Health
Hospital apologises for acrid smoke from its medical waste incinerator
Wednesday 9 October 2019 | Published in Health
A miscalculation of wind direction by the Rarotonga Hospital maintenance crew saw thick, acrid smoke blanket outpatients, emergency wards and carparks this week. Patients exited the wards to escape the fumes.
Cooks kids face world's worst obesity rates
Wednesday 9 October 2019 | Published in Health
A major international report reveals Cook Islands faces the highest childhood obesity rates in the world – and lacks any policies restricting food retailers from targeting kids.
PM Puna issues health caution in Niue speech
Wednesday 2 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
The Prime Minister has warned that climate change is exacerbating health risks in the Pacific.
New warning as dengue bites back
Wednesday 2 October 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
Three new cases of dengue were admitted to Rarotonga Hospital last week, after a lull in which public health officials had hoped this year’s outbreak was tapering off.
Public meeting to debate chlorination
Wednesday 2 October 2019 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Health
The Koutu Nui is hosting a community meeting tonight for those who want to discuss the treatment of Rarotonga's water supply, 6.30pm in the Calvary Hall in Puaikura.
Urgent plea for nurses
Sunday 22 September 2019 | Published in Health
An urgent call for nurses and nursing managers has been issued by the Ministry of Health.
Health head favours preventive approach
Sunday 22 September 2019 | Published in Health
After a week on Mangaia, Secretary of Health Dr Aumea (Josephine) Herman is renewed in her mission to move the ministry toward preventive, rather than reactive, health care.
Water treatment: Chemicals 'like medicine you don't need'
Tuesday 17 September 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Billboard-carrying protesters outside the High Court were given the news they wanted to hear yesterday, when a judge put an effective six-month hold on work to treat Rarotonga drinking water.
First Aiders are go!
Saturday 14 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health
Yesterday was Clean Up the Cook Islands Day; today is World First Aid day. So tomorrow may have to be the day of rest!
Tap and go for water
Friday 13 September 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
The new water authority is almost ready to switch on the new intakes and begin treating Rarotonga’s water – but for a court bid to bar chemicals from the water catchments.
Tourism boss: Fight fat with tax
Wednesday 11 September 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
He’s one of the Cooks’ biggest resort owners; now Tata Crocombe has put his weight behind health experts’ calls for a “junk food tax” to shrink the country’s waistlines.
Scientists' call: Tax junk food
Monday 9 September 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
All sugary, fatty and salty foods should be taxed, says study. Jonathan Milne and Gray Clapham report. Scientists are urging policy makers to “seriously consider” introducing a broad junk food tax to help curb the obesity epidemic.
Measles: 'We should expect the worst'
Saturday 7 September 2019 | Published in Health
Health officials charged with preventing a measles outbreak say they are “expecting the worst”.
'Genetics loads your gun your lifestyle pulls the trigger'
Tuesday 3 September 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Cheryl Marsters and her family believe in natural remedies and they live it every day.
Mosquito larvae in tyres, pot plants and worse
Tuesday 3 September 2019 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Health
The Public Health national cleaning campaign or Tutaka, with the mission to safeguard against diseases transmitted by mosquitos, such as dengue, was held last month with several issues discovered and reported.
Big clean-up coming to clear dengue fever
Monday 2 September 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
The number of people being diagnosed with dengue fever has fallen off dramatically, the Secretary of Health says.
Warning: Babies at measles risk
Saturday 31 August 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
Parents are urged to isolate small babies from anyone who could be carrying measles. As Auckland-based Cook Islanders fall victim to New Zealand’s major measles outbreak, people here are urged to stay calm – and cautious.
Big clean-up coming as health authorities work hard to get rid of dengue
Saturday 31 August 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
The number of people being diagnosed with dengue fever has fallen off dramatically, the Secretary of Health says.
Dr Aumea on island rescue mission
Thursday 29 August 2019 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health
The Secretary of Health is flying to Mangaia to investigate concerns – as news emerges of an injured papa who had to pay for his own medical evacuation.
Data shows dirty water at stations
Tuesday 27 August 2019 | Written by Jonathan Milne | Published in Health
Two of Rarotonga’s most notorious drinking water stations have cleaned up – but the remaining four continue to have high contamination levels.
