help to cope with a family... read more about Help for children whose parents have a mental illness or addiction»

All kids in New Zealand get free dental care up until their 18th birthday. Adults can also be eligible for funded... read more about How to get free dentist visits»

It's important to talk to your children about puberty. Try to start talking to them before signs of puberty develop so... read more about How to talk to your kids about puberty»

Immunisation is the best way to protect yourself and others from infectious diseases. The Ministry of Health funds a... read more about Immunisations: Get them now, get them free»

The evidence is clear: Immunisation is safe. It protects your child from some serious diseases and helps to stop those... read more about Is immunisation safe for children?»

As a teenager you need more sleep than ever, but you also have to deal with increasing school work, sport, and your own... read more about Is your life getting in the way of sleeping?»

If it’s an emergency, dial 111 now. There are lots of reasons young people need help or someone to talk to, such as... read more about It’s OK to ask for help, so who do you ask?»

It’s easy to keep your smile looking good. The Ministry of Health has put together some facts and simple tips on how... read more about Maintain that killer smile»

... read more about Measles and young people: Are you immunised?»

Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral disease that can be transmitted by close contact with skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials.

read more Monkeypox»

When people take high doses of opioids, it can lead to an overdose, with the slowing or stopping of breathing and... read more about Overdosing on opioids»

There are some simple things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the Big C. It’s up to you how many of these... read more about Reduce your cancer risk»

Throughout life good and bad things happen. It is normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed when changes are happening in... read more about Stress is very common. Here’s how to limit it»

Yes. Physical activity is an essential part of life for all children and young people. Children usually want to play... read more about Wait, kids need MORE exercise than adults?»

ACC RugbySmart’s “Warm up, strength & conditioning” programmes are designed to reduce injuries among male and... read more about Warm up plans for rugby players»

Bullying happens in all age groups, but it is not a normal part of growing up. You should feel safe at school, at home,... read more about What to do when your child is being bullied»

All children under 14 years old can get free doctors’ visits and cheaper or free prescriptions. To take advantage of... read more about Zero doctor fees for under-14s»