FREE
www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012
Sunscreen‌ are you using it right? The power of honey on cuts and burns Why whooping cough could be passed on by you
Win an iPad2 + much more! See page 16 for details
Hey, summer is on the way! From here on in, there’ll be more sun, higher temperatures and longer daylight hours. All of which are such a tonic for the soul. Family Health Diary is celebrating with a huge summer giveaway. You could win books, DVDs, sunscreen, magazine subscriptions and even an ipad2 – all you need to keep you entertained on a lazy summer’s day. Inside this issue you’ll find some fabulous Ocean Spray cranberry recipes to add to your kitchen repertoire. I shared a lovely afternoon with a few readers recently as we experienced a Julie le Clerc Masterclass – inspiring stuff in the kitchen, and some great company to boot. We’ve got some advice this month on coping with the season’s over-indulgences – without the heartburn. Plus some sage advice about sunscreen use from the Cancer Society – you might be surprised that most of us still aren’t applying it properly. All in all, this is the issue to get you geared for summer. Christmas will be here before we know it. Till then however, I just have to survive the Term 4 madness with all those end of year things – exams being the most stressful item on the list! Our end of year love and best wishes to you and yours…
In this issue Whooping cough.. why adults need to be immunised too
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First there was fish oil… now there’s Krill Oil
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How to quit smoking once and for all
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Healthy summer fun Sunscreen… are you using it right?
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Wound protection with Manuka Honey
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Get festive without heartburn
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The Great Summer Giveaway
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n Editor Aileen Nakhle n Design Cathy Ellegard Goss n Contributors Janet Jackson n On the cover Jude Dobson n Cover photography Campbell Photography n Make-up & styling Nikki Lovrich n Clothing Jacqui E & Glassons n For editorial enquiries: 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. ©2012 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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Liven up your Christmas with cranberries
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First-aid basics to get you through the holidays!
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Avigra and Viagra… spot the difference
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Depression treatment – stay with what works
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Managing asthma Getting real control over asthma
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Relief when you need it
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How to get rid of fleas… guaranteed!
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There’s also a “Second Chance Draw” to win 1 of 5 Cancer Society Sunscreen summer gift-packs! Details at familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Whooping cough... protect your baby by being immunised too New Zealand is currently experiencing a whooping cough epidemic, an illness that’s particularly dangerous in babies under 12 months old.1,2 You can help protect your baby from whooping cough by being immunised yourself, because it could be you who passes it on.2-4
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hooping cough (pertussis) is an easy to catch disease often transmitted through sneezing, coughing and
even kissing.2, 3 It is most serious in babies under 12 months old because they are often unable to feed or breathe properly,5 and during the first five months they are too young to be fully vaccinated against it.2-4 Babies
might go blue, appear to stop breathing, and may need hospitalisation. Severe whooping cough can lead to pneumonia or fits and can be life-threatening.2, 3 What some parents don’t realise however, is that in over 70% of cases, whooping cough is passed from adults to babies – with parents, siblings and grandparents being the most common source of infection.4
A SERIOUS DISEASE Whooping cough usually begins just like a cold, with a runny nose, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever. Bouts of coughing can then develop, followed by a deep gasp or ‘whoop’ (but not everyone has the classic whooping sound).2,3 Most whooping cough hospitalisations are for babies under 12 months old, including many under 6 weeks.1 In older children and adults, whooping cough is generally mild, however bouts of coughing can persist for many weeks. You may be woken with a choking sensation or sweating attacks or may just have a persistent cough.3 An extremely easily caught illness, it is spread through coughing, sneezing, or kissing between family members.2,3 4
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PREVENTING WHOOPING COUGH In New Zealand, vaccination against whooping cough is provided free for babies at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months of age and again when children turn 4 and 11 years.3 Ensuring that babies receive their immunisations on time is the most effective way to prevent infection with whooping cough.2 But parents and other close family members need protecting too.3, 7 Like tetanus, immunity to whooping cough reduces over time, which means adults who have been previously vaccinated or infected with whooping cough can still catch it later in life, and pass it on to vulnerable infants.6 That’s why the Ministry of Health recommends adults in close contact with babies get a whooping cough booster vaccination.3
BOOSTRIX – THE BOOSTER VACCINE FOR PEOPLE OVER 10 YEARS OLD Boostrix is a booster vaccine against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus.8 Along with ensuring babies are
vaccinated on time, a booster vaccine for new parents, grandparents and other close family members is the best way to reduce the risk of whooping cough transmission.3, 7 There is a cost for the Boostrix vaccine – your doctor or practice nurse can advise you about it.
WHOOPING COUGH FACTS AT A GLANCE • Whooping cough in newborns is often caught from parents or other close family members (whose immunity to whooping cough has decreased)4 • The best way to protect babies is to vaccinate them on time; 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months of age (as per the National Immunisation Schedule)3 • The Ministry of Health recommends adults in close contact with children get a whooping cough booster vaccine, and that vaccinations for other siblings are up to date.3
Ask your doctor about Boostrix. For more information visit www.boostrix.co.nz or scan here The booster vaccine for individuals aged 10 years and over
References: 1. Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited. Pertussis report. August 2012 (Week 34). Wellington: ESR; 2012. Available at: http://www.surv.esr.cri.nz/surveillance/PertussisRpt.php?we_objectID=3107. 2. IMAC. Pertussis Fact Sheet for parents and caregivers IMAC fact sheet 2010. Available at: http://www.immune.org.nz/sites/default/files/ resources/DiseasePertussisImac201003V02Final.pdf. 3. Ministry of Health. Immunisation handbook 2011 132-154. 4. Wendelboe AM et al. PIDJ 2007;26(4): 293-299. 5. Ministry of Health. Whooping cough brochure 2012. Available at: https:// www.healthed.govt.nz/resource/dont-delay-immunise-now-whooping-cough-brochure. 6. Wendelboe. PIDJ 2005;24: S58-S61 7. Forsyth KD et al. Vaccine 2007;25: 2634–2642. 8. Boostrix data sheet 25th February 2011, Version 3 .Available at: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/b/Boostrix-IPVinj.pdf. Boostrix® (combined diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine) is available as a 0.5ml injection. Boostrix® is a prescription medicine for booster immunisation of people aged 10 years and older against diphtheria, tetanus & whooping cough. You will have to pay for this medicine. Doctor’s fees will apply. Boostrix should not be given if you or your child are allergic to any component of this vaccine, or have had swelling or disease of the brain after previous whooping cough vaccination, or any problems with blood clotting or the nervous system – such as spasms, epilepsy, and brain disease – after immunisation against diphtheria or tetanus. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Common side effects include fever, irritability, fatigue, malaise, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting & diarrhoea, and local reactions such as pain, redness, bruising, itching, or swelling at the injection site. If you or your child has side effects, see your doctor. Additional Consumer Medicine Information for Boostrix is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Ask your doctor if Boostrix is right for you or your child. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd. Auckland. TAPS NA6029OC/BOO/0025/12. Adverse events involving GlaxoSmithKline products should be reported to GSK Medical Information on 0800 808 500. www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Krill Oil...
all you need to know
We’re always being told to eat more omega-3 and antioxidants, but few of us eat enough foods that are high in either. Now we can get ample amounts of both, thanks to one of the simplest and newest advances in health – it’s called Krill Oil.
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he closest thing to Krill Oil that most of us are familiar with is Fish Oil, which is commonly used for supporting joint health and general wellbeing…. But Krill Oil is different. Krill Oil is a potent source of Omega-3 that’s also packed with antioxidants – a rare and powerful combination for supporting joint and heart health.
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THE POWER OF KRILL Increasing your antioxidant intake in combination with omega-3 intake is one of the most proactive ways to stay in good health. Antioxidants are your body’s way of fighting free radicals – rogue particles that like to attach themselves to healthy cells and tissues throughout the body, causing damage in the process.
Omega-3 is a source of two essential fats that help the body function properly, yet the catch is, our own bodies can’t manufacture them. We have to get our essential fatty acids from foods such as seafood, including algae and krill, certain plants and nut oils. Krill Oil, sourced from the tiny shrimp-like 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.
INTRODUCING BIOGLAN RED KRILL OIL
RED KRILL OIL BENEFITS • Supports joint and heart health • More powerful than Fish Oil • Easily absorbed by the body • Small easy-to-swallow capsules • No fishy aftertaste.
Available at selected pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide
Red Krill Oil has 10 times more antioxidant activity than standard Fish Oil. Studies show that one tablet is also six times stronger than standard Fish Oil. And thanks to the phospholipids in Krill Oil, all its goodness is easily absorbed by the body. What’s more, there’s no fishy after-taste!
✁
6 Standard Fish Oil capsules
$5.00 Off 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 December 2012. 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 TCC 16342 Company Ltd, PO Box 47319, Ponsonby, Auckland. www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
9 918258 163426 >
Red Krill Oil
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 NA6025
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If you’ve tried and failed,
then try again
Stopping smoking can be a tough challenge, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you haven’t managed it yet. The key is to try again… and don’t leave it too long.
S
o you made the decision to finally quit, but the triggers and desire to smoke were so overwhelming that before you knew it, you were lugging a pack of smokes again. You won’t be the first, or the last, to go back to smoking. Use the experience to reflect on your triggers, pin down what got you started again, and think of ways to avoid it in the future.
WHY YOU WENT BACK Nicotine withdrawal can last 10 weeks or more. Common symptoms include a nagging desire to smoke, increased 8
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appetite, feeling anxious, irritable or depressed, or finding it hard to concentrate. The memory and associations of smoking continue to act as triggers to smoke and your brain remains primed to accept nicotine again.
HOW CHAMPIX CAN HELP Champix is a prescription medicine that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and therefore reduce your desire to smoke again. Champix also blocks the effect of nicotine, so if you do smoke, you probably won’t enjoy it as much.
KEEPS YOU ON THE SMOKE-FREE PATH It’s only when you stay smoke-free for an extended period that your positive association and response to nicotine starts to diminish. Champix can support you for the first 12 weeks of your journey, at that critical time when cravings are strongest. By the end of the 12-week Champix programme, you’re four times more likely to have given up, than if you’d taken no medication.
WHAT IF YOU’VE ALREADY TRIED CHAMPIX? If you have tried Champix, stopped smoking but then a few months later returned to smoking, that doesn’t have to be the end of it. Talk to your doctor about using Champix again. A self-paid course of Champix is available at any time. A funded course is available once every 12 months – you may be eligible.
TIPS FOR STAYING SMOKE-FREE • Complete your 12-week course of Champix. • Keep your car and home smokefree. Throw out tobacco, lighters or ashtrays and ask people to smoke outside. • Feeling stressed? A cigarette is not the answer. The first one may provide short-term relief but you are likely to fall into the stressful cycle of craving another cigarette, and another….. • Beware of alcohol. It can be a major trigger anywhere, any time. • Replace smoking with exercise. You often feel better after a walk or run because it releases feel-good chemicals in the body. Get support. You don’t have to do • it all on your own. Talk to those you trust, like a quit buddy, friends or family, or the helpful people at Quitline.
Ask your doctor about Champix And find out more at 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, 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 0.5 mg or 1 mg. 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. V10612 TAPS NA6005 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
9
Are you getting enough out of your
sunscreen?
Most Kiwis are hankering to get out in the sun, especially given last summer’s no-show. But in your haste, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen properly and then to reapply it... because that’s where most of us are falling down.
Y
ou might think you’ve heard it all before when it comes to applying sunscreen, yet most New Zealanders aren’t applying it properly. That’s a worry given that skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting
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New Zealanders, and in over 90% of cases the cause is excess sun exposure. So before you head out to the park, the garden, the beach… wherever your summer fun lies – ask yourself if you’ve done enough to prevent the risk of sunburn.
ALWAYS BE SUNSMART It only takes minutes for skin to burn – we’ve all experienced it – and we now know that repeat and cumulative bouts of sunburn are the leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers. So always remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. You should also avoid being in direct sunlight Clip between 10am to 3pm when UV levels are at this onto your their peak. But when you are out and about, a child’s schoolbag high protection sunscreen – applied properly as a reminder to and then reapplied – is critical. reapply during the day.
HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN Despite slapping on some sunscreen before stepping out, if it’s not applied properly you will only receive a portion of the sun protection level stated on the bottle. Remember these tips: • Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow time for absorption into the skin. • Apply at least ½ teaspoon to each arm, and to the face (including the ears and neck). • Apply at least a teaspoon to each leg, the torso and the back. • Reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors.
CANCER SOCIETY SUNSCREENS Cancer Society SPF30+ Sunscreens meet the maximum protection standards endorsed by the Australia/ New Zealand Sunscreen Standard. All Cancer Society sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and are water-resistant for up to two hours. Specially formulated for the harsh New Zealand sun, Cancer Society sunscreens are suitable for the whole family. Non-greasy and low in chemicals, they are also available in fragrance-free children’s formulas.
EVERY PURCHASE SUPPORTS THE CANCER SOCIETY Every purchase of Cancer Society Sunscreen plays a key role in funding cancer prevention. The Cancer Society receives no government funding. All Cancer Society work, including research and community support, comes from funds raised by the national raft of volunteer New Zealanders who support the Society and a percentage from the sale of each unit of Cancer Society Sunscreen. So as well as protecting yourself this summer, you will be doing your part in furthering cancer support here at home.
Available at supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide
www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Wound protection with Manuka Honey Manuka Honey is world renowned for its health benefits. And thanks to years of scientific research, it is also now known to provide a clean and moist environment for the natural healing of wounds. Used in many hospitals and clinics around the world, the power of Manuka Honey can now be added to your first-aid kit at home.
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he antibacterial properties of honey have been demonstrated in over 30 years of research. All honeys have been found to contain hydrogen peroxide, a proven antiseptic with cleansing properties. However, only honey derived from one species – New Zealand’s Leptosperum scoparium (Manuka) honey – has been found to contain significant amounts of the potent antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal. And it’s this compound
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that’s credited with being so effective and reliable in the field of wound management.
NOT ALL HONEY IS CREATED EQUAL New Zealand Manuka Honey can contain up to 800mg/kg of methylglyoxal (known as MGO™ Manuka Honey). Other honeys have much lower levels ranging from 0–5mg/kg. Experts agree that 100mg/kg of methylglyoxal MGO™ Manuka Honey is the minimum level required for health benefits.
INTRODUCING MANUKA HEALTH WOUND DRESSINGS Manuka Health is a New Zealand owned company committed to providing the highest quality medical grade MGO™ Manuka Honey. Accordingly it has developed wound dressings containing a minimum of 400mg/kg of MGO™ Manuka Honey. Manuka Health’s Wound Dressing with Manuka Honey is a solid-state honey and glycerine gel sheet, with effective and reliable antibacterial properties due to its exceptionally high levels of methylglyoxal. Manuka Honey Wound Gel is made with a minimum of 250mg/kg of MGO™ Manuka Honey – an ideal coating for wounds, grazes and minor burns, adding a protective layer/barrier to the healing process.
KEEP THEM IN THE FIRST-AID KIT
ONLY IN NEW ZEALAND
To keep wounds moist, support natural healing and help prevent skin from scarring and scabbing, Manuka Health Wound Gel and Wound Dressings are the ideal addition to the first-aid kit, at home, in the car or on the boat. Wound Dressings can be cut to shape and size and can conform to awkward areas. They support a moist wound environment, are highly absorbent and will not stick to the wound when removed.
New Zealand Manuka Honey has been found to contain antiseptic and antibacterial properties yet to be found elsewhere in the world. This is due to the presence of methylglyoxal in the honey. Bees harvest nectar from the Manuka bush, which grows wild in remote and pristine areas of New Zealand. The nectar, already rich in bioactive compounds is then concentrated, modified by the bees and stored in the hive as honey. Every step of the process enhances the honey’s natural attributes, resulting in a substance that would appear purpose-built for use on wounds, grazes and minor burns.
Gift with Purchase Purchase Manuka Honey Wound Gel along with Manuka Health Wound Dressings for your first-aid kit, and receive a FREE Manuka Honey Lip Balm (valued at $12)
Phone 0800 706 555 for your nearest Manuka Health wound care stockist. Always read the label and follow the instructions. TAPS CH3425
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‘Tis the season
to conquer heartburn Let’s face it, come the holidays you’ll probably want to eat what everyone else is eating… be it a sizzling lamb chop or a gooey fruit-mince tart. You’ll throw caution to the wind, run the risk of heartburn… and then spend some time wishing you hadn’t. Well, what if you could take heartburn out of the picture?
E
veryone likes to indulge a little over Christmas, but for those with recurring heartburn the consequences can be rough. That burning pain in the chest can cut a great day short, heralding in a long and painful night. If heartburn or acid reflux is the last thing you want to be worried about over the holidays, you need to know there is a simple answer; a treatment that targets the cause of heartburn, stopping it in its tracks so you can get 14
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on with enjoying good food and good times.
INTRODUCING LOSEC® EXTRA Losec® Extra stops heartburn or reflux at its source, and could free you from heartburn for up to three months. Unlike antacids that only temporarily relieve the symptoms of heartburn/ reflux, Losec® Extra regulates the amount of acid your stomach produces, so that symptoms don’t have the chance to rear their head at all.
GETTING TO THE SOURCE OF HEARTBURN Heartburn and acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach flows up into the food pipe (oesophagus). Too much stomach acid is usually to blame, and so to tackle the problem effectively you may need to limit the amount of acid your stomach produces in the first place. That’s exactly what Losec® Extra does. Consequently it’s been shown to be twice as effective as antacids in the relief of heartburn and reflux.
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. Losec® Extra is available from your pharmacy – without prescription – making it easier to get lasting freedom from the nagging pain.
ne w
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, reducing excess weight, stopping smoking and avoiding stressful situations can all help reduce heartburn.
NEW LOSEC® EXTRA 28-PACK Don’t be caught short. You can now have the convenience of two courses of Losec® Extra in one pack. That means after you’ve finished your first course, you will have relief on hand if heartburn strikes unexpectedly.
Ask for Losec® Extra at your pharmacy
Losec® Extra is a Pharmacy Medicine 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 NA6027
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Find out about our “Second Chance D
Terms & Conditions apply. Standard text charges apply. Competition starts on 19th Octob Madman Entertainment, Annabel Langbein Media and their affiliates and agencies and i The winner will be notified by email. Judges’ decision is final and no correspondence wi
Draw� at www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
ber and closes 16th December 2012. Employees of BrandWorld Ltd, Tangible Media, Ecostore, immediate families are ineligible to enter. Apple are not a participant in this competition. ill be entered into. Full terms & conditions are available at www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
Adding cranberries
to your Christmas... and your life! The Christmas holidays are a time to let your hair down, but there’s no harm in making some health gains in the process. Adding cranberries to your diet will tickle your taste-buds while helping cleanse and purify your body all at once… And who couldn’t use that kind of help over the holidays? CRANBERRY GOODNESS IN A DRINK Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™ has a higher cranberry content than most cranberry drinks available in New Zealand. Not only high in antioxidants, a daily 250ml glass of Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™ also provides 100% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake for an adult.
OCEAN SPRAY® CRAISINS® DRIED CRANBERRIES Ocean Spray® Craisins® are another convenient way to get your cranberry fill. Just a quarter of a cup of these dried cranberries provides the same benefit as a glass of Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™.
Look for Ocean Spray cranberry products in your supermarket Call 0800 445 368 or visit www.oceanspray.com.au TAPS CH3362 18
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Try out these easy and delicious cranberry recipes over the Christmas break:
Turkey Salad with Cranberry Feta Cheese Dressing (pictured left) You can make this with turkey leftovers or even substitute ham for the turkey. 1 head of lettuce baby spinach leaves 12-16 slices cooked turkey, julienne strips or cubes ½ cup Ocean Spray® Original Craisins® dried cranberries ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts ½ cup Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce 2 tbsp red wine vinegar pinch sugar ½ cup light olive oil ½ tsp Dijon mustard
Cranberry, Strawberry & Orange Frappe
6 oranges peeled and segmented 2 cups Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™ fruit drink 1⁄2 punnet strawberries 1 1⁄2 cups ice 1. Add all ingredients to a blender, blitz and serve immediately.
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
✁
1. Wash and refrigerate lettuce and spinach to crisp. 2. Tear into bite-size pieces. 3. Mix lettuce, spinach, turkey, Craisins® and pecans/ walnuts in a large bowl. 4. For dressing, put cranberry sauce, vinegar, sugar, oil and mustard in a jar and shake vigorously. 5. Dress salad, sprinkle over with feta cheese and your choice of herbs.
Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce is filled with plump juicy cranberries, adding a distinctly sweet yet tart balance to chicken or turkey. It’s also great with cheeses or as a spread.
SAVE $1.00 on ANY Ocean Spray fruit drink, Craisins® dried cranberries or sauce product.
To the customer: This coupon is non-exchangeable and will be redeemed only on the product(s) stated on this coupon. Valid until 28 February 2013. To the retailer: Provided this coupon 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 16277 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz 19
9 918258 162771 >
1-2 tbsp chives/parsley/basil/mint
Your go-to guide for summer first-aid Here comes summer, at last! Time to escape into the great outdoors, where chasing waves, swinging off monkey bars and showing off your slickest ball skills can get you into some dicey situations. That’s why Family Health Diary has prepared a go-to-guide for those everyday mishaps that might catch you or someone you know off-guard. Here’s a snippet – for the full article go to www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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How to treat... CUTS • For small cuts and scrapes, apply pressure first to stop any bleeding then clean the wound with warm soapy water or a mild antiseptic solution. • When dry, apply a small amount of antiseptic or antibacterial cream and cover with a plaster or non-stick dressing to protect the wound. • Before the start of summer, make sure you are up to date with tetanus shots, as this is always recommended for a bad cut. Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria found in the soil or animal waste and if it enters the body through a wound can be very serious.
SUNBURN Sunburn is just that, burning of the skin by the sun’s ultraviolet rays, a process that happens more slowly than other burns but is just as painful. Sunburnt skin needs to be cooled and soothed by applying a cold compress, calamine • lotion or by running the skin under cold water. Keep the skin hydrated by applying a moisturising cream or aloe gel, which has soothing and healing properties. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and prevent the skin drying • out further. If sunburn is severe it may start to blister, so keep covered with protective • gauze to prevent infection. If you start to feel chilled or nauseous, you may need to seek medical help. •
BITES AND STINGS
SPLINTERS
Bees and wasps are the most common stinging insects you will encounter in the outdoors. In most cases they cause a mild reaction with swelling, redness and itching around the sting, but can cause severe swelling and pain. Wasps and bees inject their venom • through a stinger which wasps remove, but bees often leave behind so it keeps pumping venom after the bee has gone. If you can see a stinger, try to remove it by gently scraping with a blunt object or remove it with fine tweezers. Don’t squeeze it out as this could inject more venom and make the sting worse. Neutralise the sting using vinegar • for wasp stings and baking soda for bee stings, then apply something cold to reduce the swelling like ice cubes or a cold pack. If the area around the sting starts • to swell remove any constricting jewellery or clothing. Try not to get stung in the first place by keeping arms and legs covered, keeping away from places that attract bees and wasps, like rubbish bins, never leaving sugary drinks uncovered or sugary foods in the open.
Whether sitting on the jetty, walking barefoot on the deck or climbing trees, a splinter can find its way into your skin very easily and can penetrate deeply causing infection if not removed. • Use tweezers to gently extract the splinter without breaking off the tip but be careful not to squeeze it in deeper. When removed, wash the skin around the puncture. • If the splinter is deep, it may well work its way to the surface after a few days and can then be extracted with tweezers, or you can use a sterilised needle to prick the skin above the splinter to remove it more easily. • Just keep an eye out for signs of infection like reddening and pus formation.
For this full article with more first-aid tips, including how to do CPR, go to www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz or scan the QR code with your smart phone. www.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.
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vigra 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
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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.
TESTED AND PROVEN Studies show that Avigra, with its active ingredient sildenafil citrate, produces
grade 4 erections (see scale on this page), in 58% of users. Along with an optimal erection, many men using this treatment report an increase in sexual confidence, self-esteem and sexual relations satisfaction.
NEVER IGNORE ERECTION PROBLEMS While the occasional difficulty with erection is common in men from their
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
Penis is larger but not hard
Penis is hard, but not hard enough for penetration
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 check-up. The health of your erection can be an early warning sign of a range of more serious conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. on a 1–4 scale, with 4 being an optimal, 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
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: 0800 736 363. TAPS NA5351
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DEPRESSION
If your treatment is working, why change? If you have been prescribed Efexor-XR® (venlafaxine) for the treatment of major depression, it’s important to know that if you are offered an alternative brand you don’t have to change.
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fexor-XR remains fully funded at no extra cost to you until at least April 2017. You just need to let your doctor know that you want to stay with Efexor-XR, and ask your pharmacist for it by name. Efexor-XR has helped thousands of New Zealanders living with depression.1 Not only is Efexor-XR used in the treatment and prevention of relapse of depression, but it is also prescribed for a range of mood disorders including generalised anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorder.2 24
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DUAL ACTION Efexor-XR’s dual-action approach to depression may help resolve a broad range of depression symptoms like constant sadness, trouble sleeping or low energy. Resolving these symptoms can be the first step to helping you control your depression so you can feel like your old self again.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF TREATMENT? In treating depression, the goal is more than just to feel better – you want to
try and eliminate all your depression symptoms and to keep them from coming back. Doctors call this the remission of symptoms and people who reach remission of symptoms are less likely to have their symptoms return. No two people have the same symptoms. Remission for you could mean having days without feelings of
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR’S ADVICE One of the most important things to remember is to take your medication as prescribed, and stay on it for as long as your doctor advises. That’s because it’s not uncommon for depression symptoms to return. For some, the symptoms of depression seem to disappear, or improve to the point where they no longer seem to interfere with your life. If this happens to you, don’t be tempted to stop taking your medication, unless your doctor advises it, because sometimes these symptoms come back. Doctors call this a relapse, and if this occurs it is usually within six months of starting treatment. Symptoms can also return long after the depression seems to have disappeared. This new episode of depression is called a recurrence. Evidence suggests that a recurrence can make it more likely that symptoms will continue to return in the future.3 If your treatment is Efexor-XR your doctor will know the right dosage and how long you need to stay on Efexor-XR to get the best results.
constant sadness, or the return of your normal sleeping and eating habits. It could also mean having energy again for your favourite activities and renewed interest in the things you used to love doing. You can find more information about fully-funded Efexor-XR on our website www.pfizer.co.nz
Talk to your doctor to see if EFEXOR-XR is right for you And ask your Pharmacist for Efexor-XR by name
EFEXOR-XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride, 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg) Modified Release capsules. References 1. IMS Jan 2012. 2. Efexor-XR Data Sheet. 3. Thase ME. J Clin Psychiatry 2003;64 (suppl 2):3-7. EFEXOR-XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a funded prescription medicine (restrictions apply) for the treatment of depression, panic and anxiety disorders. A pharmacy charge and normal doctor’s fees apply. Do not take EFEXOR-XR if you have an allergy to venlafaxine or any other capsule ingredients. Do not take EFEXOR-XR if you are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken MAOIs in the last 14 days. Use with caution if you have a history of aggression, glaucoma, kidney, liver, blood pressure or heart problems, raised cholesterol, a history of fits, a history or family history of bipolar disorder, abnormal bleeding tendencies, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines. Common side effects include stomach, bowel or urinary tract problems, headache, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, confusion, agitation, muscle tremor or weakness, fast heart beat, menstrual problems, weight loss, sweating, hot flushes, hair loss, bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, changes in your eye sight, sexual function problems. If you have any side effects see your doctor. Use strictly as directed. Consult your doctor to see if EFEXORXR is right for you. Contains venlafaxine hydrochloride 37.5 mg, 75 mg or 150 mg. Further information on EFEXOR-XR is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or Pfizer New Zealand Ltd, 14 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand 1140. www.pfizer.co.nz. Ph. 0800 736 363. TAPS NA5680
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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.
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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. 26
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LEAVING SYMPTOMS BEHIND In a major New Zealand asthma study, 81% of people thought their asthma was well controlled, yet three-quarters were using their blue reliever at least once daily and the remainder were taking at least 3-4 puffs a day. 2 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.3 If this sounds like you, a move to Seretide®, the purple inhaler, could be the answer.4
HOW SERETIDE® WORKS
IS YOUR ASTHMA UNDER CONTROL?
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.
Control means3… • 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.
IS SERETIDE® RIGHT FOR YOU?
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.
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.5 And if you qualify, Seretide® is fully funded. Just ask your doctor.
Ask your doctor about Seretide® – the purple inhaler References: 1. Research Review Educational Series www.researchreview.co.nz – May 2012. 2. Holt S. NZ INSPIRE Study Overview. Research Review. 2008:113. 3. 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. 4. Bateman ED et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2004;170:836-844. 5. Woodcock A et al. Prim Care Resp J. 2007;16(3):155-161. Seretide® (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate; available as a 50/25 or 125/25 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: ‘shaky’ feeling; headache; 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 is a trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited, Auckland. TAPS NA5836/12JU/SFC/0012 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Your blue asthma inhaler...
the key to relief
If you have asthma, it’s vital to keep a reliable reliever inhaler with you at all times. Asthma symptoms can come on quickly, and when they do, your blue inhaler is often your first line of treatment.
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n New Zealand, one in four kids and one in six adults experience asthma symptoms at some time.1 If you’ve had an episode yourself, you’ll understand how distressing and urgent the situation can be. At those times reassurance can be found in your blue reliever inhaler – your key to catching a breath again.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH ASTHMA? People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When exposed to certain triggers, the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Two things happen when the airways are irritated: 28
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•• Swelling: the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swells; mucus gets clogged in the airways making it harder for air to flow through. •• Constriction: the muscles around the airways tighten up; this squeezes the airways, again making it harder for air to flow through.
SYMPTOMS Symptoms of asthma include wheezing or a slight whistle when breathing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe, and be intermittent (happening
now and again) or persistent (chronic). The underlying cause of asthma is unclear, but a family history of allergy makes asthma more likely.
Ventolin is also alcohol-free4 so you don’t get any unpleasant alcohol after-taste, which might be noticed by children.
COMMON TRIGGERS
Ventolin should be used for symptom relief only; or in the case of exercise-induced asthma, your doctor may tell you to take one or two puffs before you exercise. Frequent use of your blue inhaler (more than 2 to 3 times a week) means that your asthma management is not as good as it could be, and may be a reason for asking your doctor about preventative asthma treatment. A preventative inhaler can help keep asthma under control so that symptoms don’t disturb your day-to-day life.
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by the following: •• Colds and chest infections •• Allergens, such as house dust-mites and pollen •• Cigarette smoke •• Air pollution •• Exercise •• Cold air •• Stress.
VENTOLIN® (SALBUTAMOL) – TRUSTED ASTHMA RELIEF Your blue inhaler is often your first step in relieving asthma symptoms when they occur. Ventolin® has been used by New Zealanders for over 40 years.2 It’s a brand you can trust to give you fast relief from asthma symptoms, helping you breathe easy within minutes.3,4
WHEN TO USE IT4
VENTOLIN BENEFITS2,4 •• Alcohol-free: no unpleasant after-taste •• CFC-free •• Suitable for all ages •• Used by New Zealanders for over 40 years.
Ask your doctor and pharmacist for Ventolin by name References: 1. Holt S, Beasley R. The burden of asthma in New Zealand. Wellington: The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand; 2002. http://www.asthmanz.co.nz/burden_of_asthma_in_nz.php 2. Gillies J et al. NZ Med J. 2005:118(1220):79-83. 3. Price A, Clissold S. Drugs. 1989;38(1):77-122. 4. Ventolin Data Sheet, GSK New Zealand *Ventolin® (salbutamol) is available as an alcohol-free and CFC-free Inhaler, 100 mcg per actuation. Ventolin is a partially funded Prescription Medicine. You will need to pay a part charge for this medicine. It is a short-acting bronchodilator used for the relief of asthma symptoms. Use strictly as directed. Do not use Ventolin if you: are sensitive to any of the ingredients in the preparation. Tell your doctor if you: feel that the medicine has become less effective or you are using more than usual; have hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes; are taking any other medicine or herbal remedy including those you buy from a supermarket, pharmacy or health food shop. Common side effects include: headache, nausea, shaky or tense feeling, fast or irregular heart beat, “warm” feeling (caused by blood vessels expanding under the skin), mouth or throat irritation, shortness of breath or wheezing. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. Additional Consumer Medicine Information for Ventolin is available at www.medsafe. govt.nz. Prices for Ventolin may vary across pharmacies. Normal doctor’s office visit fees apply. Ask your doctor if Ventolin is right for you. Ventolin is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd, Auckland. Adverse events involving GlaxoSmithKline products should be reported to GSK Medical Information on 0800 808 500. TAPS CH3551-12AU www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Stacey Tremain, veterinarian
Break the flea life cycle... for good
Have you ever treated your pet for fleas only to find that one week later the fleas are still there? It’s most likely because you’re only playing ‘catch-up’ with your flea treatment.
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f your pets still have fleas, even after you’ve treated them, you might have a flea infestation in your home. And it doesn’t take much to get one of these! Fleas love to breed, all year round, and they multiply fast – in one month you could be seeing the third generation of fleas on your pets. But the
STACEY’S TIP “Be sure to treat all the pets in your house. Fleas are always looking for a friendly host – so as long as all the pets in your home are treated every six to eight weeks, fleas will die through contact with any one of them.”
fleas you can see are only part of the problem; chances are they’re also in the bedding, in the carpets and all those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your home. To put an end to your flea problem for good, treat your pets frequently. Consistency is key. If you’re not sure how this helps, then read on.
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 30
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FLEA PROBLEMS BEGIN BEFORE YOU SEE A FLEA Flea infestations don’t happen overnight. In fact the build-up of fleas in the home begins 6-8 weeks before you even notice a flea. Once they’ve pushed through their baby stages, adult fleas hatch and jump onto your pet in order to feed, and lay more eggs. It takes only one flea to lay the groundwork for a nasty infestation. Treating your pet is the first step towards solving the problem, but those first flea stages, already in the home, are just getting started.
FRONTLINE® SATISFACTION PLUS GUARANTEE FRONTLINE Plus is a flea treatment that kills adult fleas, eggs and larvae and keeps on killing, helping to control and prevent re-infestations. Applied correctly on all dogs and cats in the household for at least three consecutive months, FRONTLINE Plus is guaranteed to effectively treat and control fleas.*
GETS WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER Once you treat your pet for fleas, any fleas on your pet will be killed and the life cycle broken. However, the egg and larvae that were already hidden in your home will still mature into new fleas. As these new fleas emerge and make their way to your pet, your flea problem may look like it’s getting worse, but in actual fact the infestation is simply running its course and is on its way out. Vacuuming or fumigating your home will also help drive out those fleas in waiting.
KEEP TREATING! So long as you treat your pet at least every six to eight weeks then any new fleas landing on your pet will die within a few hours, meaning they won’t be able to breed and add to the cycle of infestation. Treating your pet consistently means that fleas your pet continues to pick up outside the home will also be killed and your home always protected.
Only available from veterinary clinics ®Frontline is a registered trade mark of Merial. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. Nos. A9008 & A9009
Now available when you purchase a complete 3-pack or 6-pack of FRONTLINE Plus. ™
*For full terms and conditions see your veterinarian NZ-12-FLP-141 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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See pages 16-17 for more details Terms & Conditions apply