FREE
www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz september/oc tober 11
depression There is a bright side
TUMMY TROUBLES?
Take a natural approach
e t a m i t l u The
WIN
spring gardening package rainer
As I write this, South Island airports are closed, snow is falling in Wellington, and my eight year old has excitedly brought in a cup of hail she’s gathered on our Auckland driveway. However in a matter of days it will be September and Spring will be here – well that’s the theory. Let’s hope the weather and the calendar start to match up a bit. Here at Family Health Diary we are optimistically thinking of spring and all that it involves – spring cleaning the house, our bodies and our minds. I attempted a couple of cluttered kitchen drawers and cupboards the other day and it was positively therapeutic. I discovered things I haven’t used for a while and moved a lot of them out the door. I’m on a roll now with the school fair in need of items to sell. Get yourself in the draw for our Spring gardening giveaway this issue. It’s good for body and mind to get outdoors and the garden is so rewarding as you watch it blossom in the months to come. If you have joint problems to consider best you keep up with your joint care health and take it a little quietly with the weeding. I’m thinking of a couple of ‘mature’ gardeners I know who qualify there but may not heed the advice! We’re up for a fun couple of months hosting foreign visitors for the Rugby World Cup. Let’s just hope the cup itself likes it here and stays around. Catch you next time…
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In this issue Taking care of baby … before birth
4
Helping hand for depression
6
Natural way to digestive health
8
Spring Gardening
Giveaway
Worth almost $500 Competition closes 24 October 2011
To enter visit
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Yes, you can quit
10
Don’t ignore muscle & joint pain
12
Heartburn? Treat the cause
14
Jaded joints need TLC
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8
Gardening giveaway WIN the ultimate spring gardening package
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Better sex now more affordable
20
Energy – how to get what you want
22
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n Editor Neva Sinclair n Design Cathy Ellegard Goss n On the cover Jude Dobson n Cover photography Roy Emerson Photography n Make-up & styling Nikki Lovrich 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. ©2011 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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Babies are demanding... Even before they are born A lot of changes occur when a woman becomes pregnant, with the growing baby placing demands on the mother for lots of extra nutrients.
O
ne of the nutrients you and your baby need more of is iodine, which is essential for the healthy function of the thyroid. It plays a critical role in the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system during gestation and the first two years of life.1,2 In the first two trimesters, your baby is entirely dependent on maternal thyroid hormone so its not surprising that pregnant women need to maintain thyroxine production at almost double that of non-pregnant women.1,2
Elevit now contains iodine To top its long-standing benefits, Elevit pregnancy supplement now contains 250mcg of iodine, as recommended by the Ministry of Health,2 to assist with healthy brain development. Elevit with Iodine provides the extra nutrients needed in pregnancy from the start 4
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of the journey right through to the finish.1 Many women know about the importance of folic acid in early pregnancy – taking it in the first three months is essential in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.3 However, the body’s demand for certain nutrients, especially folic acid, increases throughout pregnancy, up until your baby reaches maximum foetal growth.1
Folic acid for every stage Healthy cells depend on the continued and proper replication of our DNA, and folate (folic acid) plays an important role in that process.4 In pregnancy however, as your baby grows, the rate of folate breakdown in your body actually increases and peaks in the third trimester. So you need to compensate for the accelerated breakdown of folate and ensure your folate needs are met throughout your pregnancy.4
Recommended Daily Nutrient Intake
ne w Only available from pharmacies For more information phone 0800 847 874
* Source: Ministry of Health 2006
* Iodine source: WHO 2005
Other essential vitamins The graph shows the significant nutrient increases required in pregnancy recommended by the Ministry of Health and WHO (the pink part of the graph) with folic acid showing the greatest increase, followed by iodine. Elevit contains 800mcg of folic acid and is the only pregnancy supplement clinically proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects by 92%.3 Elevit with Iodine also contains 60mg of iron to help combat fatigue and prevent dietary iron deficiency, and 250mcg of iodine to assist with healthy brain development. It also contains zinc, vitamin C, calcium, B6, B12 and other essential nutrients – all in a once-daily tablet.
Take Elevit with Iodine daily To help prevent neural tube defects, Elevit with Iodine should be taken daily as soon as you start trying for a baby and for the first three months of pregnancy. Taken right throughout pregnancy it can help meet both yours and baby’s ongoing needs.
1. Food & Nutritional Guidelines for healthy pregnant & breastfeeding women: a background paper. Ministry of Health 2008. 2. Ministry of Health: Iodine status in New Zealand. May 2011. http://www. moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/nutritioniodine. 3. Czeizel Ae & Dudas I. NEJM 1992; 327: 1832-5. 4. Higgins JR et al. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2000; 107(9): 1149-54. Elevit with Iodine tablets are a Pharmacy Only medicine & contain vitamins B, C, D, E & minerals. Consult your healthcare professional to see if Elevit with Iodine is right for you. The New Zealand formulation of Elevit with Iodine is the same as that used in the Czeizel study except it contains Iodine and does not contain Vitamin A. Medicines have benefits & some may have risks. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side effects, consult your healthcare professional. Supplementary to, and not a replacement for, a balanced diet. Registered Trademark. Bayer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland. TAPS NA5039
GIVEAWAY – EXCLUSIVE TO FAMILY HEALTH DIARY READERS Win one of 5 copies of The Yummy Mummy by NZ mum-of-two Nadia Holland. A post-natal nutrition and exercise toolkit for real mums.
To enter go to www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
5
Helping hand for
depression If you have been prescribed something for your depression, there’s a good chance your medication is Efexor-XR® (venlafaxine).
E
fexor-XR is used in the treatment and prevention of relapse of depression. It is also used in the treatment of panic disorders and anxiety, including avoidance or fear of social situations.1 Efexor-XR been available in New Zealand since 2000 and in that time has helped thousands of New Zealanders.2 This fully-funded treatment takes a dual-action approach to depression, 6
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by increasing the level of two chemical messengers in the brain: serotonin and noradrenaline. This may then help to resolve a broad range of depression symptoms like constant sadness, trouble sleeping or low energy. Resolving these symptoms may be the first step to helping you control your depression so you can feel like your old self again. So that’s good news, not just for you but for your friends and family as well.
What is the goal of treatment? In treating depression, the goal is more than just to feel better. The goal of treatment is to try and eliminate all of the depression symptoms you may be experiencing and to keep them from coming back. Doctors call this the remission of symptoms. No two people have the same symptoms. Remission for you could mean having days without feelings of constant sadness, or the return of your normal sleeping and eating habits. It could mean having energy again for your favourite activities and renewed interest in the things you used to love doing. Doctors have found that people who reach remission of symptoms are less likely to have their symptoms return. That’s why it’s important to talk with your doctor as soon as you notice depression symptoms interfering with your life. Following your doctor’s recommended course of treatment will ensure the best possible outcome. 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.
Talk to your doctor to see if EFEXOR-XR is right for you
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 prescribes it. 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. But sometimes these symptoms come back. Doctors call this a relapse, and if this occurs it is usually within six months of 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
EFEXOR-XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride, 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg) Modified release capsules. References 1. Efexor-XR data sheet. 2. IMS June 2011. 3. Thase. E Michael. J Clin Psychiatry 2003;64 (suppl 2) 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 EFEXOR-XR 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, Auckland, www.pfizer.co.nz. Ph. 0800 736 363. V10311 TAPS NA 5177
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7
Natural way to
DIGESTIVE health Bloating, wind and digestive discomfort can be unpleasant, but the good news is that Phloe, a 100% natural product derived from kiwifruit, can help.
I
f you have ever had digestive problems you’ve probably tried a number of solutions. But have you tried Phloe? Phloe is a natural, gentle supplement which has been clinically shown to keep you regular and avoid digestive discomfort.
GPs recommend Phloe A recent survey has shown that 65% of GPs see 6-15 patients a week for gastrointestinal concerns! So you’re not alone – gastric discomfort is a common problem. In the same survey more 8
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than 90% of the GPs said they would recommend Phloe to their patients.1
Phloe now a chewable tablet The latest development from Phloe Bowel Health – chewable tablets – means it is now even easier to take. The new chewable tablets, are a tasty and convenient way to get the benefits of Phloe wherever you are. You don’t need water with the chewable tablets – just pop one in your mouth and chew. The chewable format is great for children as well.
How Phloe works Derived from kiwifruit, Phloe has a unique triple action formula. It combines fibre, prebiotics and enzymes to naturally support and optimise bowel health. This combination helps avoid episodes of bloating, flatulence and the “feeling of fullness”.
So what is normal? When it comes to bowel health we’re all different – for some people it’s normal to have a bowel movement three times a day and for others, three times a week can be normal. The important thing is to notice when there is a change in the frequency and comfort of your bowel movements – this may indicate that you are suffering from constipation. Constipation can also be caused by some medicines and may be associated with other health conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Pregnancy and ageing can also trigger constipation episodes. There are some simple things you can do to avoid or reduce episodes of constipation including: • Try to increase fibre in your daily diet - more vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It helps the whole digestive process and avoids hard stools. • Avoid as much as you can high-fat, high-sugar foods - fast foods are often high in fat and sugar. • Stay active, as exercise helps keep the digestive process moving along.
Join the Phloe Healthy You Club At www.phloe.co.nz you can join the Phloe Healthy You Club for free and it only takes around 30 seconds. Once you’re joined up, you will receive the ‘Healthy You’ magazine with useful information and tips on managing your bowel health long term. You will also receive product information and discount vouchers for your next purchase of Phloe.
Available at pharmacies and supermarkets For more information and to join the ‘Healthy You’ programme visit www.phloe.co.nz Reference: 1. BGA GP Mailer, 1 July 2010. Always read the label and use only as directed. Supplementary to, and not a replacement for, a balanced diet. Data on file. Vital Foods Ltd, Auckland. TAPS NA5154
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9
Going the distance
once you quit If you’re serious about quitting smoking, you may have heard about Champix. It’s a different approach to quitting, which could be the turning point for those who have struggled to quit in the past.
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ive thousand Kiwis and counting have decided to quit using Champix – now fully funded for those who have tried other smoking cessation treatments without success.* Champix works on reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, in turn reducing your desire to smoke again. What’s more, with Champix, you don’t have to quit right away, but at the point where smoking no longer feels right (sometime during the second week of treatment).
STARTING ON Champix – Week One Champix is a 12-week course, which starts off with a starter pack before moving into a maintenance phase. In the first week you ease into the 10
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medication with a low-dose tablet, at which point you don’t even have to stop smoking. You’ll soon notice, however, that smoking may not feel the same or be as rewarding. That’s because Champix works by blocking
How Champix works 1. When you smoke, nicotine binds to receptors in the brain, which triggers the release of a feel-good chemical called dopamine. As nicotine levels drop after a cigarette is smoked, craving and withdrawal symptoms occur, prompting you to have another cigarette.
the effects of nicotine on your body, reducing feelings of reward that keep you going back for another cigarette.
Week Two and beyond Your second week is when you set your quit date, which should be between days 8 to 14. Once you do quit smoking, the 1mg twice a day maintenance dose of Champix continues to help insulate you from cravings. As nicotine withdrawal typically lasts 10 weeks or more, it’s important to stay on Champix for the full 12-week course. It will help as you combat common triggers to smoke, such as friends who smoke, social events with other smokers and daily routines that are associated with smoking.
Go the distance If you’re ready to stop smoking, ask your doctor about Champix. You may be eligible to have the entire 12-week course funded. Just remember that while Champix should help, it will take a combination of willpower, encouragement from family and friends and advice from a health professional to beat the habit for good.
2. Champix binds to the same receptors in the brain, also triggering the release of dopamine. But with Champix, a lesser amount is released over a longer period of time. That means you might experience fewer cravings and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of nicotine.
Ask your doctor about Champix
*Talk to your GP about whether you qualify for a funded course of Champix. Champix is a Prescription Medicine that helps adults over 18 years to stop smoking. Normal doctor’s & pharmacy fees apply. Do not take if you are under 18 years or are allergic to varenicline or any ingredients in Champix Tablets. 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 serious changes in behaviour, mood or thinking including self-harm or harming others. If you or your family notice changes in your behaviour or mood, stop taking Champix and see your doctor. Some people have had serious 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. Other possible side-effects include nausea, headache, difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, dizziness, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth and changes in taste. If you have side-effects see your doctor. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. Consult your doctor to see if Champix is right for you. Contains varenicline 0.5mg & 1mg. Further information on Champix is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or Pfizer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, www.pfizer.co.nz. Phone 0800 736 363. TAPS NA4852
3. If you do have a cigarette while on Champix, nicotine won’t bind to receptors in the brain, and you might not experience the same feelings of satisfaction and reward as you did before.
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11
Pain is a warning Don’t ignore it!
When muscle or back pain strikes, many people make the mistake of ignoring the warning signals, hoping the problem will just get better.
I
f you are suffering from muscle or back pain you need to treat the pain and inflammation as soon as possible. Ignoring the warnings could lead to a much slower recovery and even ongoing pain. And did you know that bed rest is not usually the best option when you’re
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recovering from muscle injury or back pain? Inactivity can cause stiffness and may actually prolong the pain. But you also don’t want to overdo things and cause further injury, so heading straight back onto the sports field is not recommended.
Managing your injury
Voltaren® Emulgel can help
The best course of action to help speed up your recovery, is to keep moving, without reigniting your injury. You may also need to reduce pain and inflammation with a fast and effective treatment, to help your body move more freely. If you follow the advice of a healthcare professional you may be able to gently exercise the injured muscle or joint to help maintain your fitness while on the sideline. If you get a sprain or strain, follow the RICER method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral) for the first 48 hours. And talk to your pharmacist about Voltaren® Emulgel to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Voltaren® Emulgel is a medicated rub for muscle and joint pain. It contains a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, diclofenac, which helps relieve both pain and inflammation by targeting the source of pain and concentrating its action where you need it most. Voltaren® Emulgel has a unique formulation that makes it easy to rub in so that it is readily absorbed to help soothe aching muscles.
Stretching is important Stretching before exercise can help loosen and flex the muscles and get blood flowing where it’s needed. Different sports and activities use different muscle groups, so its important to focus on stretching the muscles you are most likely to use.
Tips on stretching • S tart slowly. Stretching too hard too quickly can lead to unwanted injuries, especially when muscles are cold. • Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. It takes time to stretch your muscles safely. Remember to breathe during each stretch – never hold your breath. • Make sure you also stretch after exercise. During a warm-down you’ll find your muscles are easier to stretch. • Do not bounce. This can lead to muscle trauma and scar tissue, all of which actually tightens the muscle. Tight muscles have an increased risk of injury.
What the All Blacks use All Blacks scrum coach Mike Cron says the right treatment can be the difference between getting back in the game, and sitting on the sideline. “Sorting out both pain and inflammation is crucial. That’s why the All Blacks choose Voltaren®,” Cron says.
Voltaren® Emulgel available at pharmacies and supermarkets
Voltaren Supplier of Pain Relief to the
Voltaren® Emulgel (diclofenac diethylammonium 1.16%) for short-term relief of local pain and inflammation. Always read the label and use only as directed. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. If symptoms persist or if you have side effects consult your healthcare professional. Novartis Consumer Health Australasia Pty Ltd, Auckland, NZ. TAPS NA5214
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Heartburn?
For best results treat the cause Coping with heartburn or acid reflux twice a week or more is bad enough, without having to constantly treat it. So for frequent sufferers, there’s now great news – a prescription-free treatment that could free you from heartburn for up to three months.1
I
f you suffer from recurring heartburn, it might be because you’re only addressing the symptoms, not the cause. Heartburn and acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach flows up into the food pipe (oesophagus), causing a burning pain in the chest and, in some cases, a sour acid taste in the mouth. 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. 14
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Causes of heartburn The stomach uses acid to break down food for digestion, sterilise food and protect against infection. Specialised cells in your stomach lining produce this acid and pump it into the stomach. If too many of these pumps produce acid at the same time, it can result in excess stomach acid. Many things can trigger excess acid production – certain foods and drinks, having a busy lifestyle and specific medical conditions.
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.
Get lasting relief Watching what you eat, reducing excess weight, stopping smoking and avoiding stressful situations can all help reduce heartburn or reflux. But to stop heartburn or reflux at its source, you may need to regulate the production of stomach acid. That’s why millions of people worldwide use Losec®, shown to be
twice as effective as antacids in the relief of heartburn and reflux.2
Treat the root cause Unlike antacids that only temporarily relieve the symptoms of heartburn/ reflux, Losec regulates the amount of acid your stomach produces. Losec provides 24-hour relief from heartburn and reflux.3 And now, with the brand new addition of Losec Extra to pharmacy, longer-lasting relief might even be possible.
Losec Extra, without prescription Losec Extra (omeprazole 20mg) may provide up to three months’ relief when taken for two weeks.1 It’s now available from your pharmacy – without prescription – making it easier to get lasting freedom from the nagging pain of heartburn.
Ask for Losec® at your pharmacy 1. When taken for two weeks. Fendrick A et al. Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2004; 2: 17-21. 2. Mason I, et al. The management of acid-related dyspepsia in General Practice: a comparison of omeprazole versus an antacid-alginate/ranitidine management strategy. Aliment Pharm Ther 1998; 12: 263-271. 3. Losec 10mg approved datasheet September 2009. Losec® is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies. Each tablet contains omeprazole 10mg (Losec) or omeprazole 20mg (Losec Extra). Losec® is distributed under licence by Bayer New Zealand Limited. Losec is a Pharmacy Only Medicine used for the relief of reflux-like symptoms, heartburn or regurgitation for people aged 18 years and over. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side-effects see your pharmacist. For short-term treatment only. Bayer New Zealand Limited, Auckland. TAPS NA4715.
For more on indigestion and acid reflux visit
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15
The natural approach
to joint health When joints become tired or stiff, it usually means there’s something missing. Replacing the missing essentials via a dietary supplement may help, but choosing the right one begins with knowing exactly what your joints need.
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our joints work extremely hard over a lifetime so it’s not surprising that repeated strenuous activity, along with the ageing process, will eventually wear them down. As we age we often experience joint stiffness, especially when getting up in the morning or after a period of prolonged inactivity.
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Why Joints Become ‘rusty’ Healthy joints are made up of cartilage and other connective tissue, including ligaments and tendons. Cartilage is the protective shock absorber between joints. It cushions joints and allows bones to slip freely over one another, providing the easy mobility we tend to take for granted. When joints become tired or stiff, it’s often due to cartilage breaking down.
Cartilage needs nourishment Cartilage breaks down as a result of both normal wear and tear and the body’s reduced ability to produce glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin – both essential building blocks for healthy joints, cartilage and tendons. That’s why many joint support formulas contain glucosamine and chondroitin, to help rebuild cartilage and support mobility. But because the quality and potency of ingredients differs from one formula to another, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
So whether you’re an active sports competitor, or a weekend gardener, Nutra-Life Joint Care’s advanced formula and natural ingredients work to support joint strength and mobility. Nutra-Life Joint Care contains both premium-grade glucosamine (glucosamine sulfate) and chondroitin, as well as other essential minerals to help maintain cartilage and support flexibility. Being a high-potency formula, just three easy-to-swallow capsules a day can help protect your joints, helping you stay agile and active for longer.
Nutra-Life Joint Care
Benefits of Nutra-Life Joint Care
Nutra-Life Joint Care combines the best scientific knowledge with high quality natural ingredients. It is the joint support supplement more New Zealanders use than any other.
• • • • •
What’s in Nutra-Life Joint Care Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine and sulphur are major components of cartilage and tendons. While glucosamine can be manufactured in different forms, only glucosamine sulfate has been recommended in international clinical treatment guidelines, which is why Nutra-Life Joint Care uses this premium-grade ingredient. Chondroitin: Naturally-occurring chondroitin acts as a sponge, drawing liquid and nutrients into the joint cartilage. In supplement form, the combination of chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate may be more effective than taking glucosamine on its own. Copper, zinc, manganese and selenium: These nutrients are vital for healthy cartilage and work in conjunction with glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin to give added joint support.
Helps support mobility Helps maintain healthy cartilage Scientifically-based formula Easy-to-swallow capsules NZ’s leading joint support formula.
Available from health stores and pharmacies Contact the naturopathic advice line on 0800 268 872 or visit www.nutralife.co.nz
Read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. TAPS NA5219
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17
Spring Gardening
Reader Giveaway Get outside, get active and get spring cleaning in the garden this month with our ultimate spring gardening reader giveaway.
You choose products worth
$500
Here’s what you can win… • $200 Gubba voucher – you choose from Gubba’s fantastic selection of more than 300 gardening products including footwear, tools and accessories designed to make your time in the garden easier. Gubba Online Garden Store at www.gubba.co.nz • $200 Kiwicare voucher – you choose from Kiwicare’s organic garden care and plant health products at www.kiwicare.co.nz • Living Green and Green Urban Living books from New Holland Publishers at www.newhollandpublishers.co.nz 18
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Green Urban Living by Janet Luke shows you how to grow your own food and live more sustainably even in a small urban backyard. She calls it Gurbing (Green Urban Living) and as well as practical advice on creating a productive garden, there are also sections on worm farming, keeping chickens and beekeeping in an urban backyard. Living Green by Annmaree Kane and Christina Neubert is an easy-to-read manual on how to live in an eco-friendly, toxin-free, sustainable way. The book provides 10 simple steps to greening your life and the factual back-up to achieve this.
SPRING GARDENING TO DO LIST • P LANT – summer vegies such as beans, sweet corn, tomatoes and zucchinis. Also plant shrubs, climbers that like warmer climates, herbs and tropical fruits. In warm areas plant crotons and coleus to liven up shady areas. Planting natives will encourage birds. • WATER – indoor plants which need more regular watering as the weather warms up. • CHECK – for bugs and other infestations and treat if necessary. • FEED – fruit trees, azaleas and potted plants. • SOW – lawn seeds and transplant runners into bare patches. Use a garden fork to aerate the lawn (just push it in then pull straight out), then follow up with a good lawn fertiliser. • PRUNE – spring flowering shrubs and spring flowering roses, as soon as they finish flowering. Also prune any frost-damaged plants, and tired branches from citrus trees. • SPRAY – continue spraying every two weeks to protect apples and pears from codling moth. • DIVIDE – young bromeliad suckers should be separated from the mother plant when they’re about one-third mature size. Also divide and re-pot congested clumps of orchids.
Dig your way out of depression! In June this year the NHS in the UK announced it was piloting an eight-week course in gardening and vegetable growing to help combat depression. The course included growing vegetables and it is the process of growing some of your own food that health professionals believe can have a restorative effect on mental health.
RAISED GARDEN BEDS Raised, no-dig garden beds have lots of advantages. They are easily accessible, especially if you’re elderly or handicapped, and like the name says, you don’t need to dig. The beds can be any height, width and shape and can be established on top of lawn, concrete or an old garden bed. Soil can be imported from elsewhere to get the best quality, and for this reason, raised garden beds tend to be very productive for food crops. What else is good about raised garden beds? Fewer weeds, everything in easy reach, soil doesn’t get compacted from walking on it, watering and pest control are easier and there’s no wasted water.
To enter, visit
www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz Check our website and forward to a friend for a second chance to win! Competition closes 24 October, 2011 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
19
Putting better sex within your reach
Erectile Dysfunction is a cause of embarrassment for millions of men the world over. It is estimated that 39% of men over the age of 40 sometimes experience difficulty with erections.
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or more than a decade, Pfizer has been a leading name in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, helping change the lives of these men with the advent of the little blue pill. Today, the same trusted company is helping even more men improve their sex lives by making erectile dysfunction treatment more affordable.
Avigra – great value and results Avigra offers the same highly effective results as Pfizer’s well-known oral treatment for erectile dysfunction, but now there is 20
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even more to smile about, with the added benefit of substantially reduced cost. Until now, the cost of treatment has prevented some men from receiving the help they needed. By making treatment much more affordable, this means more men may 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 the next 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 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.
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
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: 0800736 363. TAPS NA4902
www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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ENERGY
We all want it but how can we get more? Ever heard someone say “a woman’s work is never done”? If you’re a woman, you’ve probably said it yourself.
W
ell, we’re not about to disagree. We understand your lifestyle can get so busy that you don’t look after yourself as well as you should. Juggling your many priorities can often leave you feeling a bit sluggish. But there’s no point in leading a full, busy life if you can’t have fun doing it. Gaining a little extra energy can make all the difference to how you feel – it’s
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one of those things you won’t know is missing until you find it again. Having extra energy makes dealing with everything on your plate that much easier and enjoyable. To put some extra zing in your day, make sure you get enough sleep, make time for breakfast, exercise regularly and keep your fluids up. They’re simple things but once again, a busy lifestyle often gets in the way of even simple routines.
A MULTIVITAMIN CAN HELP
Taking a multivitamin is another easy and convenient way to support your energy levels, mental acuity and stamina. Healtheries Women’s Multi is a good choice for its notably high levels of B vitamins, essential for energy production.
Available at supermarkets
HEALTHERIES WOMEN’S MULTI
Healtheries Women’s Multi is made by New Zealand’s most trusted supplement company.* This one-a-day tablet contains key nutrients that New Zealand women need to support energy, immunity and bone strength while helping to keep your body in balance. • High-strength B vitamins and Siberian Ginseng to help maintain energy and vitality – ideal if you’re busy, tired, stressed or overworked • Key nutrients that women often go short on such as Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid and Iodine • Extra Chromium and Spirulina to help support balanced blood sugar levels.
*Readers Digest most trusted brands survey August 2011. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Supplementary to, and not a replacement for, a balanced diet. Healtheries New Zealand. TAPS NA5172
HEALTHERIES MAKES HEALTHY LIVING EASIER To make your day a little easier, Healtheries has created an easy online tool to help take the confusion out of being healthy. If you’re confused about the best nutritional supplements for you, and want expert advice to help keep you at your best, you’ll find it at www.healtheriesforyou.co.nz The Healtheries advisor will talk you through easy to answer
questions and then recommend the supplements most likely to offer the greatest personal benefit. Check out the website before you head to the supermarket – not only will you find special offers like $2 off your purchase, but knowing what you need before you get there, will also save you time in-store. Visit www.healtheriesforyou.co.nz www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Go gardening with our ultimate
Spring Gardening Giveaway Package value $500
These two green living books from New Holland Publishers
You choose $200 products from Kiwicare
You choose $200 products from Gubba
To enter, visit www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz Competition closes 24 October 2011 For more information turn to pages 18-19