NZ Herald - Wellness Feature July 2022

A New Zealand Herald Commercial Publication | Thursday, July 14, 2022

Wellness

Taking care of your wellbeing this winter INSIDE: Food & Nutrition | Healthy Homes Mindfulness | Sleep | Eye Health | Brain Food

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WELLNESS WEL LL L L N E SS

inside

Keeping well over winter

7

Brain drink boosts performance

9

Vegetables important for improving health

10

Being healthy is now easier than ever

11

The science of sleep

18

Regular eye checks can prevent vision loss

19

Keeping your home warm this winter

21

Living well with Arvida

12

Mindfulness programme empowering youth

24

Breastfeeding support enables choice

26

Writer Ruby Harfield | Designer Courtney Wenzlick | Print Commercial Manager Kelly Spice Head of Commerical Publishing & Innnovation Margaret Hawker Advertising Enquiries E: Kelly.Spice@nzme.co.nz | M: 021 605 297 A NZME PUBLICATION

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6

WELLNESS

Air purifier blows viruses and flu away

The future of health On the 1st of July 2022, New Zealand moved to a new national health system. At first it will look and feel the same, but having a national system means changes can be made over time to achieve better health and better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

The new health system has been designed to enable a whole-of-country view to planning and delivering services, helping it to be efficient and consistent everywhere.

A healthcare system that is nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored will address things like surgical waiting lists. It also means that when it comes to health services, where you live will matter less than what you need.

All of the health reform changes are designed to reduce the pressure on specialist and hospital care.

Find out more about the changes at futureofhealth.govt.nz

New testing has found a Daikin air purifier used widely in homes, workplaces and schools is 99.9% effective at removing certain airborne viruses, including the common flu and the human coronavirus which is one of the viruses that causes the common cold.

A Daikin spokesperson says indoor air quality is a key concern for Kiwis due to the ongoing impact of winter colds and flus and heightened awareness due to the pandemic.

“People spend roughly 90% of their time indoors so creating a healthy and safe indoor environment is essential for helping to protect against airborne nasties.”

The testing, conducted by Guangdong Detection Centre of Microbiology in Shanghai, examined Daikin’s Streamer Technology filtration process used in its MC55YPVM Air Purifier.

The Streamer Technology helps

to remove bacteria, mould, airborne particles, allergens, dust, and pollen from indoor areas using a high-performance electrostatic filter that traps the virus.

A high-powered plasma discharge then generates electrons to decompose / eliminate harmful substances.

Asthma Foundation data indicates 1 in 7 Kiwi children have asthma (1 in 8 adults) and 700,000 New Zealanders suffer from respiratory diseases.

“When there is limited or no air circulation and ventilation there are a range of pollutants and allergens which contribute to poor indoor air quality.

“The results of our ongoing testing provides positive and beneficial information that can be used to help communities to improve indoor air quality and ultimately support better health outcomes for Kiwis,” says the Daikin spokesperson.

Wellness recommends with

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Th here’s even Tribulus and Zinc to help support immunity an nd male sexual health.

Healtheries Women’s Multi One-A-Day is formulated to help ou keep up with all the things you need to do. Not only is yo it packed with all the vitamins and minerals women need most, it also provides Siberian Ginseng and high-strength B vitamins to support your energy levels. There’s also Prrobiotics, extra Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid, and Iodine.

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Disclaimer: Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. If you are suffering cold and flu symptoms, stay at home and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice. Vitamins and minerals are supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet.

WELLNESS WE W WELL E LL L L NE N SS

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Keeping well over winter

Health is at the forefront of everyone’s ryone’s ublic h ealth minds with an overhaul of the public health system, the Covid-19 pandemic and, of ter illnesses course, the myriad of other winter that are making their rounds.

Writes Ruby Harfield

O

n July 1 The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act took effect, establishing four new entitities: • A new Public Health Agency within the Ministry to lead and strengthen public health.

• Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand as the national organisation to lead and coordinate delivery of health services across the country.

• Te Aka Whai Ora - the Māori Health Authority as an independent statutory authority to drive improvement in Hauora Māori.

• A new Ministry for Disabled People to provide a wider lens on disability across Government and drive transformation of the disability support system.

The country’s 20 District Health Boards have been disestablished.

Health Minister Andrew Little said the health system had become complex and fragmented.

“Twenty different district health boards meant the healthcare you got depended on where you lived.

“It was a postcode lottery and a true nationwide health service will change that.”

The overhaul was initiated after a Government commissioned Health and Disability System Review in 2018 found there were 20 disconnected health systems in New Zealand that didn’t put patients at the heart of healthcare.

Covid-19 has also been putting a strain on the health system as well as on individuals.

Research has found that mental wellbeing has become a top ten concern for New Zealanders.

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand chief executive Shaun Robinson said after two years of pandemic stress, this is no surprise.

“There’s been a dramatic increase in the number of New Zealanders with poor mental wellbeing; from 27 per cent struggling in February 2021 to 36 per cent in February 2022.

“This is on top of the pre-Covid statistics; we’ve known for some time that 20 percent of us experience diagnosable mental distress in any year.”

The compounding effects of the pandemic, economic pressures and extended periods of isolation is having a profound influence on mental health, he said.

“Lives and livelihoods have been disrupted, our ways of connecting with each other are changing

isatio on that t at th a we cannot return to and there’s a realisation es. s.”” our pre-Covid lives.” n poor poor mental men enta tall wellbeing well we llbe bein ing g le led d th the e The increase in Mental Health Foundation unda un dati tion on and and Ministry Min inis istr tryy of Health Hea ealt lth h to develop the Alll Sorts Sor orts ts campaign cam ampa paig ign n and and website webs we bsit ite e to assist people with wit ith h their thei th eirr mental ment me ntal al wellbeing wel ellb lbei eing ng iin n nde demi mic. c. the midst of a pandemic.

Sort So rtss is to to provide prov pr ovid ide e to tool olss an and d The goal of All Sorts tools tips to reassure people eopl eo ple e that that whatever wha hate teve verr th they ey are are feeling is normal,, and and give giv ive e th them em sstrategies trat tr ateg egie iess to build their resilience. nce ce.. show sh owss th that at tthis hiss is w hi orki or king ng..

“Our research shows working. eop ople le have hav ave e fo foun und d th that at “In addition, people found it reminds them to be be there ther th ere e for for others othe ot hers rs which facilitates co connection better conn nnec ecti tion on and and b ette et terr wellbeing.” ety of of support supp su ppor ortt available avai av aila labl ble e There is a variety ur ne need ed,, Ro Robi bins nson on depending on your need, Robinson said.

“The good news ws is, is, we we know know eve very ryon one e ca can n do there are things everyone ellb el lbei eing ng,, ev even en to improve their w wellbeing, estt of times. es tim imes es.. during the toughest “In 2021, our research ese search ch tested tes este ted a range of daily behaviours are hav a io our urss th tthat at a re rt re rresilience silience si e and d proven to support wellbeing. ad just s one one of “People who had these behaviourss in th their heir daily lives had a 48 perr ccent higher ent hi en h gher ng stron ong chance of enjoying strong g.” mental wellbeing.”

The effect wass cumulative – the mor more ore e things an individual ual a er ei did, the higher their wellbeing. nd “We recommend beginning your wellbeing journeyy by visiting All Sorts for wellbeing tips that you can do alone or with others.”

These include staying connected, movement,

Honorary Associate Professor at Auckland University and author Dr Giresh Kanji. Photo/Supplied

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WELLNESS

University of Otago Professor of Microbiology and Immunology Roslyn Kemp. Photo/Supplied

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand chief executive Shaun Robinson. Photo/Supplied

breathing, having a routine and taking a break.

Movement is great for wellbeing; this does not need to be a HIIT workout – it could just be walking outside and down the street and back. It could be lying down and stretching or dancing to a song.

Set small and manageable tasks for each day. Have a shower, eat or drink something nourishing There are also many helpline services available right now in New Zealand that offer support and information.

Robinson said talking to a trusted person is still the number one thing to do when feeling down (92 percent of people do this).

“Connecting with others, with nature, your culture or your community helps when you’re feeling low.

“Do just one thing each day to foster this connection – text one friend or family member, say hello or kia ora to one person when you are out walking.”

Covid has impacted many aspects of life including the loss loved ones, getting sick, ongoing health issues, isolating, a lack of social interactions and the financial burden on businesses.

Honorary Associate Professor at Auckland University and author Dr Giresh Kanji said Covid has also affected mental wellbeing by creating a fear of connecting with others.

“We now think twice about events or social gatherings, the very things that help our mental health and improve our happiness.

“As we work increasingly from home, social isolation increases.”

Many people are experiencing financial burdens as their businesses have failed, others face difficulty finding staff, he said.

“The burden on hard working hospitality and tourism workers has reached new levels over the past few years.”

People have lost loved ones due to covid while others have post covid symptoms plaguing their health, Dr Kanji said.

“We have also stopped our holiday habits.

“It is important to ensure some time away to refresh, whether to see family/friends or see the beautiful scenery available in New Zealand.

“Covid is like having the rug pulled under your feet, to leave you standing in a puddle of cold water.”

All of this has a huge impact on mental wellbeing and stress, he said.

To top it off people may be feeling worse in winter because heat reduces the activity of the stress system.

“We are happier over summer.

“To battle the winter blues more attention needs to be placed on our daily health habits.

“Over the warmer months we are far more likely to be out and about, going for walks, cycling, relaxing with friends and spending time at the beach.”

Habits for life are important in maintaining one’s mental health, Dr Kanji said.

There are five things that can reduce the activity of the stress nervous system and balance a person’s mental health.

These are heat (sauna/spa/ bath), exercise, Yoga, Tai Chi and meditation/breathing.

Four times a week is a good dose.

Heat and exercise for 20 to 30 minutes and Yoga/Tai Chi/ meditation/breathing for 40 minutes.

“We can recreate the heat of summer by going into a hot bath, sauna or spa for 20 minutes three or

four times a week.

“If this is out of reach, I have advised patients to jump into an electric blanket heated bed and deep breathe, five seconds in and five seconds out for 20 to 40 minutes a day.

“The deep breathing and the heat can both combine to improve your mental health.”

For exercise, joining a gym over winter can help as it doesn’t matter if the weather is bad.

Sleep is a good barometer of mental health.

“If you are waking in the middle of the night with difficulty getting back to sleep, this is signaling your balance is tipping. A reminder something has to change.

“In the busy city with work, commuting and children, time is a significant barrier to maintaining good health.

“If time is short, get an exercise machine at home, take regular hot baths, or go onto YouTube to find a Pilates/Yoga/Tai Chi video you can follow.”

It is also important to balance hard work with enjoyment in life, he said.

“At some point in our lives hard work is important in reaching our goals, however I believe moderation and balance are far more important.

“I am always telling patients to play the long game with moderation and balance to keep good health and balance the wealth/health equation.

“As one of my colleagues at the university says we need work/love/ play balance in our lives to enjoy the journey.”

Having a healthy body not only helps mental wellbeing but also immunity which is particularly important during winter.

University of Otago Professor of Microbiology and Immunology Roslyn Kemp said in winter people are exposed to more pathogens because they are inside more.

“We are close together inside (often with windows closed) and some of the pathogens also prefer cold weather.”

There aren’t easy tips to boost immunity but a good immune system is part of a healthy body, she said.

“So the normal health advice (don’t smoke, don’t drink too much alcohol, eat lots of fruit and veggies, do some exercise, don’t be overweight, get enough sleep) means that you are overall going to be healthy and have a better immune response to infection than if you don’t have a healthy body.

“I don’t think there is a magic pill or food that, on its own, boosts immunity.”

There is data showing changes in cell types or functions in response to various nutrients, often in the lab, and also heavily promoted by companies, but none of this is better than the health advice above, she said.

Immunity is not just about getting sick yourself, but also about not acting as a host for infections that you can then spread to other people, Dr Kemp said.

“If you aren’t getting infected and if your body can fight off pathogens, then that stops those pathogens spreading to others. So it’s good for your own health, but good for the community too.”

The immune system is very complex and involves loads of different types of cells and molecules that can control how we respond to infection as well as how we stay well in between infections.

“In most cases, the immune system is very good at regulating

itself and boosting itself when needed.”

Roslyn Kemp’s top tips for boosting immunity and reducing the risk of spreading illness: • The first and best thing to do is to get vaccinated against winter pathogens, especially flu. That does actually boost your immune system – increasing the number and improving the function of immune cells designed to fight the flu.

• The second is to rest if you are sick – this means staying home from work where possible, until you are well. The immune system needs energy to work, so resting allows it to do that. Note that working from home while sick is not resting.

• Staying home and away from others also prevents others from being exposed. Many people don’t have the ability to stay away from work for long periods, and so employers can do what they can to encourage sick people to stay home – it pays off in the long run – one sick employee taking 5 days off is more efficient than 20 sick employees taking 2 days off each.

• Wearing masks has become part of our normal culture now, and it’s a good idea for defending against infection from lots of pathogens.

It won’t seem so odd to us now to wear a mask to the supermarket or school if we have a cold and it will stop the spread.

Repealing and replacing the Mental Health Act He Ara Oranga, the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction’, recognised that the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 (the Mental Health Act) has not kept pace with the shift towards a recovery and wellbeing approach to care, and has never been comprehensively reviewed.

The report made the following recommendation: “Repeal and replace the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 so that it reflects a human rights-based approach, promotes supported decisionmaking, aligns with the recovery and wellbeing model of mental health, and provides measures to minimise compulsory or coercive treatment.”

The Mental Health Foundation says it strongly supports this recommendation.

They made a submission during public consultation which closed in January.

The Ministry of Health website says all the submissions have been shared with an external, independent company.

“They will consolidate and analyse all the responses we receive to guide us as we develop new mental health legislation.”

The Minister of Health is due to report back to Cabinet with policy proposals for new legislation by the end of 2022.

Once the Government has agreed to the policy for new legislation, a Bill will be created and will go through the Parliamentary processes.

WELLNESS

9

Brain drink boosts performance

Writes Ruby Harfield

A

New Zealand company has created a popular and unique product to help boost brain function and performance. Ārepa describes itself as New Zealand’s leading brain food company which exists to make brains work better.

Co-founders Angus Brown and Zac Robinson both lost a friend to mental health and grandparents to brainrelated illnesses and wanted to make a drink for the brain that was natural, caffeine-free, helped to reduce stress while enhancing mental performance as well as being good for cognition in the long term.

Brown says after much research, hard mahi and a bit of luck, they created Ārepa, a range of scientifically developed and proven natural products which improve the health and performance of the brain.

“In our current society, the demand on our brains is higher than ever before.

“We understand a lot about our bodies, but we’re not nearly as engaged with our brains, nor equipped with tools to improve its health and performance.

“We saw this problem and set out to find a solution.”

He says the formula for the brain drink is the first of its kind to improve mental performance and focus from a

natural juice (blackcurrants) without the use of caffeine.

“This was found through a clinical study at the University of Auckland that was published in the Journal of Antioxidants.”

They worked with Professor Andrew Scholey, one of the world’s top neuroscientists to develop the formula.

“We now have thousands of fans who rely on our drink to help them perform for key moments and tasks in their day or to help improve their brain health and function.”

Robinson said since starting in 2018, Ārepa has grown from being in a handful of stores in New Zealand to being found in more than 1500 supermarkets, convenience stores and hospitality outlets across Aotearoa, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

“People are looking for natural ways to improve their health and brains without the use of caffeine, it’s important there are proven alternatives out there.

“We are now the fastest selling health drink in New Zealand supermarkets. “Ārepa has created a new category of drink, functional brain drinks, which has been featured in global trend reports for the last three years and showcases New Zealand as a

leader in innovation on the world stage.”

Long term benefits may include: • Cognitive Performance including improved mental performance, enhanced memory, fights mental fatigue and increases focus. This comes from L-theanine which is anxiolytic, helping promote mental wellbeing and improving sleep quality. L-theanine also increases alpha brain wave activity, resulting in a relaxed, alert and focused mental state.

• Neuroprotection such as slowing of the neural ageing processes, reduction of cognitive decline and delays onset of neurodegenerative diseases. This comes from the polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins which are all antioxidants that prevent inflammation and reduce neuronal cell death.

• Mood & Mental Health such as reduction in anxiety and stress, increased feelings of calm and improved sleep quality. This happens as anthocyanins inhibit MAO enzymes, reducing oxidative stress and positively affecting neurotransmitters. While flavonoids regulate cell survival factors, gene expression and improve cerebral blood flow, aiding in neuronal growth and differentiation.

Co-founders of Ārepa Angus Brown (left) and Zac Robinson. Photo/Supplied

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WELLNESS

Matakana Superfoods founder Kevin Glucina. Photo/Supplied

Emeritus professor of nutrition at the Faculty of Health and Environment Science at Auckland University of Technology Dr Elaine Rush. Photo/Supplied

Vegetables important for improving health Writes Ruby Harfield

N

utrition is important for general health and immunity and there are some easy ways to improve your diet.

Emeritus professor of nutrition at the Faculty of Health and Environment Science at Auckland University of Technology, Elaine Rush, said the benefits of a healthy diet are quality of life, a strong immune system and more energy.

“Other benefits of a healthy diet are increased productivity and the ability

to share food with others.

“Every country has different foodbased dietary guidelines which are based on what is grown locally in the first instance and more recently sustainability and looking after the planet which produces our food.”

Plant foods including vegetables, whole grains, legumes (dried) and fruits are essential for a balanced diet.

Good sources of protein such as eggs, legumes, milk and other animal foods are also important.

“Not all vegetables are created equal, to consume the diversity of nutrients essential for health a selection of white roots and tubers, orange vegetables, legumes and dark green leafy vegetables as well as other vegetables such as cabbage and onions are recommended.

“The New Zealand guidelines have been revised to five vegetables and two fruits a day – but of course we know almost half of New Zealand adults report that they eat two or less

vegetables a day including potatoes.”

Easy ways for people to change their diets is to prioritise vegetables and drink water.

“Half the volume of what is eaten and in the shopping trolley should be vegetables.

“Think about nutrient dense foods, affordable and easy to store foods like eggs, canned beans including baked beans, dried foods and frozen foods (if you have a freezer).”

There are also some foods that have been heralded as superfoods because of their high nutrient content.

Matakana Superfoods founder Kevin Glucina said the term superfood is used broadly.

“Certainly less than half of what we produce today I would consider as true superfoods.

“From my perspective you can split superfoods into two broad categories.”

There are the foods that are at the top of their class within their category – for example broccoli is close to the top for traditional table green vegetables, Dr Glucina said.

Macadamia nuts, walnuts and almonds for their protein and good fats in the nuts category.

Camu camu for natural vitamin C content including all the complex flavonoids and co factors that are found in nature and are a different kettle of fish when compared to the industrial ascorbic acid which is in the majority of Vitamin C supplements in New Zealand today.

The second category is superfoods which have special phytonutrient content.

Goji berry, for instance, has some excellent qualities, it contains good levels of Zeaxanthin which helps with eye health.

Goji also contains good levels of lycopene - a deficiency of which is

linked to a 50 percent increase in stroke and heart attacks.

These two nutrients can be sourced in other foods but the lycium barbarum polysaccharide, present uniquely within goji, cannot.

It has been found to be useful for people who have been exposed to environmental toxins and even radiation.

Reishi mushrooms have a unique phytonutrient which supports aspects of the immune system as does the broccoli sprout with sulforaphane.

Spirulina has the blue spectrum phycocyanin.

Wakame from undaria species of seaweed contains a very special nutrient called fucoidan which has strong anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulating properties.

These have been found to be useful in a range of viral and mosquito-borne tropical diseases and even in snake bite recovery.

“A great super nutrient to throw in your backpack on an intrepid journey.”

Many of the top superfoods are valued by ancient cultures as medicinal foods, and that has been a great clue when looking for exotic foods that may contain beneficial nutrients, Dr Glucina said.

“Into my sixties now I believe the earlier you start getting a range of super nutrient foods into your diet the better off you may be as you age.

“It’s certainly a good idea to include a wide range of phytonutrients in the green spectrum and also a range in the yellow, blue, purple, to black spectrum.

“The earlier you start the better chance you have to preserve and repair DNA damage and metabolic disruption that we all experience through life.”

WELLNESS

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Nutrient Rescue is a superfood powder to help people maintain their health. Photo/Supplied

Being healthy is now easier than ever

W

e all know that it’s important to be healthy but when we’re busy it can be easy to forget to have a balanced diet.

This is where Nutrient Rescue comes in – it’s a natural and New Zealand-grown superfood powder that gives you eight nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables that your body and mind needs to flourish.

It’s easy, convenient, and affordable for around $2 a day.

Nutrient Rescue’s chief executive officer Andrew Simcock talks to our writer, Ruby Harfield, about what makes the product so special.

What are the benefits?

Getting the right nutrition. Finding the space to take care of ourselves and eat properly can be a struggle. Nutrient Rescue is an optimised combination of eight nutrient-dense organic superfoods the body needs to flourish. All ingredients are 100% New Zealand grown whole foods with nothing added.

Small change, big impact. Making small changes can have a big impact. One scoop every day is all it takes to help improve immunity, energy, skin and bone health, digestion, inflammation, stress, sleep... in a nutshell, helping people keep healthy or get healthier. 87 percent of Nutrient Rescue regular customers say they feel better about their overall health and wellbeing after taking their Shots daily.

Easy, simple, convenient. Nutrient Rescue wholefood powders are an easy and convenient way to top up daily intake of fruit and vegetables. For those that don’t eat enough variety or quantity of fruit or vegetables, this is a simple and effective solution to help with this.

How did Nutrient Rescue start?

Nutrient Rescue was founded in 2016

after Michael and Samantha Mayell experienced the energy, vitality and general good health that came after they switched to an organic plant-based diet.

Most Kiwis don’t eat the recommended full amount of fruit and veggies a day, so for whatever reason a lot of people aren’t experiencing the health benefits of good nutrition.

At Nutrient Rescue, we believe everyone should have easy access to plant nutrients they need to fuel their bodies and be their best selves - because “the better you feel, the more good you can do”.

Why is it important to have products like this?

We know from the 2019-2020 NZ Health Survey that well over half of Kiwis don’t eat the Ministry of Health’s recommended 5+ serves of vegetables and 2+ serves of fruit every day, for a variety of reasons – affordability, busy lives etc. We also know through multiple studies that good nutrition plays a key role in general health and wellbeing.

Good nutrition from a fruit and vegetable point of view means eating a colourful variety (eat the rainbow) as each coloured plant contains different phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals which your body needs to thrive.

What Nutrient Rescue’s superfood powder does is give you access to a range of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables that you might otherwise not have access to, which in turn ensures you’re getting the nutrient density and profile you need.

What makes you different from others?

No other company in NZ sells a red and green powder combined. The combination gives you the benefits of both sets of superfoods which other products don’t offer.

Our products centre around three shots: The Red Shot - Two polyphenol-rich super berries combine to help boost your energy and immunity, as well as support athletic performance and physical recovery while easing stress and inflammation. This Shot is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

The Green Shot - Our modern-day version of Popeye’s spinach! Six green organic superfoods that can help remove toxins from the body and fight inflammation while improving skin, hair, nails and liver function.

The Double Shot - A literal combination of the red and green powders, thereby giving the benefit of both. The ultimate blend of nutrient-dense red and green superfoods. Each Double Shot contributes significantly to your recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake.

What has been the uptake?

Uptake has been really strong. Nutrient Rescue has doubled its average daily new customers in the last quarter of 2021 from the equivalent pre-Covid period in 2019, and growth has continued this year.

The jump in new customers shows the impact of Covid as the pandemic put the spotlight on the importance of being healthy and having good immunity.

Start our 30 day trial today and experience the great health that comes from NZ whole food nutrient shots.

Introductory Starter Pack Offer now $59 (RRP$88).

Includes a 30 day supply of Double Shot + an Essentials Kit. We also offer a 30-day money back guarantee.

Order online at nutrientrescue.nz Call us on 0800 474 689

LIVE THE AGE YOU FEEL We’re all about revitalising the ageing experience, so that you can live your best life every step of the way.

With over 35 Living Well Communities throughout New Zealand, we have a range of quality living options for over 65’s.

Learn more at arvida.co.nz

LIVE THE AGE YOU FEEL We’re all about revitalising the ageing experience, so that you can live your best life every step of the way.

With over 35 Living Well Communities throughout New Zealand, we have a range of quality living options for over 65’s.

Learn more at arvida.co.nz

16

WELLNESS

Chemist Warehouse meet some of the team

The Chemist Warehouse group is known for its affordable and expansive range online and in 35 stores nationwide. It is now one of New Zealand’s largest pharmacy retailers and growing at a rapid pace.

Their objective is to enhance the customer’s healthcare outcome via the most effective and efficient means, resulting in great savings for the customer.

There are many faces behind the well-known name that help to make it a one-stop shop for health and wellness needs.

Louise Goodall

Immunisation Coordinator (Registered Nurse)

Louise brings years of District Health Board (DHB) and Primary Health Organisation (PHO) experience to help grow the immunisation service throughout New Zealand.

HERE’S HER STORY: I have worked in the primary care and secondary sector of health since 2005, originally in Australia, before returning to New Zealand in 2013. When Chemist Warehouse first opened in 2017, I was working as an immunisation coordinator for a PHO. Part of my role was assisting pharmacies and general practices in setting up immunisation services and assessing pharmacists and nurses to accredit them with delivering immunisations.

Since 2017, I have worked closely with the Chemist Warehouse group in setting up other stores across Auckland.

In 2019-2022 I was the clinical lead for the MMR catch up program in Auckland and Waitemata DHBs and worked with the Chemist Warehouse group to support their pharmacies in offering MMR vaccinations.

When Chemist Warehouse was looking for a new Immunisation Coordinator, I realised that this job would be a good fit with my knowledge and skill set. Starting just as influenza season was beginning for 2022 it has been a busy, fast paced, and enjoyable role. Immunisations are evolving and the public is more aware now more than ever the importance of getting vaccinated. Pharmacies are a great opportunity and place to get vaccinated as they offer longer opening hours and weekend hours.

Working with the different pharmacists throughout New Zealand and assisting them in providing immunisation services has been rewarding. All the members of the Chemist Warehouse Group are welcoming and friendly.

Being a nurse in the pharmacy world means that I have a unique opportunity to assist Chemist Warehouse. I’ve employed and supported nurses to work and deliver influenza vaccinations in their pharmacies. There’s plenty to learn as pharmacies are very different from primary care and general practice.

Being able to step up into more of a leadership role and take ownership of the role that I do has been a great opportunity.

Piyara Perera Early Career Pharmacist

pharmacies for a few months. I enjoyed this as I was able to meet new people and see the nuances in how each store operated. I then applied to Chemist Warehouse and was offered a full-time position with the opportunity to work in a range of their stores across Auckland. This combined everything I loved about locuming with the added perks of a full-time contract. I took a full-time role at Chemist Warehouse Albany a few months later. I saw there were opportunities to progress and found myself well supported by the team at Albany as well as the larger Chemist Warehouse family.

While working full-time at Albany, I still covered shifts at other branches that were stretched due to Covid-related restrictions such as Okara Park, Whangarei. This allowed me to experience working under different managers and management styles, which allowed me to learn how to run a store.

After just over a year with Chemist Warehouse, I recently secured the role as manager of the new Birkenhead store, and that is where I am right now.

Piyara has worked her way through the Chemist I love the culture, and I have always had a lot of fun at Warehouse group to be a manager of the Birkenhead Chemist Warehouse. Most pharmacies have a small team whereas the Chemist Warehouse stores are so big and busy. store at the age of 23. She started with Chemist Warehouse after her internship hoping to grow, and Our established stores have over 50 staff members (part-time and full-time combined) rotating through each week. We can has found a lot of opportunities within the group. make strong connections with each other and also get to HERE’S HER STORY: know a diverse group of people.

After completing my internship at a local pharmacy in I take a great deal of pride in being associated with 2020, I decided to gain experience by locuming at different a company that has taken a leadership role in making

WELLNESS healthcare more affordable to New Zealanders, by placing the customer at the centre of what we do.

Chemist Warehouse has customer-centric model. $5 off the standard prescription charge has been a huge win for New Zealanders, driving long overdue and much needed change. I have seen too many people choosing which medicines to pick up because they cannot afford all of them at once.

Chemist Warehouse also hires a lot of young people into our dispensary and retail teams so along with the very experienced pharmacists who have pioneered and built Chemist Warehouse in New Zealand, I get to work with the newer generations of pharmacists too. This means that the Chemist Warehouse will always have a great knowledge base but will also stay fresh and innovative, building a workforce for the future.

There is also a lot of community engagement. I have participated in the Super Saturday event where we set up outdoor Covid vaccination stalls and also our booth at the Taste of Pasifika Festival where we spoke about measles, mumps and rubella. We would like to take our engagement deeper into the community beyond just dispensing medicines.

I have had the opportunity to travel to stores all over Auckland and outside of Auckland too for work and learn from many different mentors within Chemist Warehouse, which can really speed up career growth for young pharmacists.

As my medium to long term goal, I am working towards a partnership with Chemist Warehouse, which is a unique pathway that it offers.

For the first time since I graduated from pharmacy school, I have clear career goals that I am working towards

Some great benefits of working at the Chemist Warehouse are:

achieving, and I thank Chemist Warehouse for their support this far. They provide several different pathways, direction and inspiration for young community pharmacists

Dave joined Chemist Warehouse as a pharmacist in Albany and took the opportunities, when presented, to grow with the company. Dave and his pharmacist wife Annie, will be managing partners (owners) in Hastings, choosing to move regional for the ownership opportunity to progress their pharmacy journey.

HERE’S HIS STORY: I was fortunate to start my pharmacist career at Chemist Warehouse Albany in December 2019. The busy dispensary was a great challenge which not only provoked my learning as a pharmacist but helped me build a good foundation.

About halfway into 2020, I found myself wondering what it might be like being a Dispensary Manager, or as Chemist Warehouse call it, Pharmacist in Charge (PIC). I never imagined myself being in a leadership position, however the team of hard-working managers motivated me to aim higher.

Then came February 2021, where I was rewarded PIC at Chemist Warehouse St Lukes. It was now my turn to lead and motivate my own team and a steep learning curve for myself.

The responsibilities of a PIC were far greater than what I had imagined, but this was also what made the job more diverse and interesting. I had a blast working with the retail and dispensary team at St Lukes, I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with and learn from.

Managing a pharmacy during the Covid-19 pandemic was the most difficult part of my journey so far but I now

17

feel prepared for the unexpected and look towards the next big step of opening a Chemist Warehouse in Hastings as a managing partner. We’ve had some wonderful feedback from the Hawke’s Bay community from the excitement of our store opening especially in regards to the accessibility, product diversity and affordable prices.

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Sleep plays a big role in our health and metabolism. Try adding these eight key foods into your diet to help enhance your quality of sleep: magnesium, banana, spinach, oatmeal, boiled eggs, almonds, chamomile tea and kiwifruit.

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WELLNESS

19

Regular eye checks can prevent vision loss Writes Ruby Harfield

E

ye health can be maintained by a well-balanced diet and regular eye checks can detect age related vision loss earlier.

Eye Institute’s Dr Narme Deva, an expert in cataract surgery and retinal disease, said it is important to get regular eye checks at an optometrist or eye specialist to ensure any eye conditions are caught early on.

Many conditions, especially those that are age-related, don’t have any symptoms until they have progressed.

People often check their eyes when they are five-years-old and then often not again until their 40s unless they have blurry vision, Dr Deva said.

It is important to have an eye check at least once in your 20s and 30s, or more frequently if there is a family history of eye problems.

“Most people develop symptoms of difficulty focusing on nearby objects in their 40s (presbyopia).

“This is part of the normal aging process but from your 40s you should get your eyes checked every five years or so.”

This should become yearly from the time people reach 60 to 65.

The reason for these checks is to help optometrists and eye specialists

find conditions before they become symptomatic.

There are also things people can do at home to maintain good eye health.

“All the stuff your parents would have told you growing up – a good healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables, Omega 3 fatty acids.”

Definitely do not smoke as it increases the risk of developing eye problems, Dr Deva said.

UV rays can start affecting people’s eyes from quite a young age so sunglasses, wide brimmed hats and safety eyewear are important.

“Try to protect your eyes.”

One condition that is not always age-related is diabetic eye disease and it can cause significant eye problems.

“The biggest risk factor is the duration of your diabetes which you can’t control as once you’ve got it you’ve got it, but how well you control you sugar levels can help a lot.”

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can also affect eyesight.

COMMON AGE-RELATED EYE CONDITIONS: Cataracts The lens inside your eye is important for focusing but it can become cloudy as you age. It’s like looking through a

frosted window.

Surgery is the only treatment. It is a successful small procedure to remove the natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens that lasts for your whole life. Cataracts are completely treatable with surgery.

Glaucoma Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions relating to damage to the nerve at the back of the eye. It is often linked to eye pressure problems and can lead to vision loss.

This is irreversible but if it is picked up early enough, the vision loss can be preventable. That’s why regular eye checks are important.

Age-related macular degeneration Macular degeneration affects your central vision. There’s evidence that lutein and zeaxanthin (green leafy vegetables) give protection for the macula which is the area affected by macula degeneration There are two types, wet and dry and they can coexist.

Dry is the most common and a certain combination of vitamins (AREDS) can slow the progress. These are available over the counter.

Wet can be controlled by a series of medications (anti-VEGF drugs) into the back of the eye.

Eye Institute’s Dr Narme Deva is an expert in cataract surgery and retinal disease. Photo/Supplied

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WELLNESS

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Warm dry homes are not just more comfortable, they’re also healthier. Photo/Supplied

Keeping your home warm this winter W

inter is here and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Senior Advisor Evidence, Insights and Innovation Dr Gareth Gretton spoke to our writer Ruby Harfield about how to stay cosy.

EECA is responsible for promoting energy efficiency and conservation.

What are some ways to keep your home warm this winter?

Minimise heating bills by insulating, draught-proofing and choosing an efficient heater. Then optimise your heating habits to keep bills low while keeping your home warm and healthy.

We have plenty of advice at www. genless.govt.nz.

Insulation is the first place to start.

Grants may be available through Warmer Kiwi Homes.

Draught-proofing can make a big difference. Check your doors and windows for draughts on a cold and windy day, and then visit your hardware store to get the right products to seal the gaps.

When the time comes to replace your heater, consider fitting a heat pump if you haven’t already got one. They’re a great choice for larger rooms, while

electric resistance heaters are good for smaller rooms.

Only heat the rooms you need to.

Leaving your heat pump running 24/7 will use more energy than only heating when you need to.

If you’re working from home, use a smaller room as your home office, if possible.

For a healthy living environment, set your heater thermostat for between 18 to 20˚C. If you have older people at home, it might need to be a little higher.

When it starts to get cooler in the evenings, close your doors and pull your curtains across.

A dry home is easier to heat, too, so ensure you ventilate well – even in winter, opening the windows for a short time each day will help, especially in damper areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

What support is available for people who cannot heat their home?

EECA runs the Warmer Kiwi Homes (WKH) programme, which provides 80 percent of the cost of ceiling and floor insulation, and 80 percent of the cost of an approved heater, to those eligible.

There are a number of community organisations around New Zealand that partner with WKH to provide further grant funding, meaning that the cost to the homeowner could be lower, or even free. People can check the details and their eligibility on the Warmer Kiwi Homes section of EECA’s website.

How can you do this cost-effectively and efficiently?

There are a number of different things you can do to keep your home more snug, that range from no-cost to a much bigger investment in the quality of your home.

Ultimately, having good insulation, good ventilation and an efficient

Why is it important to have a warm home?

Warm dry homes are not just more comfortable, they’re also healthier, and result in fewer sick days off school and work, and fewer hospitalisations for respiratory illnesses.

heater, like a heat pump, will be the most efficient way to keep your home warm and dry.

EECA Senior Advisor Evidence, Insights and Innovation, Dr Gareth Gretton. Photo/Supplied

Changes to the Healthy Homes Standards Changes to the Healthy Home Standards came into force in May. This included revisions to the heating, ventilation, and moisture ingress and drainage standards.

The initial standards were introduced in 2019 to improve the quality of rental homes in New Zealand.

According to the Tenancy Services website landlords are responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of their rental properties.

The new standards have been designed to help ensure landlords have healthier, safer properties and lower maintenance costs for their investments.

Landlords must provide one or

more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room.

The heater(s) must be acceptable types, and must meet the minimum heating capacity required for your main living room.

In response to rental sector feedback, the Government has amended the heating requirements for rental properties to reflect the higher thermal performance of new homes built to the 2008 building code requirements for insulation and glazing and apartments.

The changes will generally enable smaller heating devices to be installed in new homes built to the 2008 building code requirements.

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WELLNESS

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Living well with Arvida Writes Ruby Harfield d

A

rvida has 35 retirement communities around the country with a goal to anders improve the lives of New Zeala by transforming the ageing experience.

Head of Wellness Operation ns Aleshia Rayner said Arvida putts their residents’ quality of life at the centre of everything they do.

Specifically for assisted livin ng residents, they get to wake up p when they want, eat when they wan nt, shower when they want and see who they want. e here “This is their life and we are to make it happen the way the ey like it by providing the best suppo ort we possibly can.

“Our way of working ensure es they’re free to be themselves, have meaningful connections to the e people and passions they kno ow and love.

“This means they live the liffe they want to live.”

Arvida’s focus is on people and this is evident in the layout of the communities, the deliveryy of services and how they engage e with locals, she said. ness “It is embedded in our welln and care model called The Atttitude of Living Well™.

“We bring this model to life by focusing on five essential welllness elements - eating well, moving well, resting well, thinking well and engageing well. ur “The people who work in ou communities put our residents’ preferences and individuality first, they are constantly finding wa ays to put purpose, meaning and happiness into everyday life.”

Ways that Arvida does this iss by calling their locations communities rather than retirement villagess or rest homes because they’re e designed to be part of New Zealand’s daily life and extend d past the front gate.

“Our newest communities are designed to connect residentss with their local communities by invvolving children, young people and ollder locals who are living on their own to build a more connected comm munity.

“People from across the community can come in and enjoy themselves and become part of a broader network with others at a similar stage of life.”

In 10 years’ time, Rayner wants the world to notice how well older New Zealanders live.

“I hope it can be traced to Arvida’s commitment to transforming the ageing experience through personcentred care – what we call the Attitude of Living Well.

“We work hard to deliver this for all our residents – and we’d also like to help the 80 percent of people over 65 who decide to stay in the home they know and love.

“That’s why we’ve created Arvida Good Friends.”

Arvida Good Friends combines Living Well Community Centres, private home help and rideshare transport, designed to enable people to remain living successfully and independently in their own homes while creating more social connections with their community.

“In 2021, we launched Arvida Good Friends at Park Lane in Christchurch and we’ve got plans to roll out around the country.

“Living Well is about having choices on how and where we live, being able to find the help we want when we need it and finding it easy to stay active and connected with friends, family and hobbies.

“Living Well is a goal we can reach together with good advice, great services and good friends.”

Everyone in the Arvida team puts their heart and soul into the wellbeing of older New Zealanders living in our communities, Rayner said.

“We value individual choice and we see every day how making incremental changes in even one area has a positive impact on living well.

“Getting the support you need to maintain your wellbeing and stay connected to your community and engaged with people makes a difference to both the quality and longevity of your life.”

Arvida Head of Wellness Operations Aleshia Rayner.

Photo/Supplied

24

WELLNESS

M3 Mindfulness is a bilingual indigenous resilience programme that teaches Mindfulness, Māori pūrākau, and Movement. Photos/Supplied

Mindfulness programme empowering youth Writes Ruby Harfield

A

Māori mindfulness programme is providing resilience and mental health support to thousands of young people.

M3 Mindfulness is a bilingual indigenous resilience programme that teaches Mindfulness, Māori pūrākau, and Movement.

M3 empowers communities and impacts change using Mindfulness and Tikanga Māori practices.

When M3 began in 2018, it was a one-man band with Jase Te Patu, the founder and chief executive, delivering into 80 schools by himself.

It has now been held in more than 700 schools supporting more than 50,000 students across Aotearoa.

Te Patu was motivated to create the programme by the passing of his brother and witnessing the effects it had on his nephews and nieces.

He was also called to action by the rising suicide rates in Māori, particularly Māori youth.

Operations manager and head trainer, Dayna Taramai, said the programme uses Mindfulness, Māori pūrākau and whakataukī, and Movement, hence M3.

“We facilitate M3 Mindfulness sessions in pre, primary, intermediate and secondary schools, plus Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori, with age-appropriate sessions that range

from five to 15 weeks.

“We believe that if our tamariki and rangatahi can learn strategies to help when they are challenged mentally and emotionally, then they will be resourced for life.”

M3 Mindfulness is all about prioritising mental health, she said.

“When successful, our behavioural problems in schools will decrease, our absentee rates will lower, and our suicide rates, over time, will plummet.

“M3 Mindfulness aims to create systemic change that is long-lasting and generation-affecting.”

From 2023, M3 will focus on Te Reo Tuakiri - their rangatahi/youth programme.

This hybrid programme (in-person and online) will involve the whole community of education facilities - that’s teachers, students and whānau, Taramai sa Te Reo Tuakiri means the language of one’s true identity.

This programme teaches students to stand in their mana and to own who they are.

“We fill the Hauora kete of each rangatahi with mindfulness-based resilience skills for them to practice and master.”

The rangatahi will then facilitate an M3 session with the children of neighbouring preschools and earlyyear primary schools.

“They pass on their knowledge

through a Tuakana/Teina based relationship, whilst fostering the ties between secondary, primary, and pre-schools.”

The graduation day sees the whānau invited to a day of sharing the programme in person, with reflections from students and teachers alike. This is a communitybased programme.

What are the benefits?

M3 teaches our youth simple Mindfulness-based practices to help them self-regulate and build resilience during these challenging times.

• A sense of belonging to our indigenous Māori culture.

• An awareness of body through movement.

• A strong sense of leadership and agency.

• An increase in emotional intelligence. A real awareness of emotions and how to regulate, if necessary.

• An increase in resilience, measured on how a student deals with ongoing stress.

• An increase in focus. A real sense of presence.

• A sense of calm often.

• The ability to stand in one’s mana – to be comfortable in one’s skin.

• A decrease in behavioral issues.

• An ongoing increase in attendance at school.

WELLNESS

23

Healthy eating as you age

Writes Ruby Harfield

RIGHT: Dietician Tina Ambler says people often don’t need to make drastic changes to make a big difference in their diets. BELOW: A visual of a balanced Mediterranean diet. Photos/Supplied

I

t’s important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to help prevent age related diseases.

The ageing process carries risks for developing a number of conditions associated with getting older such as cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and stroke, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, neurological diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s and a range of cancers.

Dietician Tina Ambler said there are a number of things you can change to your food intake to assist with staying as healthy as you can and possibly reduce the development of some of these health conditions.

“We know that maintaining some physical activity and a well-balanced diet can be protective towards heart diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes and dementia and obesity.

“It’s never too late to start on a journey

to improving health and start feeling the benefits.”

These changes don’t need to be drastic to make a difference, she said.

“Every small change counts, it takes repetition to make a new behaviour stick, give it some time and readjust if your goal needs tweaking.

“You often don’t need to make drastic changes to make a big difference.”

Ambler recommends visiting your GP to make sure that everything is tracking along.

Checking your own eating behaviours can shine a light on areas for improvement.

“It doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite foods.

“Try limiting eating out limit to once a week and if you do go out think about what your goals are for healthy eating.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for dietary requests, for example you can ask for no salt or the sauces on the side or grilled instead of deep fried.”

Social events and special occasions tend nd h to encourage people to bake or make high calorie foods, she said.

“So many of us are invited to a numberr of events every week which can make a difference to your health, you can be in control, if you are taking a plate to share take something you are going to be happy with.”

It’s important to shop wisely, stick to a list and read the label – budget brands often have the same if not better nutrition, for example lower in sodium.

Low-salt foods have less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Moderate-salt foods have 120–600 mg and high-salt foods have more than 600 mg.

Changes need to be sustainable and sharing goals with someone else can make you more accountable.

“Plan out your journey for your goal, what will you need to put in place to make you get there.

“Enjoy your food, so be creative with recipes, start adding flavour instead of salt.

“Look at cooking methods to make changes easier; one pot recipes can ease the burden of cooking.”

There are many studies that have looked into the types of food to include in a diet to attain optimal health, she said.

Caution with claims on nutrition facts or fad diets. They can often be unbalanced and don’t contain the full range of vitamins and minerals a healthy well-balanced diet does.

“Research continues to point towards eating a Mediterranean style diet where good health, reduced incidence of disease and longevity have been observed.”

The Mediterranean diet: The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, lean meats and fish, nuts seeds and legumes limiting healthy fats and oils and sweets and added sugars.

Instead of adding salt, try adding herbs and spices to your foods.

The role of adequate dairy serves helps to prevent to onset of osteoporosis.

TO EAT EVERY DAY: • 6 servings* of vegetables, including leafy greens • 5-8 servings* of whole grains (brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, crackers or bread, muesli, oats, Weetbix) • 3 servings* of fruit • 3 tablespoons of olive oil as your main added fat (or canola or sunflower oil) • 2-3 servings* of low-fat dairy

• 1.5 tablespoons of unsalted nuts • Drink lots of water *Each serving is ½ cup.

TO EAT WEEKLY: • Up to 6 eggs • 3-4 servings* of legumes (e.g., beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils) • 3-4 servings* of lean meat • 2-3 servings* of chicken • 1-2 servings* of salmon Not more than 3 servings of “extras,” such as sweets, refined cereals, fried food, fast food, and processed meats. Also limit condiments such as soy sauce, tomato sauce as they are very high in sodium. * Servings are 1/2 cup here too, but for meat, you can also use the size of your palm as serving size

26

WELLNESS

La Leche League New Zealand Leader Katie Fourie with two of her children at a Big Latch On event in Cambridge. Photo/Supplied

Breastfeeding support enables choice

W

orld Breastfeed Week is being held from August 1-7. It was started in 1992 to generate public awareness and support for breastfeeding.

La Leche League National Board Member Lorraine Taylor speaks to writer Ruby Harfield about what support is available for people on their breastfeeding journey in New Zealand.

Tell me about La Leche League La Leche League New Zealand (LLLNZ) is our local version of an international organisation run by volunteers. Our volunteers are women and parents who have gone through their own breastfeeding experience and then achieve an accreditation to represent the organisation and offer breastfeeding support and information in their communities. The support is in the form of facilitated group meetings to talk about and learn about breastfeeding and the early days with a new baby and beyond.

What is La Leche League doing for World Breastfeeding Week?

Every year, many groups hold a special celebration or promotional event for World Breastfeeding Week whether that’s a morning tea with whānau, or invited guests, or workshops for breastfeeding supporters and health care workers.

In recent years, LLLNZ has also collaborated with the Women’s

Health Action and participated in the world wide Big Latch On where everyone present attempts to feed their children at the same time. It is fun, happily chaotic, public and a celebration of all breast and infant feeding journeys. This year’s Big Latch On has been postponed until April 2023 due to Covid.

Facebook groups, on email, zoom and in person meetings, by text, workshops and conferences. Going along to community groups is what many of us have found to be an incredible source for encouragement, support and information, for breastfeeding and raising our children.

What support is available for people on their breastfeeding journey?

Why is this important?

The best support for any new parent is quality informal support – family, friends and knowledgeable supporters who can encourage.

Midwives, Plunket nurses and peer supporters also offer new parents essential information on a range of topics including breastfeeding.

When a mother is having a challenge with breastfeeding or has specific questions about her own situation, she really needs accessible, available and timely assistance in the community - and it to be available sometimes at stressful times.

This can be lactation consultants, breastfeeding supporters, breastfeeding support group, La Leche League and breastfeeding drop-in clinics, but this requires knowing where these services are, and being able to access them often with travel, money and emotional resilience.

La Leche League in Aotearoa offers a friendly and knowledgeable person to chat at the end of a phone, in

It’s not always easy to breastfeed - as women we often feel it should come very naturally to us, and for some it does, but it is also a learned behavior.

We learn how to breastfeed from other women and breastfeeding supporters. We need to see it and talk to others who have been there to learn how to feed a new baby. For some it comes easily, for others it takes time and assistance. It doesn’t always work out - and we need to talk it through, in those situations also.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

There are so many great things about breastfeeding - it’s a positive choice for mum, it’s definitely a positive option for the baby, and there are reasons why breastfeeding is good for the whole family, community and even the environment. We probably know more about why breastfeeding is awesome than we did only a few decades ago. But that is not the whole story.

It’s not just about the reasons breast milk is good for baby and

A chat from a breastfeeding support with a mum and her baby. Photo/Supplied mother. We honour each and every mother’s right to make the decisions that are right for them and their family, including if they choose not to breastfeed in order to share that load with her partner. We trust a woman to make the decisions that are right for her. Community support for breastfeeding allows breastfeeding to be a true choice for a mother. If she can initiate and sustain breastfeeding she can choose whether to continue, and for how long that is right for her and her family. If she does not get the support she needs to initiate breastfeeding then that choice is taken away from her.

Women don’t need to be convinced of the reasons to breastfeed - what they need is support, value and help – they need a community who believes in what they’re doing.

The statistics in New Zealand show that most women initiate breastfeeding - many women find breastfeeding to be a very immediate way of connecting with their new baby, with optimal nutrition. The baby gets all it needs in a warm cuddle - human milk that is exactly right for human babies. Both mum and baby get oxytocin surges, the ‘falling in love’ hormones. Caring for your child with or without breastfeeding is an incredible journey. Let’s help mums actually have the choice to breastfeed or not, in ways that suit them. That means enabling mums from the get go. Then each mother, baby and the family can experience the great things about breastfeeding - and make the decision that’s right for them.

GREAT MINDS THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS

Explore the growing impact of mental health and anxiety on all Kiwis and how we can improve our wellbeing.

Read the series at nzherald.co.nz/greatminds

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