YOUR FREE GUIDE
familyhealthdiary.co.nz OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014
WIN A $5,000 baby starter pack!
See back page for details.
01_FHD_Cover-Oct-Nov_2014 v2.indd 1
10/10/14 1:20 pm
Well, spring is well and truly here and, in keeping with the blossoming of new life that is associated with spring, our cover is all about babies! Family Health Diary is giving away $5000 worth of baby products. There are all the essentials you need to get set up for a new little person in the house - cot, bassinet, pushchair, car seat and more. On the one hand it seems like yesterday we had a house filled with all those bits and pieces, on the other hand, it also feels like a lifetime ago. My brood are all in the 11- 19 age bracket but, as the producer of the Raising Children video resource with Plunket, I’m still very much in touch with the smallest folk and what it means to you when your life goes from ‘we’ to ‘three.’ Raising Children (www.raisingchildren.org.nz) is your preapproved handbook to the first three years. At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve also some great info on living independently in your senior years, including having a personal medical alarm as a bit of insurance against any falls or medical events – help on hand in a jiffy. With the sun warming up and the days getting longer, I hope that gives you a wee lift in the day as we head to the silly season. Enjoy the end of this year, whatever it brings your way. Since I won’t ‘see’ you again till the New Year, I hope you get some lovely time with family and friends over the summer break.
2
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
IN THIS ISSUE 4 Vital Greens – Nutrient rich for the time poor 6 Krill Oil – Supports joint mobility 8 Phloe – Natural help for digestive complaints 10 Broadline / Frontline – Keeping pets happy and healthy 12 Editorial – Keeping well in pregnancy 14 Elevit – Plan the best start for your baby 16 Bupa Alarms – Help at hand when you need it 18 Ultraproct – Haemorrhoids… don't sit on symptoms 20 Daivobet – Once-a-day treatment for psoriasis 22 Avigra – The more affordable Viagra 24 Prize of the Month – Win the ultimate baby starter pack
What's happening at familyhealthdiary.co.nz “I’m a dad and I’m scared. When I say I’m a dad and I’m scared, I really mean: I’m a dad and I’m looking for answers – from the professionals, kids, mums, dads and other caregivers who have been there, holding each other’s hands to hell and back. Stand by me. Let’s take the journey together.” - Sir John Kirwan John Kirwan’s Stand By Me is a follow-up to his bestselling memoir, All Blacks Don’t Cry. In it, Sir John extends on his journey with anxiety and depression, but also shares his personal experiences as a father. Family Health Diary caught up for a Q & A with JK and Stand By Me co-authors and clinical psychologists, Elliot Bell and Kirsty Louden-Bell. We asked about how to tell if you have depression, how to help your children or other loved ones who may be suffering, and his advice on slowing down when society keeps telling us to go fast. View the answers to these questions and more by visiting www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz We also have three copies of Stand By Me to give away. Visit www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz to find out more. Editor: Rhonwyn Newson Design: Raydar For editorial enquiries write to: editor@familyhealthdiary.co.nz For Family Health Diary advertising enquiries: Please phone sales manager Harinda Singh DDI: 09 306 2344 Email: harinda@brandworld.co.nz
Family Health Diary is published by BrandWorld Limited, Auckland. Phone 09 306 2340 Every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this magazine reflect current accepted medical opinion and that it is as up-to-date as possible, but it does not claim to be the last word on any medical matter featured. No medical or health information, however detailed, can ever be considered a substitute for consultation with, or the advice of, a qualified doctor. Though this publication contains information that may be of the greatest importance to your health and well-being, it is not intended to replace your doctor or discourage you from seeking his or her advice. If anything in Family Health Diary leads you to suppose you may be suffering from any of the serious conditions described, you are urged to see your doctor without delay. ©2014 Copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. Family Health Diary® is a registered trademark of BrandWorld Limited.
familyhealthdiary.co.nz
3
Your Total Daily Health Supplement There is a convenient, no-fuss way to get a multinutrient boost to help support general health and well-being. It’s called Vital Greens and it takes the guesswork out of choosing supplements.
True, a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables and super-foods will provide antioxidants to help protect from free radical damage. For many people, a supplement can help fill the gaps. Now, you can either choose a number of different products to supplement each nutritional need, or there is an easier way.
THE EVOLUTION OF VITAL GREENS Sydney naturopaths Shane Sullivan and Stephen Sprada developed Vital Greens as an all-in-one formula to assist the large number of their clients who were taking multiple supplements every day. Shane and Stephen don’t believe nutrition is static. They believe supplements need to be altered as new information arises about nutrition, as well as when there are
4
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
advances in technology. That’s why Vital Greens brings you the latest in good nutrition.
IT’S WHAT’S ABSORBED THAT COUNTS 76 vital ingredients, including vitamins and minerals, from greens, fruits, vegetables, super-foods, probiotics, fibre and organic sprouts have been crammed into the Vital Greens formula. And getting all this goodness into you is simple. All it takes is two heaped teaspoons a day dissolved in water, juice or a smoothie to give you a multi-nutrient boost. Where some supplements may pass through the system without being absorbed properly, this formula is designed to maximise absorption so you get the most out of it. After all, it’s not really about what you consume, but rather what you absorb that is important.
WHO SHOULD TAKE VITAL GREENS? Listing all 76 ingredients in Vital Greens would take up a large amount of room on this page, but the pleasant tasting vegetable-based supplement contains, among other things, organic sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, astragalus, apple powder, goji berry and aloe vera gel. It also contains probiotics, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Vegetarians and those who are sensitive to gluten and wheat can take Vital Greens, and there is a formula specifically designed for children. So, for a complete multi-nutrient boost, Vital Greens is available in health food stores and pharmacies now.
Vitamin supplements should not replace a healthy diet. Do not take whilst on warfarin therapy without medical advice. We recommend consulting a health care professional whilst pregnant or lactating. TAPS NA 7385.
familyhealthdiary.co.nz
5
Krill Oil… the good oil The benefits of omega-3 are well known when it comes to maintaining joint mobility, heart health and promoting healthy cholesterol levels. And now, a potent little red capsule combining the power of omega-3 and antioxidants is available in pharmacies and supermarkets.
You’ve probably heard of fish oil and that it is commonly used to support joint health and general wellbeing… but Krill Oil is different. Krill Oil is a potent source of omega-3, it has six times more omega-3 DHA than standard fish oil. It’s also packed with antioxidants – a powerful formula for supporting joint mobility and heart health.
NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL Bioglan have been studying omega-3 for 40 years. What they found was that combing antioxidants with omega-3 from Krill Oil, an easily 6
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
absorbed capsule with no fishy taste could be created. One of these has 10 times more antioxidant activity than standard fish oil, and has six times more omega-3 DHA than standard fish oil. Antioxidants are your body’s way of fighting free radicals – rogue particles that can attach to healthy cells and tissue throughout the body, causing damage in the process. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain, eye, heart, nerve and especially joint mobilty. They have also been shown to support healthy brain function in terms of focus, alertness and mood balance.
The catch is our own bodies can’t manufacture them. We have to get our essential fatty acids from seafood, including algae and krill, certain plants and nut oils. Krill Oil, sourced from the tiny shrimplike Krill (a zooplankton invertebrate), is abundant in both omega-3 and antioxidants making it one of the most hard-working nutritional supplements you can choose.
BIOGLAN RED KRILL OIL Red Krill Oil has 10 times more antioxidant activity than standard fish oil. Studies have shown that one tablet has six times more omega-3 DHA than standard fish oil for joint health. And thanks to the phospholipids in Krill Oil, the body easily absorbs all its goodness. What’s more, there’s no fishy after-taste!
R ed K rill Oil be ne fi ts
•S uppo rts
joint m obility an d heart health • M ore om eg a3 th an Fish Oil • Ea sily ab so rb ed by th e body • Sm all ea sy-t o- swallow ca ps ules • N o fis hy afte rta ste.
Red Krill Oil 6 Standard Fish Oil capsules
Look for Red Krill Oil at supermarkets and pharmacies Do not take if you are allergic to seafood. Supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Always read the label and use only as directed. Wilson Consumer Products, Auckland. TAPS NA 7375
5 OFF .00
9 918258 176761 >
✁
$
ANY Bioglan Red Krill Oil product To the customer: This voucher is non-exchangeable and will be redeemed only on the product(s) stated on this voucher. Valid until 31 January 2015. To the retailer: Provided this voucher is redeemed in accordance with our customer offer, it will be credited in full, plus the normal handling fee, by simply sending to: The Coupon Company Ltd, PO Box 47319, Ponsonby, Auckland.
TCC 17676
Feeling heavy, bloated…. and think you've tried everything? If you get bloating, wind or digestive discomfort, you’ve probably tried everything for it. Or have you? It can be hard to get to the bottom of digestive complaints, and finding a bit of relief can be hit and miss. Digestive health complaints can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, side effects from medicines or pregnancy, just to name a few. If you’ve tried a few ways to ease bloating, wind or irregularity, you may be interested in trying Phloe. Phloe is a natural, gentle daily supplement that has been clinically shown to keep you regular and avoid digestive discomfort.
8
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
HOW PHLOE WORKS Derived from kiwifruit, Phloe has a unique triple action formula. It combines fibre, prebiotics and enzymes to naturally support and optimise bowel health. This combination helps avoid episodes of bloating, flatulence and the ‘feeling of fullness’.
DOCTORS RECOMMEND PHLOE A survey has shown that 65% of doctors see between 6-15 patients a week for gastrointestinal concerns. Digestive health complaints are very common, with constipation the most stated reason for visiting the doctor. 91% of doctors in the survey said they would recommend Phloe to their patients.1
Join th e phloe health y you cl ub Sign up an d re ce ive m ag azin e, providin gHea lthy Y ou us eful info rm ation anyou with m an agin g your bowe d tip s on lon g- te rm. Y ou will l health prod uct info rm ation also re ce ive vouche rs fo r your nean d discou nt Phloe. Visit w w w. ph xt pu rcha se of fo r fu rth er info rm at lo e. co. n z ion.
The fibre in Phloe works by bulking the stool with moisture, which assists movement through the bowel. The great thing about the enzymes in Phloe is that they work naturally and gently to support movement in the bowel. The prebiotics in Phloe have been shown to support the good bacteria in our digestive systems and help with the natural balance of bacteria in the gut. Having the right balance is one of the keys to maintaining good bowel health and overall wellbeing.
Available at pharmacies and supermarkets For more information visit www.phloe.co.nz 1. BGA GP Mailer, 1 July 2010. Always read the label and use only as directed. Supplementary to, and not a replacement for, a balanced diet. Data on file. Vital Foods Ltd, Auckland. TAPS CH3717
familyhealthdiary.co.nz
9
Break the flea life cycle… GUARANTEED Have you treated your pet for fleas only to find a week later the fleas are still there? It’s likely you’re playing ‘catch-up’ with your flea treatment. The build-up of fleas in the home begins before you even notice a flea. Once they’ve passed the baby stages, adult fleas hatch and jump onto your pet to feed, and lay more eggs. Treating your pet is the first step towards solving the problem, but those first flea stages, already in the home, are just getting started.
IT GETS WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER
Once treated, fleas on your pet will be killed and the life cycle broken. However, the eggs and larvae that were already hidden in your home will still mature and as these new fleas emerge, your flea problem may look like it is getting worse, but the infestation is only running its course and is on the way out.
FRONTLINE® PLUS GUARANTEED TO WORK^ Applied properly over at least three months, FRONTLINE Plus is guaranteed to effectively treat and control fleas and stop an infestation starting all over again.
FREE REMINDER SERVICE Treating regularly is the best way to keep fleas under control, so to help you remember when to treat, FRONTLINE Plus offers a free email reminder service. Register for your reminder emails on the website - www.frontlineplus.co.nz
FREE 100G DONOVANS CHOCOLATE BLOCK*
when you purchase any pack of FRONTLINE® Plus 3 or 6 pack cat or dog from your vet. *Single sales do not qualify. Participating vet clinics only. While stocks last. Conditions apply.
KEEP TREATING!
Treating your pet every 6 to 8 weeks (or as directed) will kill any new fleas on your pet. Keeping this up consistently means that any fleas your pet continues to pick up will also be killed and your home will always be protected. ™
Only available from veterinary clinics. For full terms and conditions see your veterinarian. ®BROADLINE and ®FRONTLINE are
^
10
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
Complete protection for your cat… all in a simple topical applicator Making sure your cat is free of fleas and worms can be a challenge but with BROADLINE® spot-on solution your cat has the very best protection. The unique topical applicator makes applying BROADLINE easy and ensures complete accurate dosing so you can relax knowing you are doing the best for your cat and your family in a single dose. Containing a combination of four active ingredients, BROADLINE delivers the most comprehensive parasite control on the market for cats. No other product delivers flea and tick control and kills hookworm, roundworm and tapeworm. And, for an added bonus BROADLINE also provides protection for your cat against biting lice.
MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST FLEAS AND WORMS BROADLINE kills not only the adult fleas on your cat but contains an insect growth regulator to kill eggs and larvae, breaking the flea life cycle at every stage. It can be used every time for routine flea control, or as part of a regular deworming programme. Young cats and kittens and active hunters have a higher risk of becoming infected with worms and should be treated monthly.
BROADLINE • Provides a single topical solution for fleas and worms, including tapeworm • Delivers feline health and family protection in a single easy to give dose
BROADLINE COMPLETE CARE FOR CATS AND KITTENS BROADLINE spot-on solution for cats is for the treatment, and control of flea, tick and biting lice infestations and internal roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm infestations.
For the best advice on parasite control for your cat visit your veterinarian. registered trademarks of Merial. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. Nos A010901, A9008 & A9009
Keeping in good health from conception to birth Gone are the days of getting married, settling down and having babies in your early 20s, New Zealand women are now having their babies later in life than any other women in the world. Typically our parents had us around the age of 25, but the average age Kiwi women begin trying for a baby is 30. It’s understandable. We have careers, goals, and travel to consider. We want to buy a house, climb the corporate ladder and see the world before settling down. The dilemma 12
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
however, is that with increasing age biology can severely limit the chance of conception per month, when the need to conceive quickly may be at its greatest.
WHETHER YOU ARE PREGNANT ALREADY or trying to conceive, maintaining good health is essential. Eating well and paying attention to nutrition is important. Once pregnant, you probably only have to consume an additional 300 calories per day.
requirements – including the need for folate to help prevent against neural tube defects in the developing foetus.
KEEP MOVING
Protein in the form of eggs, low-fat dairy products, red meat, chicken and fish (but not large fish that may be contaminated with mercury), should be eaten.
Studies show that pregnant women who exercise more regularly are more likely to carry their baby to term compared with women who aren’t as fit. This is not the time to begin a bootcamp, especially if you weren’t doing much exercise prior to conception. However, if you were active before, it’s good to continue this. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise regime. Walking, swimming, aqua-aerobics, and yoga are good options. Avoid acivities where there is a danger of falling or causing trauma to the abdomen – tennis, squash, skiing, horse-riding or jumping out of aeroplanes.
Supplementing with a multivitamin and mineral formula designed especially for pregnancy will help you meet all your extra nutritional
To view this article in full and find out more about having a healthy pregnancy, as well as to enter our baby competition, please visit our website.
Refined and processed foods should be avoided, opt instead for a wide range of whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds. Complex carbohydrates from wholegrain bread, cereals, rice and starchy vegetables will give you much-needed energy.
For more information visit: familyhealthdiary.co.nz
familyhealthdiary.co.nz
13
Thinking of starting a family? Plan the best start Even before conception, you have choices that will influence the health and development of your baby. From the moment of conception, a rapid growth curve begins. Just four weeks into pregnancy, vital organs are already forming. And all this could be happening before you even know you’re pregnant. To help ensure your baby has all the nutrients it needs for healthy development in these early stages, it’s important you start taking a supplement like Elevit with Iodine from the moment you start trying for a baby.
HOW ELEVIT CAN HELP Elevit with Iodine contains the essential nutrients your baby needs,
14
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
at Ministry of Health recommended levels. And only Elevit is clinically proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, like Spina Bifida, by 92%.1
Sta rt taking Elevit earlier, not lat er With so mu ch critica l developm ha ppe nin g in the first few we eksent of pre gn an cy, don ’t wa it unt you know you ’re pre gn ant to tak eil Ele Th e best tim e to sta rt is before vit. pre gn an cy, from the tim e you sta rt trying for a ba by.
SPINA BIFIDA AND HOW FOLIC ACID HELPS Spina Bifida is the most common neural tube defect in New Zealand. It occurs in the womb when the baby’s spinal column doesn’t close all the way. It can result in various degrees of paralysis and sometimes even permanent disability.
VISIT elevit.co.nz FOR MORE ADVICE Elevit has a wealth of information on their website like videos that answer frequently asked questions on baby’s development, the role of folic acid, and more.
THE ELEVIT DIFFERENCE
Folic acid helps reduce the risk of Spina Bifida. But it’s hard to get the levels you need in pregnancy, from diet alone.
Elevit with Iodine has New Zealand’s highest combination of key nutrients, like iron, folic acid and iodine of any pregnancy supplement, which is why it's only available from pharmacies. It contains iodine, to assist in healthy brain development, and iron to help prevent dietary iron deficiency in the mother and provide benefits for baby. And all you need is one tablet a day.
That’s why the Ministry Of Health recommends you take 800mcg of folic acid every day, at least four weeks prior to conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Elevit with Iodine contains the recommended amount of folic acid as well as other key nutrients for baby's healthy development, like iodine and iron.
Elevit with Iodine – only at pharmacies 1. Czeizel Paed Drugs (2000) 2(6). 2. Food and Nutritional Guidelines for Healthy Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: A background paper. Ministry of Health 2006. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. Supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet. Consult your healthcare professional to see if Elevit is right for you. Bayer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland. The New Zealand formulation of Elevit is the same as that used in the Czeizel study except it does not contain Vitamin A, but does contain iodine.TAPS NA6931
familyhealthdiary.co.nz
15
The support you need to stay independent
It’s understandable many New Zealanders want to remain at home and independent in their twilight years. However, this is also a time when accidents can happen. For the children and family of seniors, worry sets in. What if something happens and there’s no-one around to help? Bupa are New Zealand’s aged care specialists offering personal medical alarms, retirement villages and care homes. The medical alarm service is well established, supporting people across New Zealand for almost 15 years. We know there’s a great comfort that comes from being in familiar surroundings and living independently. After all, no matter what your age, there’s no place like home. 16
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
I DON’T NEED AN ALARM, DO I? For many, the idea of getting an alarm doesn’t occur until something happens. But why wait? Having an alarm is like having insurance – you hope you never have to use it but if something does happen, you’ll be taken care of at the push of a button. Bupa understands that when it comes to care, everyone has unique needs.
Bupa provides individualised and tailored service to best suit your situation. While any emergency ambulance fees are covered when you press your Bupa button, these alarms are not just to call an ambulance. In fact, only 50% of callers want or need an ambulance. When you press the button, you will be put through to someone at the New Zealand-based call centre. They will get in touch with the help you choose – whether that’s a family member, friend, neighbour or ambulance. Of course, if you’re unable to talk to the call centre, an ambulance will be sent automatically, at no cost to you and your family will be informed. Bupa alarms will also give you confidence if you are anxious about your personal security. This peace of mind is important for you, and your family. It’s not necessary to be referred by your doctor, you can simply contact Bupa directly by calling 0800 60 80 99, Email: info@bupa.co.nz www.bupa.co.nz
"We will stay talking with you until help arrives, and we know you are safe."
YOUR BUPA MEDICAL ALARM
Fall Detector
Alarm Pendant
Wristband
Digital Compatible Alarm
Refer a frieenda and receiv
$
50
her* grocery vouc
GSM Capable Alarm
*Call 0800 60 80 99 for details, terms and conditions apply
For more information visit: familyhealthdiary.co.nz familyhealthdiary.co.nz
17
Haemorrhoids… don’t sit on symptoms If it feels like no matter what you do, you can’t get rid of haemorrhoids, then there's a good chance you haven't seen your doctor yet.
SO WHAT EXACTLY ARE THEY? Despite the notoriety, there’s often a lack of understanding about haemorrhoids. Also known as piles, they are inflamed veins in the region of the anus, caused by pressure.
Haemorrhoids are so common, half of us will get them at some point. Both men and women are affected equally.
They can be internal or external, and lead to the following:
They can be painful, stubborn, and in many cases they can keep coming back.
• Pain and itching
But if you think there’s not much more you can do other than ‘put up’ with them, then think again.
• Blood on toilet paper, in stools and the toilet bowl • Painful swelling or hard lumps.
18
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
What can really make the difference is seeing your doctor: the expert who can also prescribe an expert treatment.
including the pain, itch and inflammation.
Ti ps on preventio n Mod ern lifestyle s invo pe riods of sittin g an lvi ng lon g ha ve cont ribut ed to d in activity in crea sin g nu m be r an Ot he r fa ctors in cl ud of sufferers. e: • Poor eatin g ha bits drin ki ng en ou gh wa/ not te r • Co nstipat ion / di arrh oea • Pre gn an cy • St ra in in g on th e toilet • Obes ity • H ea vy liftin g. As you ag e your weak en s an d st retskchin tissu e so th os e ag ed 40 anes m ore ea sily, m ore lik ely to get ha d olde r are em orrh oids.
Even better, it works fast and is long-lasting too. Ultraproct is also fully funded, so you’ll only have to pay your usual doctor’s and prescription charges. In return, you’ll get targeted treatment that gives long-lasting relief.
DON’T GRIN AND BEAR IT Just putting up with haemorrhoids and not seeking help can mean you suffer unnecessarily. Don’t sit on symptoms – get along to your doctor instead.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR AND ASK ABOUT ULTRAPROCT®
YOUR DOCTOR – KEY TO RELIEF Not everyone wants to talk about haemorrhoids, but unless you see your doctor you might be relying on a bit of guesswork when it comes to treating them. So seeing your doctor is a really important step. They’ll give you a proper diagnosis, so you can be sure it’s haemorrhoids and not something else. Your doctor can also prescribe a treatment called Ultraproct®.
ULTRAPROCT® CAN HELP Ultraproct is a unique formulation of active ingredients proven to treat the most troublesome symptoms,
ULTRAPROCT® Ointment and Suppositories (Ointment contains 0.92 mg fluocortolone pivalate, 0.95 mg fluocortolone hexanoate and 5 mg cinchocaine hydrochloride per gram) (Suppositories contain 0.61 mg fluocortolone pivalate, 0.63 mg fluocortolone hexanoate and 1 mg cinchocaine hydrochloride per suppository). ULTRAPROCT is a fully funded prescription medicine. Normal doctor’s fees and pharmacy charges will apply. Do not use ULTRAPROCT in the first trimester of pregnancy. Only use in second and third trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding when prescribed by your doctor; do not use if you suffer from virus diseases, tuberculosis or syphilitic processes in the area to be treated. Prolonged use (longer than 4 weeks) should be avoided. Care must be taken to ensure ULTRAPROCT does not come into contact with the eyes. Careful hand washing after use is recommended. Tell your doctor if you notice any unwanted effect, or if there is a change in your health that you think might be caused by ULTRAPROCT. Always use ULTRAPROCT strictly as directed by your doctor. Additional consumer medicine information can be obtained from the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz or from bioCSL (NZ) Ltd, PO Box 62 590 Greenlane, Auckland 1546. Freephone 0800 502 757 or www.biocsl.co.nz ULTRAPROCT® is a registered trademark of Bayer Schering Pharma AG. TAPS CH3932
familyhealthdiary.co.nz
19
Once-a-day treatment for psoriasis Psoriasis is not an easy condition to manage and you may think you've tried everything. But did you know there's a treatment that can make life easier? Anyone dealing with psoriasis knows how difficult it is to live with, and how equally frustrating it can be to treat. Creams and lotions must be applied repeatedly – many of which are heavy and take time to dry. Even in between flare-ups, maintenance treatment is usually needed to keep the red, inflamed skin from coming back. But in most cases it does come back – angry, itchy and difficult to cover up. So the endless cycle of treatment continues. If you’re familiar with this routine, don’t give up hope. There is now a fully funded treatment that may be different to anything you have tried before.
20
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT DAIVOBET® Daivobet® is a once-a-day treatment that works fast. It’s an easier way to treat psoriasis, without the need for multiple applications and multiple treatments. When a flare-up happens, you only need to apply it once a day. And most people see improvement within seven days.
AVAILABLE AS A GEL Daivobet® is also available as a gel to make life even easier. It's easy to spread on the body and scalp without going clumpy. Daivobet® Gel is also easily absorbed, so there's no greasy feeling.
CHECK YOUR SCALP TOO If you’re seeing your doctor about psoriasis, ask them to check your scalp as well.
DAIVOBET® GEL BENEFITS
Scalp psoriasis usually affects the back of the head, but other parts of the scalp can be affected. It's characterised by red thickened skin covered with thick silvery-white scales.
• Easy to apply on body and scalp
Scalp psoriasis can occur with any other form or psoriasis, but also in isolation. Daivobet® Gel is especially useful on scalps, as lotions and creams can be messy to apply on hair. The almost clear gel is alcohol-free, odourless and rapidly absorbed.
• Only one application a day • Works fast – most see improvements within seven days • Rapidly absorbed and provides alternative to ointment when you need fast drying treatment • Fully funded.
D id y ou k n A rou n d 70%owof? pe op le wit h p so ri a si s a ls obody sca lp p so ri a si h a ve s.
Ask your doctor whether Daivobet® Ointment or Gel is right for you. DAIVOBET® is a fully funded prescription medicine. Normal doctor’s fees and pharmacy charges will apply. For the topical treatment of plaque type psoriasis and scalp psoriasis. Tell your doctor if you are taking Calcium or Vitamin D supplements or any medicines. If you have other types of psoriasis, liver or kidney problems, any skin infections, TB, or skin rashes, acne, rosacea, ulcers or broken skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have calcium metabolism disorder. Do not use on face, mucous membranes, or skin folds. Protect treated skin areas from sunlight and UV rays. Side effects may include: skin irritation; rash; worsening of psoriasis; change
in skin colour; headache; sore throat; back pain; sensitivity to light or change in control of diabetes. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of these or if you have any other unpleasant side effects. Always use DAIVOBET® strictly as directed by your doctor. Contains 50 mcg/g calcipotriol and 500 mcg/g betamethasone (as dipropionate). Additional consumer medicine information can be obtained from bioCSL (NZ) Ltd, PO Box 62 590 Greenlane, Auckland 1546. Freephone 0800 502 757 or www.bioCSL.co.nz. DAIVOBET® is a registered trademark of Leo Pharmaceutical Products Ltd. TAPS NA7178
familyhealthdiary.co.nz
21
What’s the difference between
Avigra & Viagra? When you look at the two little blue pills, Avigra and Viagra, it’s hard to spot the difference. That’s because there is none – except the price. Avigra is the more affordable treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is made by Pfizer, the same people who developed Viagra, and has the exact same active ingredient as Viagra. So the only difference is the price. Erectile dysfunction can be a cause of embarrassment for the estimated 39% of men over the age of 40 who sometimes experience difficulty with erections. For more than a decade, Pfizer has been a leading name in treating erectile dysfunction, helping millions of men the world over improve their sex lives. 22
Family Health Diary October/November 2014
AVIGRA – GREAT VALUE AND RESULTS Avigra offers the same highly effective results as Pfizer’s well known Viagra treatment, but with the added benefit of substantially reduced cost – so now men have even more to smile about. Until the arrival of Avigra, the cost of treatment has prevented some men from receiving the help they needed. By making treatment more affordable, Pfizer is helping men once again know the joys of an active and rewarding sex life.
OPTIMAL ERECTIONS The active ingredient in Avigra has helped more than 37 million men in 120 countries reclaim their sex lives by improving the hardness of their erection. The quality of an erection is rated on a 1–4 scale, with 4 being an optimal,
Penis is larger but not hard
Penis is hard, but not hard enough for penetration
completely hard and fully rigid erection. Looking at the scale below, if you find yourself at a 1 or 2, you might want to take this magazine to your next doctor’s visit and discuss your options.
Penis is hard enough for penetration, but not completely hard
Penis is completely hard and fully rigid
Adapted from Mulhall JP, et al. Validation of the erection hardness score. J Sex Med 2007; 4: 1626-1634.5
TESTED AND PROVEN Studies show that Avigra, with its active ingredient sildenafil citrate, produces grade 4 erections (see scale above), in 58% of users. Along with an optimal erection, many men using this treatment report an increase in sexual confidence, selfesteem and sexual relations satisfaction.
NEVER IGNORE ERECTION PROBLEMS While the occasional difficulty with erection is common in men from their
mid-forties onwards, persistent difficulty should never be ignored. It is known that a combination of stress and fatigue can result in bedroom difficulties. When those difficulties persist, it’s time to see your doctor for a thorough checkup. The health of your erection can be an early warning sign of a range of more serious conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Ask your doctor if Avigra can help you And request it at your pharmacy
AVIGRA (sildenafil citrate) is an unfunded prescription medicine for use by men in the treatment of erection problems resulting in a natural response to sexual stimulation. You will need to pay for this medicine and normal doctor’s fees apply. Do not use Avigra if you: are being treated for angina (chest pain) or other heart conditions with medicines called nitrates; are using amyl nitrite; have heart or blood vessel problems that make sexual intercourse inadvisable; have suffered a heart attack or stroke in the last 6 months; have severe liver problems; have unusually high or low blood pressure that is not effectively treated; have loss of vision in one or both eyes from an eye disease called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION); have an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa; have an allergy to AVIGRA or similar medications. Side effects include headache, dizziness, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, temporary changes in vision, diarrhoea, urinary tract infection or rash. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor. If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital: signs of allergy such as shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other part; chest pain; sudden decrease or loss of hearing; seizures, fits or convulsions; a persistent and painful erection; loss of eyesight in one or more eyes. Use strictly as directed. Consult your doctor to see if AVIGRA is right for you. Contains sildenafil citrate 25 mg, 50 mg & 100 mg. Further information on AVIGRA is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or from Pfizer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, www.pfizer.co.nz Ph: 0800736 363. TAPS NA5351
familyhealthdiary.co.nz
23
Welcome home baby
WIN a $5,000 baby starter pack! Thanks to
enter at www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz or text ‘baby’ to 226 *Terms and conditions apply. Bayer NZ Ltd. Auckland