Family Health Diary May-June 2013 by Family Health Diary

FREE

www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz MAY/JUNE 2013

The nasties to watch this flu season PLUS immune

support to get you through

Win

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PAIN donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

take it lying down

this Rower! ge n e l l a h eC

Just as the cover says, winter is coming, but it only hit me when I put the electric blanket on the other night! My evening walks have also been curtailed which makes the dog a bit sad and has me thinking I need to shift my walks to the morning instead. While I’m looking forward to hot roasts and snuggling up by the fire, I’m not that keen on the coughs and colds – one of our lot is already ripping through the tissue box and has conjunctivitis to boot! This issue of Family Health Diary deals with those exact subjects in fact, as it looks at the winter forecast ahead and the nasties doing the rounds. We also show you how to keep your immune system in good shape to navigate the months ahead. Plus we’re giving away a home rowing machine, as well as running an exclusive discount offer for readers to buy one themselves. What a great way to keep warm this winter! You’ll notice a few changes to the magazine this month, and a few more design changes coming next edition. What doesn’t change though are the health stories you can rely on to be helpful, as has always been the case. Catch you next time.

In this issue Over back pain? Target inflamation

Conjunctivitis… do you and your kids a favour

A healthy choice in skincare

Winter forecast… and how to get through Natural weapons against winter chills

The nasties to watch this season

Manuka Honey – winter syrup your kids can even use

Iron-deficient? Get an easy top-up

Real and discreet support for a weak bladder

Be i n to

Wor th e n u t p e N a $1,695 e n Wi n i h c a M i ng w o R e g n e l l Cha

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Competition closes 30th June 2013. For more details and to enter, visit familyhealthdiary.co.nz

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Digestive health… too important to ignore Probiotics… keys to immunity?

Lasting relief from heartburn

Get real control over asthma

The once-yearly solution to osteoporosis

Pronated feet? Problems could be far-reaching…

Want to quit smoking… we’ve got some answers

Seen one of our TV ads but missed the details? Watch it online at our new-look website www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz n Editor Aileen Nakhle n Design Raydar n Contributors Briony Hill n For editorial enquiries, write to editor@familyhealthdiary.co.nz For Family Health Diary advertising enquiries please phone +64 9 306 2340 n 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, Fax (09) 307 9246. 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. ©2013 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.

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Is inflammation

slowing down your recovery? Ever injured your back, crawled into bed, hoping the pain would go away… and it hasn’t? The culprit could be inflammation. Reduce inflammation Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting an injury, but if left untreated, it may cause more pain, slowing recovery. When you suffer a pulled muscle or tendon, chemicals are released at the injury site, which cause swelling 4

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and further sensitivity in the body’s pain receptors. If left untreated, inflammation may result in ongoing pain. Treating the pain and inflammation quickly may reduce any restriction and discomfort experienced to help get you moving again sooner.

Voltaren Rapid works two ways Voltaren Rapid 25 contains a powerful anti-inflammatory and is clinically proven to help reduce pain in as little as 15 minutes.* You won’t find Voltaren Rapid 25 on the shelf – it’s a specialised treatment only your pharmacist can recommend. You can also ask your pharmacist for expert advice on managing your pain and inflammation.

Signs of inflammation These may include • Localised swelling • Redness • Heat/burning sensation • Pain • Stiffness.

TALK TO YOUR PHARMACIST The simple rule is, don’t just ignore muscle or back pain, hoping it will get better. When acute back pain strikes, head to your pharmacy, and ask your pharmacist about treating with Voltaren Rapid 25, to help you stay active and get back to doing what you enjoy.

Voltaren® Rapid 25 is a Pharmacist Only medicine

KEEP MOVING Stopping all exercise, or completely restricting movement may not always be the best route to recovery. Part of managing back pain is to keep moving. This may include physical manipulation, such as physiotherapy, or addressing acute pain and inflammation with an anti-inflammatory medicine.

Voltaren Rapid 25 benefits • Fast-acting* • Clinically proven to reduce acute pain* • Pharmacist Only Medicine for strong pain. Voltaren Supplier of Pain Relief to the *When taken as an initial dose of 2 x 25mg tablets. For temporary relief of acute painful inflammatory conditions. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist or if you have side effects, see your pharmacist. Your pharmacist’s advice is required. Incorrect use could be harmful. Do not use if you have stomach ulcers. Novartis Consumer Health Australasia Pty Ltd Auckland, NZ. TAPS NA5541

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Open your eyes

to convenience Conjunctivitis is easily spread and shouldn’t be ignored, yet most treatment regimes can be difficult to follow through.

ver-the-counter conjunctivitis treatments need applying up to five times a day. Applying eye drops can be fiddly at any age so the fewer times a day you need to do it, the better. Fortunately one uniquely formulated product, available on prescription from your doctor, only needs to be used twice a day. It’s called Fucithalmic® and now it’s fully funded. Designed for both adults and children, its ease of use will be welcome relief for both parents and little ones. 6

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Convenient for all the family Its convenience means Fucithalmic® fits better around family commitments, such as work, school, preschool and daycare. For busy parents, being able to apply eye drops in just the morning and evening means it’s easier to follow through with treatment.

Conjunctivitis – a common problem You may know conjunctivitis as ‘pink eye’ or ‘red eye’. Common symptoms include redness, itching, swelling of the eyelids and a discharge that may cause the lids and lashes to be matted together in the mornings. There can be a scratchy feeling, pain with bright light, or tearing. Conjunctivitis affects approximately 12% of New Zealand’s population and peaks from winter through to springtime. The three most common ways you can get it is through an allergic reaction, from bacteria, or a virus.

Easy to catch! Most bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are spread through direct hand-to-eye contact from contaminated hands. The disease can be caught just by touching something that was handled by an infected person. For this reason, people who are diagnosed with conjunctivitis, particularly children, should stay home until treatment has started to avoid infecting others.

features AND Benefits • Easier than multipleapplication products • Opaque drop turns into clear gel, for clear vision after use

Use twice

• Effective and well-tolerated • Used by New Zealanders for over 13 years. • Now fully funded (ie. free with a prescription from your doctor)

t a d ay, n o f i v e

t i m e s

Ask your doctor if Fucithalmic® is right for you – now fully funded conjunctivitis treatment.

Fucithalmic® is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye like conjunctivitis. Medicines have risks and benefits. Do not use if you wear contact lenses. Do not drive or operate machinery if vision is blurred after application. Possible side effects: mild stinging and burning in the eye, tearing & blurring of the eyes. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor. Fusidic Acid 1%. For further details refer to CMI on www.medsafe.govt.nz, bioCSL (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. Fucithalmic® is a registered trademark of Leo Pharmaceutical Products Ltd A/S. TAPS NA6382 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz

A healthy choice

for your skin Choosing a skincare range that’s perfect for your skin can be a mission. If you are one of the 50% of New Zealanders with sensitive skin, it can be even more of a challenge…. But it doesn’t have to be.

hether your skin is healthy or sensitive, it’s important to gently care for it every day. Skin is constantly exposed to the irritating effects of heat, wind, dryness

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and pollution. Then there’s the added effect of chemical irritants found in detergents and many skincare products. This can be all the worse if your skin is already compromised, dry, itchy or flaky.

Make a gentle choice When choosing a daily cleanser and moisturiser, check for ingredients that won’t irritate the skin: products that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (ie. won’t block the pores) are a good start. And choose one that is pH-balanced to match your skin – a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 is usually ideal – any higher and it could disrupt the skin’s ‘acid mantle’.

Look for dermatologistrecommended Dermatologist-recommended products are usually both gentle and hydrating, and now one of the most highly researched and recommended skincare ranges is also easier to find – available in supermarkets as well as pharmacies.

Simple and effective Cetaphil The Cetaphil skincare range offers a complete, daily skin care system to restore and maintain healthy skin. Cetaphil products are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making them gentle enough for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Cleanse and moisturise all skin types Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is just that – gentle. In a 21-day Cumulative Irritancy Study, it was found to be one of the least irritating cleansers when compared to other brands.* Unlike many other cleansers, Cetaphil is designed to cleanse, moisturise and restore your skin’s pH balance which may have altered during the day. It gets rid of the nasties leaving behind the goodies – your skin’s protective natural softeners. Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion is designed to moisturise and restore dry, sensitive skin. With a unique combination of five moisturising ingredients, it is clinically proven to hydrate and protect for a full 24 hours.*

Cetaphil leaves out the skin irritants All Cetaphil products are soap-free. Focusing on what to leave out of their products, as much as what to put in, Cetaphil has to be a good choice for peace of mind and healthy skin.

Available in pharmacies, leading supermarkets and Farmers

* Data on file. TAPS PP9717

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Your winter chill

super-fighters When you think of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongest weapons against winter chills, Vitamin C and garlic would have to be top of mind. So when it comes to immune support this winter, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look past these two super nutrients.

o support immunity, some people look for supplements with a lot of ingredients in them. There are times, however, when high potency single ingredient options are the answer. Garlic and Vitamin C are just the type of nutrients that can stand on their own in helping fight winter woes. And thanks to Nutra-LifeÂŽ, these trusted ingredients have been made even more potent.

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Are you getting enough Vitamin C? Vitamin C is needed to maintain healthy immunity, eyes, skin, teeth and bones. You can get it from fruits and vegetables or a vitamin supplement, but hanging on to all that goodness is the hard part. Vitamin C breaks down quickly in the body and is flushed out fast, so often after just two hours, all that Vitamin C is gone!

The better Vitamin C™ Nutra-Life® Ester-C® is ‘the better Vitamin C™‘. It gets into your white blood cells rapidly (so it’s easily absorbed). Plus it is long lasting, producing up to 24 hours of around the clock immune support. On top of that, Nutra-Life Ester-C® is less acidic than standard Vitamin C, which makes it gentler on your stomach and teeth. Available in tablets, capsules or great-tasting chewables.

Do you dare get enough garlic? Garlic is one of the healthiest foods you can eat, but a lot of people tend to avoid it out of fear of garlic breath! Raw garlic contains a wide variety of sulphur compounds, which are responsible for its pungent smell. Cooking helps remove some of the smell and makes it more palatable, but heat also breaks down many of the beneficial sulphur compounds. Up until now, this has created a dilemma for people who want the garlic but not the unpleasant effects.

Nutra-Life® Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract ™ – no garlic breath! Nutra-Life® Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™ retains and adds benefits not found in fresh garlic, with absolutely no garlic breath. It’s made up of organically-grown garlic that’s been naturally aged, converting the harsh odour-causing compounds into beneficial, odourless ones. It makes Nutra-Life® Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™ the ideal solution to your winter woes without the usual hitch!

Powerful Immune and cardiovascular support

Both Nutra-Life® Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract™ and Nutra-Life® Ester-C® come in high-potency formulas, which can be taken both preventatively to support your body’s natural defences and during times of low immunity.

Only in pharmacies and health stores Contact the Naturopathic Advice Line on 0800 268 872 or visit www.nutralife.co.nz Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional. People on prescription medicine should check with their doctor first. Supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet. Vitaco Health (NZ) Ltd. Auckland. TAPS DA4812DC101

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what to expect Winter has its share of cosy pleasures, but falling sick can overshadow the good stuff. That’s why Family Health Diary contacted experts here and abroad to find out what health issues are coming our way, and if it’s possible to sidestep them.

No.1 nasty – Northern lurgies

nowing we’re getting the nasties that have plagued the Northern Hemisphere might seem unnerving, but it does give local experts the advantage of tweaking our flu vaccine before the virus gets here. Dr Lance Jennings, virologist and spokesperson for the National Influenza Specialist Group, says the A(H3N2) virus struck hard in the recent Northern Hemisphere winter. “The disease spread quickly, and was particularly severe for the elderly and those with an ongoing medical condition. “People 65 and over accounted for more than half of all reported influenzaassociated hospitalisations in the United States this winter – the highest number since records began in 2005. The next highest group were children under four years old. A total of 105 children died.” Karori Medical Centre Luckily for Kiwis, this particular virus patient Barry Keenan circulated in New Zealand last winter. receives his annual That means there is immunity to it in some influenza vaccination from communities. In addition, extra protection is provided through the flu vacine. practice nurse Robyn Taylor

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A quiet threat – the Chinese unknown

ou have probably heard of the mysterious new bird flu called the A(H7N9) virus. At the time of writing, in China it had killed 21 people with a total of 104 patients affected. More cases are expected. The virus is not easily transmitted and cases have been sporadic. No vaccine is currently available, but the World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating the development of diagnosis and treatment materials, as well as a vaccine. For more information, keep up to date with the news and follow Ministry of Health recommendations.

The ongoing worry – whooping cough

hooping cough (pertussis) continues to spread at a high rate. It usually begins like a cold. Bouts of coughing then develop, followed by a deep gasp or ‘whoop’. Theo Brandt from the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC), says that because it is extraordinarily contagious, we typically have outbreaks every 3-4 years. “We would need to have a very, very high level of immunisation to completely limit its spread (ie. over 95% of the whole population).” He adds that this is difficult to achieve because immunity is not lifelong, so even if you have had whooping cough, you can catch it again. Provisional data available at the time of writing showed that there have been over 1000 cases this year. Whanganui, Canterbury, the Waikato and Mid-Central have been hardest hit. The 1-4 age group has been most affected. The next highest group is 40-49, although much less likely to be hospitalised. Theo advises that women 28-38 weeks pregnant get a free booster to protect themselves and their babies. Dads, grandparents and other close family members may want to consider paying for a booster vaccine.

Take caution, it helps

o protect yourself and your family, try to follow the advice of experts in regard to hygiene and immunisations. Remember the essentials to help protect yourself and your family: wash and dry your hands often, cover sneezes and coughs, and stay away from others if sick.

It will also help to have your annual flu vaccination and ensure children receive their scheduled immunisations.

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Beat winter chills

with nothing but honey

Ills and chills are a threat to every family over winter, but if you want a natural way to combat them, it doesn’t get simpler than Manuka Honey. Why Manuka Honey?

ew Zealand’s Manuka Honey contains antiseptic properties that can support the body’s own defences against ills and chills – naturally. When you take that honey and convert it into a specialised winter formula, you have a recipe for immune support all winter long.

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Manuka Health experts in Manuka Honey Using leading edge scientific research, New Zealand’s own Manuka Health has developed a completely natural range of winter wellness formulas containing highly active MGO® Manuka Honey (more on this in the blue box). Manuka Health’s MGO® Manuka Honey Syrup is specially designed for respiratory support. The children’s version – MGO® Manuka Honey Kids Syrup – is designed for children as young as two. So for parents struggling to find comfort for little ones, this is a real find, giving safe and effective immune support against common winter ailments.

Manuka Honey Syrup

Manuka Honey Kids’ Syrup

• Supports the immune system in fighting winter ills • Contains MGO® 400+ Manuka Honey plus New Zealand Propolis • 100% natural.

What makes Manuka Honey so unique? New Zealand’s Manuka Honey has uniquely high levels of antibacterial activity. But what makes Manuka Honey more active and potent than other honeys around the world actually comes down to a compound called methylglyoxal.

Look for MGO®250+ MANUKA HONEY - the gold standard

• Specially developed for children • Contains MGO® 250+ Manuka Honey • Herb extracts to help natural loosening of phlegm • Pleasant, childfriendly flavour • 100% natural.

This information is displayed clearly on the product label. Experts agree that 100mg/ kg of MGO® Manuka Honey is the minimum level required for health benefits. The maximum to be found is 800mg/kg. By giving each of their products a tested and certified MGO® Manuka Honey rating, the folk at Manuka Honey have made life simpiler.

When choosing from the different brands of Manuka Honey available, you should look for the methylglyoxal content as a measure of the honey’s potency. Manuka Health identifies its products ‘ methylglyoxal content with an MGO® Manuka Honey rating.

Phone 0800 706 555 for your nearest Manuka Health winter wellness stockist. Always read the label and follow the instructions. TAPS NA6384

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Would you know if

you were iron-deficient? There’s no flashing beacon to tell you that you’re iron deficient, but if you’re always feeling tired that might be a clue.

ron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies today. But would you know if you were short of iron? Pale skin, slight tiredness, headaches and a lack of performance and focus are key signs to look for. Dry hair, brittle fingernails and a loss of appetite are also symptoms. There are others too which your doctor can discuss with you.

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Why iron matters? Iron is essential to our bodies – and a shortage of it can result in less oxygen circulating throughout the body. Iron is important for the formation of haemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all the other cells in the body. It is also responsible for carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs where it will be exhaled at the end of the process. A shortage of iron can very quickly lead to a low haemoglobin content in the blood and less supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Where do we get iron? As our bodies cannot produce iron, we have to get it through the diet. A healthy, balanced diet containing iron-rich foods can normally provide our bodies with an adequate amount. But women – at various stages of their life, children, vegetarians and athletes may all require more iron than a regular diet can supply.

What is Floradix Iron Tonic? The easy way to get an iron top-up is with Floradix Iron Tonic. This is a liquid iron formula made from actual fruit and vegetable juices, herbs and organic iron. Perhaps most importantly, the fact it’s a liquid means your body absorbs it faster than a tablet.

Floradix benefits • Liquid formula absorbed faster than a tablet • All natural ingredients • Source of vitamins B, C and E • Pleasant tasting • Doesn’t affect bowel regularity.

The gluten-free version – Floravital Floradix also comes in a yeast and gluten-free version called Floravital, suitable for people with gluten intolerance and vegans. Taken just twice a day, Floradix or Floravital can help protect the health and vitality of the whole family.

No unpleasant effects The herbs help maintain healthy digestion and, together with vitamin C, support the absorption of all nutrients. Due to Floradix being so absorbable, very little undissolved iron enters the intestinal tract, which means it doesn’t affect bowel regularity.

Available at supermarkets, pharmacies and health stores Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional. Supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet. People with iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis should not take this product and consult their doctor. Red Seal Natural Health Ltd, Auckland. TAPS NA5827

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Finally, a fitting answer to

bladder control

It may be incredibly common, but a weak bladder is a private matter. Now you can manage it without anyone knowing you’re wearing anything but regular underwear.

f you have a weak bladder, dealing with bulky pads and guards that rustle and shift can be just as disheartening as the issue itself. That’s where new Depend® Real-Fit Underwear can help – a genuine answer to bladder control. With all the protection you would expect from Depend®, new Real-Fit is more discreet – the closest thing yet to real underwear.

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DESIGNED FOR DESCRETION Depend® Real-Fit is made from a special cotton-flex fabric and designed to fit better for discretion. With its unique slim-fit design, it fits like regular underwear – even under close-fitting clothes. Rest assured, Depend® Real-Fit still provides the same absorbent protection as before – with all-around leg elastics and worry-free odour protection. The key difference is, new Depend® Real-Fit is so like real underwear you won’t believe it until you have it on.

DESIGNED FOR MEN ...

AND WOMEN

• Elastic waistband • Cotton-like fabric • Maximum protection • All-around leg elastics • Worry-free odour protection.

RETRAIN YOUR BLADDER

• When you feel you really need to pass urine, sit down and try to take your mind off wanting to go to the toilet

• Walk, don’t run, to the toilet • Minimise your intake of coffee, tea, cola and alcohol • Do pelvic floor exercises for strengthening and confidence • Drink six to eight glasses of fluids a day to help avoid constipation (which only makes the problem worse).

• Avoid those ‘just in case’ toilet trips – try to go only when your bladder is full and when you need to

More information and advice on how to put together a bladder chart or diary can be found at www.continence.org.nz.

These techniques can help you suppress the urgent need to pass urine until an appropriate time and place is found.

COMING SOON Get a Free sample

Available in medium and large sizes at supermarkets and selected pharmacies

To try out new Depend® Real-Fit Underwear for yourself, call 0800 800 509 toll free or visit www.depend.co.nz for a free sample.

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Digestion...

more important than you think You may have heard the saying “you are what you eat”, but the truth is you are what you digest. So if your digestive system is out of balance you might not be getting the goodness from your food... and all the immune support you need.

ven when you do your best to look after your health, factors such as daily stress, lack of sleep and processed foods can affect the natural balance of your digestive system. That’s bad news given that your digestive tract contains 70% of your immune defences. So when your digestive system is out of kilter, not only can it lead to discomfort, bloating and wind, but your immunity can suffer too.

When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for one that contains acid-resistant bacteria strains. The stomach is a harshly acidic environment that probiotic bacteria must pass through in order to get to the site of action in the gut. Many probiotic strains cannot survive this environment, and so are less able to contribute their health benefits in the body.

Get a probiotic top-up

Probiotica P3 contains a powerful blend of probiotics guaranteed to survive acidic conditions in the stomach, to ensure they reach the intestinal tract where they are most useful. It’s the easy way to support digestive wellbeing and immunity; just one capsule contains up to 20 times the amount of probiotics as a 150g pottle of standard yoghurt.

Eating foods rich in probiotics or taking a concentrated supplement can help replenish levels of beneficial bacteria and keep unfriendly bacteria from gaining a foothold in your body. As a result, probiotics support your digestive health and, through that, your overall wellbeing. 20 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz

Probiotica P3

What’s your digestive system made of? Your body naturally contains billions of probiotic (beneficial) bacteria that keep your digestive tract functioning properly. Many lifestyle factors, such as stress, excess alcohol intake, a low-fibre diet or antibiotic use, can change the environmental conditions inside the digestive system and subsequently lower the body’s probiotic levels.

The convenient probiotic Probiotica P3 can go wherever you go. Unlike most probiotics, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

Probiotica benefits • S upports healthy digestion to avoid bloating, wind and discomfort • Maintains healthy immune function • U p to 20 times* more probiotics than yoghurt • High-potency – just one capsule a day • Acid-resistant to survive the journey to your gut

Available at pharmacies, health stores and supermarkets Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Vitaco Health (NZ) Ltd, Auckland NZ. TAPS NA5852

*150g serve of standard pottle of yoghurt www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz 21

Heartburn relief... antacids not the only option

If you get heartburn from time to time, you might find that taking an antacid gives quick relief, but in some cases the heartburn returns.

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f you get recurring heartburn, you might find yourself reaching for the antacids each time – a good option to counter the pain. The only problem is, the pain may come back. An antacid can relieve heartburn within minutes, but may only provide relief for a few hours. So when the symptoms return, you need to treat it again.

A LASTING SOLUTION - LOSEC® EXTRA Losec® Extra targets heartburn or acid reflux at its source, and could free you from heartburn for up to three months.1 Unlike antacids that only temporarily relieve the symptoms of reflux, Losec® Extra reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces, so that symptoms don’t occur in the first place.

GET LASTING RELIEF One tablet of Losec® Extra (omeprazole 20mg) provides 24-hour relief from heartburn. Taken for two weeks, Losec® Extra may keep you symptom-free for up to three months.1 Losec® Extra is available from your pharmacy – without prescription – making it easier to get lasting freedom from the nagging pain, and harassment, of heartburn.

GETTING TO THE SOURCE OF HEARTBURN Heartburn and acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach flows up into the food pipe (oesophagus). One way to effectively tackle the problem is to limit the amount of acid your stomach produces, which is exactly what Losec® Extra does.

Common Dietary triggers Heartburn can be triggered by: • Spicy or fatty food • Chocolate or sweets • Caffeinated or fizzy drinks • Alcohol • Eating large portions and eating before bedtime. Watching what you eat, stopping smoking and avoiding stressful situations can all reduce the chance of heartburn.

For more on Heartburn go to

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Ask for Losec® at your pharmacy 1. Fendrick AM et al. Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2004; 2:17-21. Losec® and Losec® Extra are used for the relief of reflux-like symptoms, heartburn or regurgitation for people aged 18 years or older. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your pharmacist. Bayer New Zealand Limited, Auckland. TAPS NA6302.

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Get real control over asthma

Many Kiwis with asthma think they have to put up with coughing and wheezing: that’s because they don’t realise what good asthma control should feel like.

here’s a lot of evidence to show that poor asthma control often goes unrecognised. One reason for this, explains asthma expert Professor Shaun Holt in a recent Research Review article, is that patients with asthma are rarely, if ever, symptom-free, and have nothing to compare their current symptom level with. In short, they do not know what good asthma control feels like.1 Only after updating their treatment can they truly appreciate what it’s like to be on top of their asthma.

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How Seretide® works Seretide® (fluticasone propionate/ salmeterol xinafoate) is a two-in-one inhaler that combines the active ingredient in the orange preventer inhaler with a long-acting symptom controller, offering lasting control of symptoms day and night.

Is Seretide® right for you? Your doctor is the best person to talk to about your asthma control. The most important thing is to let them know

what symptoms you’re experiencing and how often you’re having them. You may not realise you can have symptom-free days for most days of the year with Seretide®, the purple inhaler.2 And if you qualify, Seretide® is fully funded. Just ask your doctor.

Leaving symptoms behind In a major New Zealand asthma study, 81% of people thought their asthma was well controlled, yet threequarters were using their blue reliever at least once daily and the remainder were taking at least 3-4 puffs a day. 3 In short, most people overestimated their level of asthma control. The fact is, if you’re using your reliever more than twice a week, chances are your asthma is not as good as it could be.4 If this sounds like you, a move to Seretide®, the purple inhaler, could be the answer.5

Is your asthma under control? Control means4… • No coughing or wheezing • No night-time interruptions • No emergency visits to your doctor or hospital • Participating in activities you enjoy and not having to avoid them • Using a blue reliever inhaler less than two times a week and living life more. There is a simple test to help you find out if your asthma really is under control – visit www.asthmacontrol.co.nz and answer the online questionnaire.

Ask your doctor about Seretide® – the purple inhaler References: 1. Research Review Educational Series www.researchreview.co.nz – May 2012. 2. Woodcock A et al. Prim Care Resp J. 2007;16(3):155-161. 3. Holt S. NZ INSPIRE Study Overview. Research Review. 2008:113. 4. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Manangement and Prevention. Updated 2009. Available at http://www.ginasthma.org/ Guidelineitem.asp??|1=2&12=1&intid=1561. Accessed 15 May 2012. 5. Bateman ED et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2004;170:836-844. Seretide® (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate; available as a 50/25, 125/25 or 250/25 micrograms per actuation inhaler, or as a 100/50 or 250/50 micrograms per actuation Accuhaler®) is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of reversible obstructive airway disease (ROAD) including asthma, and for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Seretide is a fully funded medicine; Special Authority criteria apply. Seretide 250/25 microgram inhaler is a private purchase medicine that you will need to pay for. Use strictly as directed. Seretide is not for relief of acute symptoms. Always carry your reliever inhaler. Do not discontinue Seretide abruptly. Tell your doctor: If you are taking any other medicines or herbal remedies, you have pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), a thyroid problem or a heart problem, or you are having treatment for high blood pressure. Side effects may include: Headache, ‘shaky’ feeling, fast heart rate, irritation in the nose and throat. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. For more information, see Seretide Consumer Medicine Information at www.medsafe. govt.nz. Normal doctor’s office visit fees apply. Ask your doctor if Seretide is right for you. Seretide and Accuhaler are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited, Auckland. Adverse events involving GlaxoSmithKline products should be reported to GSK Medical Information on 0800 808 500. TAPS NA5836/12JL/SFC/0012

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Think about your bones

...just once a year Are you taking tablet treatments to prevent osteoporosis? You might be surprised to learn thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another option.

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steoporosis is not always top of mind, which is why treatment regimes can fall by the wayside. You might currently be taking tablets to help prevent a broken bone or fracture, but the thing is you have to constantly remember to take them. Now there’s another option – a treatment you only need once a year.

Introducing Aclasta With Aclasta, there’s no need to take a tablet or think about your treatment for 12 months. Instead, one dose helps prevent your bones from fracture for a full year. Aclasta is a 15-30 minute infusion you have yearly that goes directly to your bones to make them stronger. It helps prevent fractures in your hip, spine and other bones.

No more missed doses for a whole year! If you’ve been prescribed a tablet but find that you are missing doses, or struggling to take as directed, your bones may not be getting the protection they need. Osteoporosis typically does not have symptoms until a fracture occurs which is why it is so important to take your medicine as prescribed.

Aclasta removes the problems of missed tablets because a single treatment will help protect your bones from fractures for an entire year.

Fully funded Aclasta is fully funded for most people at risk of osteoporosis, which means that you will not have to pay for the medicine. However, a doctor’s fee and treatment (infusion) fees will apply. This fee covers the cost of administering the infusion, which in many cases can be done by your local doctor. Most people have no problem making the switch from oral medications to Aclasta. If you want to free yourself from having to remember to take tablets, and protect your bones for a whole year, ask your doctor if Aclasta is right for you.

Aclasta benefits • Convenient – just one dose a year • Effective – goes straight to work on your bones • No regular tablet regimes • Year-long peace of mind.

Ask your doctor if Aclasta is right for you Aclasta® is a prescription medicine for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and the treatment of Paget’s disease of the bone. Aclasta is an infusion and contains 5mg of zoledronic acid. It is important to have an Aclasta infusion each year to ensure you get maximum treatment benefit. Check with your doctor to see if Aclasta is right for you. Aclasta is fully funded for patients who meet specified criteria. Funding does not include the cost of infusion and normal doctors and prescription charges will apply. Do not use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney impairment, have low calcium levels in your blood, or if you are allergic to zoledronic acid or any of the ingredients in Aclasta or any other bisphosphonate medicine. Not recommended for children and adolescents. Caution while under dental treatment or if dental treatment is planned. Calcium, hydration status and kidney function may be assessed by your doctor before and after you are given Aclasta. Adverse effects are usually mild and transient. Common side effects are flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, fatigue, chills, and bone, joint, and/or muscle pain; anaemia; headache; dizziness, transient low blood calcium; gastrointestinal symptoms, renal impairment, breathing difficulty and lethargy. Very rarely osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported. If symptoms persist or you have side effects see your doctor. Aclasta is the registered trademark of Novartis AG. Novartis New Zealand Limited, Auckland. For further information check the Consumer Medicine Information [CMI] at www.medsafe.govt.nz. ACL 0712-183-0714 TAPS CH3359

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Put your best

foot forward Pain in your knee, ankle, heel or lower back? Wondering what the cause is? You might want to check your foot alignment.

oor alignment of the feet not only affects your posture, but can cause aches and pains in other parts of the body. Around 70% of people suffer from excess pronation, which is when the foot rolls inwards when walking. It happens because our feet, which were designed to walk barefoot on soft, natural surfaces like soil and sand, take

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a daily pounding on unnatural, hard and flat surfaces including footwear. This causes the feet to roll over (to gain ground contact) and the arches to flatten. Like the foundation of a tall building, problems in the feet can have far-reaching effects throughout the body, leading to pain affecting not just the feet, but the heel, knee, lower back and legs.

Scholl Orthaheel range Scholl Orthaheel is a range of award-winning orthotic insoles designed to fit into most footwear, providing medical-grade support and relief at an affordable price. Designed by leading international podiatrist Phillip J. Vasyli, Scholl Orthaheel orthotics have a 4-degree rear foot wedge which helps correct body posture and restore natural foot function. Scholl Orthaheel features & benefits • Podiatrist designed and recommended • Designed to help cushion the foot and correct over-pronation

The image above shows how pronated feet can be corrected by simply using an orthotic insole (as shown with the right foot).

Have you checked your feet? Most people don’t realise that their feet pronate, or associate the problem with poor posture and other body ailments. Yet the difference between good and poor foot alignment is obvious once you use a good orthotic. An orthotic is a corrective insole that realigns the foot to a neutral position.

• Unique built-in 4 degrees rear foot angle to control excess pronation and restore the foot to its neutral position • Inserts provide relief from common causes of heel and foot pain, knee pain, aching legs and back pain.

Scholl Orthaheel footwear Scholl Orthaheel orthotics are also built into a range of footwear and sandals in a wide range of styles and colours. Fashionable, comfortable and supportive, Scholl Orthaheel walking shoes, cross-trainers, sandals and jandals offer true comfort when walking, and help prevent knee pain, tired aching legs and, in some cases, even help with lower back pain.

Available from pharmacies and speciality footwear stores www.schollorthaheel.co.nz SSL, Auckland, NZ. PO Box 100 091 NSMC, Auckland. TAPS DA2110LM

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Want to quit smoking but need some answers? If you smoke but you don’t want to, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Champix and other support treatments. If you’re not sure whether Champix could help you, here are some initial questions answered.

Q: I’ve tried to quit before but always

failed. What am I doing wrong? Trying to quit with no support is difficult. Around 95% of smokers who try to quit by going cold turkey are smoking again within a year. One of the reasons for this is that many people suffer nicotine withdrawal symptoms when they quit. These symptoms can last more than 10 weeks and may include the desire to smoke, headaches, sleepless nights, feeling down or irritability and more.

So, is there a different approach? Champix is a quit-smoking treatment that’s different to gum or patch-based treatments you may have tried. It is a tablet you take twice a day for at least 12 weeks. By the end of the 12-week Champix programme, you’re around four times more likely to have given up, than if you’d taken no medication.

Q: Are there side effects from Champix? Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of Champix. Two of the most

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common ones are nausea and difficulty sleeping. Some people may experience side effects such as mood changes, but it isn’t known if they occur as a result of quitting or taking Champix.

How does Champix work? Champix works in two ways. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and blocks the ‘feel-good’ effects of nicotine, so if you do smoke, you probably won’t enjoy it as much.

What will it cost? If you’re ready to quit now, talk to your doctor about Champix. You may be eligible to have the entire 12-week course funded. Normal doctors’ fees and pharmacy dispensing fees apply.

Is Champix all I need to quit? Just remember that while Champix may help, it will take a combination of professional support, willpower and encouragement from family and friends to beat the habit.

What you’ll find at www.champix.co.nz If you’re preparing to quit, a great place to start is at www. champix.co.nz, where you’ll find a series of web clips with answers to common questions. Your chances of successfully quitting are greatly improved if you get the right help, including doctor’s advice, behavioural support and treatment. Our web clips will show you why, and provide hints and tips for staying on the smoke-free path, even when stress, boredom or social situations really test your willpower. Even if you’ve quit before, had a slip-up and then went back to smoking, there’s advice for getting back on course.

For more advice see your doctor or go to www.champix.co.nz Champix (varenicline) is a prescription medicine that helps adults stop smoking. Champix is fully funded under special authority. A pharmacy charge and normal doctor’s fees apply. Do not take Champix if you are allergic to varenicline or any other tablet ingredients. Tell your doctor if you have ever had depression, other mental health problems, kidney problems, have a history of repeated fits, heart problems, are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some people have had changes in behaviour, mood or thinking including self-harm or harming others. If you or your family notice changes in your behaviour, mood or thinking, stop taking Champix and see your doctor. Some people have had allergic reactions to Champix that can be life threatening. If you get swelling of the face, mouth, throat or a skin rash, stop taking Champix and see your doctor immediately. There have been reports of heart attack and strokes in some people taking Champix. Heart attacks and strokes can also be caused by smoking. If you have any of these conditions tell your doctor. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, difficulty in sleeping and abnormal dreams. If you have other side effects see your doctor. Always read the label and use as directed. Consult your doctor to see if Champix is right for you. Contains varenicline 0.5mg or 1mg. Further information on Champix is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or Pfizer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, www.pfizer.co.nz. Ph. 0800 736 363. TAPS NA6198 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz

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