Awareness Today Spring 2010

Page 1

SPRING 2010

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Science in harmony with nature Science is stepping out of the labs, onto the fashion runways and into our lives

Waving the white ribbon For many, their home is their security and sanctuary. For others it isn’t – it’s a prison and a battleground

A meaty issue To the vast majority of New Zealanders eating meat, and eating meat often, is our way of life – but should it be?

The vitamin D - calcium connection We all know the importance of staying out of the sun, but overdoing this carries its own risks

Coeliac disease Most affected people are living in anything but blissful ignorance

Understanding endometriosis Battling a hidden monster

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NEWS | EVENTS | LIFE | HE ALTH & WELLNESS | SUSTAINABILIT Y | Initiatives | Interviews

Do you have a fussy dog? All theNatural Goodness your pet deserves

in the palm of your hand Add to Dry Food for a Wholesome Meal Experience!

Imagine having dry, meat-flavoured cookies for dinner every day. While our pets may never have complained, it is only logical to think that having too much of the same thing ruins the joy a meal should bring.

FAQs 1.

Won’t feeding a Topper with normal food cause my pet to put on weight since he is eating more than his usual? Canino Toppers help provide a more satisfying meal for your dog, and encourages your dog to finish up the kibble. Canino Toppers is an all-natural topper made only with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It provides nutrients in the best form available, with high digestibility. If you have been feeding your pet a dry diet exclusively, we encourage you to transition your pet by decreasing the amount of kibble slowly. Canino Toppers should make up an approximate 10% of the entire meal.

2.

If I’m feeding lamb and rice kibble, can I still mix it with Beef and Potato topper?

Canino Toppers is all about providing a healthy variety to nutrition. Containing only fresh, whole ingredients of the best quality, our products strive to turn each mealtime into an event worth looking forward to. With bite-sized morsels of human grade real meat and vegetables, Canino Toppers can be mixed into your dog’s kibbles for a different texture and taste whenever you think your furry best friend deserves a better meal. Believing that the best way to ensure our dogs gets the best nutrients is from consuming an assortment of proteins, Canino Toppers can be fed by rotating between the meat, poultry and fish varieties. This means your dogs receive everything they need for a pleasurable and healthy meal experience.

I cook my dog’s meals myself at home, why should I still feed Canino Toppers? We think it’s really wonderful that you are able to be your dog’s very own chef, but unfortunately, not every one can afford the time. What’s great about Canino Toppers is that we use the same natural and fresh ingredients, cooked perfectly, and served straight from the can. It is hassle-free, and can provide an extra source of protein on top of the original diet. It is convenient, economical, and adds variety to life!

There can never be too much of a good thing; treat your best friend to a hearty serving of prized Mackerel and Lobster. Turn that boring meal into a fancy occasion with DEEP SEA TREASURES, because every day should be a special day.

The connoisseurs love Canino’s freshly caught Tuna from the ocean, which is why they prefer eating it on its own. Simmered in simple gravy, BIG COAST TUNA is a wonderful addition to an every day meal.

It’s difficult not to love a healthy and tasty meal of Tuna and Chicken, especially when they are freshly farmed and quaranteed of good quality. FISH AND FOWL is low-fat and nutritious perfect as a daily topper for your dog’s dry diet.

Give your dog something to howl about - a deeply satisfying TUNA AND BEEF JUMBO. The firmness of the choice cuts add extra bite to a simple dish. Mixed with kibble, this topper is a hot favourite.

should I switch to using a 4. Why topper instead of feeding an occasional canned food?

Unless your dog is allergic to a certain type of protein, Canino Toppers complement all dry diets. Providing your dog with different types of proteins in a single meal ensures that your dog receives nutrients in different forms, which is a good thing. Apart from being extremely convenient, Canino Toppers are created to give you and your dog more variety in life so each mealtime is worth looking forward to.

3.

Sometimes, a Shrimp cocktail just isn’t enough. Pile the succulent OCEAN ENSEMBLE on top of his usual dry food and watch your doggie smacks his lips with appreciation. Bon Appetite!

Most canned foods are designed to be complete meals, with added vitamins and minerals. In our efforts to keep nutrition simple and natural, you’ll find that “what you see is what you get” with Canino Toppers, which means there are no by-products or unnecessary vitamins. Our raw ingredients come in fresh every day, with no preliminary processing. That’s because we believe in feeding our pets the best, naturally.

5.

Puppies have different nutrient needs from the adults; can I feed them Canino? Unlike complete meals, Canino Toppers act as a topping to make your dog’s meals more satisfying. Imagine the usual dry diet as a plain pizza and Canino Toppers as your ‘pepperoni’. A good quality kibble will properly nourish your puppy for its life stage, while Canino Toppers provides the fresh proteins that will make your dog a happy healthy one.

Perfect for staving off that meat craving, HOMESTYLE GOULASH is deliciously flavourful. Quality cuts of Beef combined with bite-sized Sweet Potatoes ensure your dog has a growlingly good time at dinner.

Ditch the “Chicken or Beef” dilemma and have them both! Pair the versatile Chicken chunks with the robust taste of gently cooked Beef for a delightful combo. ROOS AND MOOS always hits the spot.

For the delicate palate, this all-vegetable topper is light and chock-full of vitamins. With the colourful salad steamed and then simmered in gravy, GARDEN FIESTA can be used on its own or served with your dog’s usual dry or wet diet.

Nothing beats the wholesome taste of tender Chicken, accompanied with soft-stewed Carrots and a thick, delicious gravy. CHICKEN STEW POT PIE is like a doggie cuddle on a cold day - heartwarming and comforting.

$39.95 + free delivery incl gst | Box of 24 Servings For more detailed information call on 0800 101 729 level 3, 818 Colombo St, PO Box 1879, Christchurch. Fax 03 961 5112 - Email: info@canidae.co.nz - Web: www.canidae.co.nz

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SPRING 2010

Science in harmony with nature HX^ZcXZ ^h hiZee^c\ dji d[ i]Z aVWh! dcid i]Z [Vh]^dc gjclVnh VcY ^cid djg a^kZh

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www.awarenesstoday.co.nz Head office Academy House 818 Colombo Street PO Box 1879 Christchurch

Waving the white ribbon

News

For many, their home is their security and sanctuary. For others it isn’t – it’s a prison and a battleground.

06

Quite a mouthfull The interesting history of Listerine

06

Taking cover There’s a deadly carcinogen lurking just beyond the shadows and it’s killing us. It’s common, deadly and costs New Zealand more than $57 million every year. But the true cost of skin cancer on our country is immeasurable.

07

This issue’s antioxidant Selenium is a protector of glutamate receptors from excitotoxin invasion. It is available as a supplement and small doses are recommended.

07

Walking it off Your best medicine is the very thing you’re designed to do best – walking. Tips on how to make the most any walking routine and feel fitter, healthier and happier.

Cover story

Science in harmony with nature Science is stepping out of the labs, onto the fashion runways and into our lives. Thanks to scientific breakthroughs we are now sleeping in and wearing next-to-skin products made of material we never would have thought possible 10 years ago.

managing director Gary Collins General manager Rebecca Harris

newsroom Jonathon Taylor         Marie Sherry Melinda Collins Kate Pierson Bridget Gourlay

editor

Phone:  03 961 5050 Fax:   0800 555 054 Email: production@academy.net.nz

14

To the vast majority of New Zealanders eating meat, and eating meat often, is our way of life. But with climate change and the rise of the environmental movement, some are starting to question how sustainable this is.

The vitamin D calcium connection We all know about the importance of staying out of the sun – but health officials are warning us not to avoid it all together as more and more research is showing how crucial vitamin D is for our health.

06

Coeliac disease – what you need to know Lots of people have coeliac disease. It is very common. Amazingly, one person in every 100 has it. But most affected people do not know they have got it because the classic symptoms of coeliac disease are uncommon.

Lucy was doubled up in pain on the couch, her mother naturally upset that this was yet another day her 13 year old daughter was crunched up in pain and unable to function.

23

Healthy choices Organic gardening in a small space

24

Deaf awareness The high price of impaired hearing

26

Womens health Overcoming osteoporosis and a local screening service for the colon, heart, arteries, bones and for female organs of the pelvis

28

This publication is printed on papers supplied by

Mens health Handling hernias and one man’s battle with cancer

33

Diabetes awareness Testing blood glucose levels – the three W’s

35

Blood A battle forged in blood

36

Healthy life

Handling hayfever

4 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

38

Natural healing

Understanding natural medicine

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The silent killer

39

Asthma Tools to help contain allergens

41

Cornerstone

44

Clearing the air

45

Eco panels

All wood originates from

sustainably managed forests or waste sources. Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2010 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

Infectious diseases

The legacy of Hepatitis C

31

37

30

New options KB’s bakery cooks up gluten free options

21 Understanding endometriosis

Five plus a day

Top tips to get more fruit in

18

05

Phone:  03 961 5050 Fax:   0800 555 054 Email: editor@academy.net.nz

production Fleur Hall      manager Carolynne Brown        assistants Hannah Walters Samara Thomson Camilla Josephs Angela Barltrop Melanie Stanbury       designers CJ McKay Hayley Brocket Ryan Carter Ian Knott Kirsty Opie Jarred Shakespeare Vanessa Bingham

12

A meaty issue

administration Kylie Moore admin manager Kelly Clarke Rebecca McQueen Kimberley Wells Hanna Broadhurst sales & advertising Clive Greenwood sales executives Lynn Puddy-Greenwood Mary Pattison-Sinden Beth Christoffersen

11

All mills utilise the Chain of Custody system to verify fibre source End product is recyclable. All mills are ISO 14001 certified

Improving air quality in towns and cities

An innovative power generating roofing profile.

News

A meaty issue By Bridget Gourlay

It happens all the time. I'm at a work function, a party, a café. I get offered a sausage roll. 'Oh, no thank you.'

one way or another for all of our existence. But in the last century the way we have farmed, the intense nature of this farming and the practices that go along with it - is damaging the environment in many ways.

'Are you sure? They're good.' 'I'm sure. I'm a vegetarian.'

The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) concluded in a recent report the livestock sector is ‘one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global’.

Most of the time the person will nod and move on. But inevitably I will be asked; 'Do you get enough iron?' 'You must be anaemic.' 'Isn't that really unhealthy?' Suddenly, the sausage-roll proffer becomes the health food police – despite the fact that a sausage roll must be one of the most disgusting things known to mankind. The 'sausage' part could have all sorts of nasty innards (like bowels and their contents). It doesn't matter that I have a healthy BMI, or that I can run 10 kms in less than an hour. It doesn't matter that I have never, ever pushed my vegetarian views on anyone and don't even mention it unless it comes up. To the vast majority of New Zealanders eating meat, and eating meat often, is our way of life. But with climate change and the rise of the environmental movement, some are starting to question how sustainable this is. Meat being murder is open to ethical debate. But meat being murder on the environment is scientific fact. Human beings have farmed in

That's because of a number of factors. Firstly, climate change. Agriculture is responsible for 14 percent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions – more than transport. Ruminant livestock account for 15 to 20 percent of global methane emissions. It's also the amount of fossil fuels and resources used to make meat that are coming under fire. Up to 1,000,000 litres of water can be used to produce just one kilo of meat – that's the water animals drink, but more importantly the water used to grow grass and feed for them. Think how unnaturally bright green the pastures in Canterbury where cows graze are, compared to the natural red-brown of protected land across the road. And then there's the fuel for transport and electricity for refrigeration. It's often said that a meat-eater riding a bike is using more fossil fuels than a vegetarian driving a car.

The demand for cheap meat is also a major reason for the destruction of Central American rainforests. Tropical rainforests provide a substantial part of the earth’s oxygen, house 80 percent of the planet’s vegetation and are home to more species of plant and animal life than the remainder of the earth. It takes five square metres of rainforest for each quarter-pound hamburger made from imported cattle. Lastly, as we are well aware of in Canterbury, there's the issue of the chemicals used to spray on the grass, or clean down the stalls or abattoirs. This means a truckload of chemicals and a whopping amount of water – which, along with effluent, run into our rivers. Although it should be noted chemicals are put onto non-organic fruit, vegetables and grains.

That's probably the best way to introduce the concept to New Zealanders, for whom eating meat is an integral part of our culture (and economy). New Zealand Vegetarian Society president Fiona Brodie says a recent survey shows two percent of Kiwis are vegetarians. She has spoken to an enormous number in the last five years who have turned to the new lifestyle primarily because of environmental concerns. That growing awareness is why Brodie thinks the Meat Free Mondays campaign could take off here. "You're not going to change New Zealanders overnight. Some people would rather die than give up steak. But if we can get people to start by cutting down on their meat consumption – well, every little step is making a difference."

Which has led for some to call for people who are trying to live sustainably to not just limit their car-driving and power use, but meat consumption too. Sir Paul McCartney, the vegetarian movement's long time pin-up boy, is calling for 'Meat-Free Mondays'. And it's caught on. In May 2009 in Ghent, Belgium, schools and civic offices' canteens began offering only vegetarian meals one day a week to reduce their carbon footprint. Sao Paulo in Brazil, Bremen in Germany, Cape Town in South Africa and several other jurisdictions have all followed suit.

For more information visit www.vegetarian.org.nz or www.supportmfm.org

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 5

News

By Kate Pierson

It's hard to imagine a time when minty fresh breath wasn't a personal requisite. But, like most health and hygiene practices pre-dating the modern era, offensive mouth odours weren't considered a social calamity, or even a oral health issue once upon a time.

surgical antiseptic, Listerine was used by dentists for oral health care in 1895 and in 1914 became the first over-the-counter mouthwash sold in the United States. Historically, Listerine also had short-lived status as a treatment for venereal disease and dandruff.

And while the more politically correct term for bad breath 'halitosis' had residency in the Oxford dictionary as early as 1874, it wasn't until the 1920's during a major campaign launch by fresh breath pioneer, Listerine, that the battle against bad breath began.

The Lambert Pharmaceutical Company which later acquired the name, Warner Lambert, was the original marketer of Listerene, which is currently manufactured and distributed by Johnson and Johnson. Listerine's product range has diversified significantly since its invention and now includes fluoride rinse, self-dissolving teeth whitening strips and a pre-brush rinse.

Today however, in a world brightened by the sheen of whitened, straightened teeth owed to the origin of orthodontics, most would certainly concur that a daily commitment to oral health care is paramount. And if the promise of fresh breath and gleening chompers isn't enough incentive to take up a daily gargling of mouthwash, the barrage of oral health related propaganda that we encounter every day, certainly is. In their pursuit to not only mask but treat bad breath and gum disease, many consumers have a bottle of Listerine at their disposal. As the leading antiseptic mouthwash on the market, Listerine is a faithful companion to consumers with an oral care conscience, although it took its time to find its commercial calling and become a mainstream commodity. Named after Joseph Lister who promoted the idea of sterilizing surgery instruments, Listerine was first formulated in 1879 in St Louis, Missouri by Dr Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert. Sold to hospitals in a distilled form as a

By Bridget Gourlay

We all know about the importance of staying out of the sun – especially those of us with “English Rose” complexions who turn into lobsters after a few minutes on a sunny day. But health officials are warning us not to avoid it all together as more and more research is showing how crucial vitamin D is for our health. According to the Cancer Society, vitamin D is a hormone which, most importantly, absorbs calcium to keep your bones strong. It’s also good for general health, joint, muscle and neurological function. Research into vitamin D is not conclusive, but further possible benefits include protective effects against various cancers, heart disease and some auto-immune disorders. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in young children, causing bowed legs and knocked knees. In adults, deficiency can lead to bone weakness and increased risk of fracture. While we can get vitamin D from food, the Ministry of Health says the easiest and best way

6 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Between 1921 and the mid 1970's, Listerine was marketed as a preventative of, and remedy for, colds and sore throats. As a point of irony, the Lambert Pharmaceutical Company also briefly marketed Listerine Cigarettes in 1927.

Listerine be classified as Category 1 (safe and effective) for anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis activity. Best used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, but not as a replacement, Listerine facilitates a reduction in dental plaque and gingivitis. The mouthwash is effective because of the four essential oils carried in the alcohol as these oils are able to break through the plaque biofilm and penetrate the cell wall. Quite simply, 'Listerine kills germs that cause bad breath.'

There are multiple variants of Listerine available on the international market at present; Original, Cool Mint, Natural Citrus, Vanilla Mint, FreshBurst, Tooth Defence, Tartar Control and a Whitening Pre-Brush Rinse. Listerine Total Care is the most recent addition to the range. A staple in bathroom shelves the world over, Listerine has undergone a significant facade makeover throughout its lifetime. For almost 80 years Listerine was packaged in a glass bottle inside a corrugated cardboard tube until 1994, when the original Listerine antiseptic formula and its new commercial companion, Cool Mint Listerine were introduced in plastic bottles. Active ingredients in Listerine as listed on the bottle, include menthol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate and thymol. The Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel has recommended that the active ingredients in

to get it is from sunlight. In summer, vitamin D can be gotten from the sun easily from everyday outside activities and the focus needs to be more on avoiding getting burnt. In spring and autumn, it is recommended you spend time outside getting vitamin D but to look out for those sunny days where wearing a hat and sunscreen is necessary. In winter however, even the fairest skinned hardly ever need to wear sunblock and the focus then needs to be on getting outside for 15 to 30 minutes when the sun pokes its head out and going for a walk. Getting some sun can also help reduce the risk of seasonal affective disorder (otherwise know as the winter blues), depression and sleep disorders. There’s no hard and fast rule for everyone on how much vitamin D is enough. That’s because vitamin D levels are influenced by variations in age, skin colour, geographical location, time of day and time of year. For these reasons, the Cancer Society says it is inappropriate to provide the same advice to the whole population. It does stress that people with dark skin need more vitamin D than others

and should try and get more sun year round, especially in winter, and talk to their doctor if this isn’t possible about taking vitamin D supplements. Other than dark-skinned New Zealanders, the Ministry of Health is also concerned about people who are house-bound or living in a residential care facility, those who do not expose them to themselves to sunlight for religious or cultural reasons and infants exclusively breastfed by a mother who is vitamin D deficient, especially if the mother is dark-skinned, wears a veil and/or has limited regular exposure to sunlight. Like most health advice the rule here is “everything in moderation”. Which means no sunbeds and no hours of baking on the beach using the excuse of vitamin D. The Ministry of Health recommends being in the sun before 11 and after 4 and always slip slop and slapping in summer. It’s important to bear in mind that we still have the toxic combination of a largely fair-skinned population living under a hole in the Ozone layer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand with an estimated 50,000 or more new cases and over 300 deaths each year. This is one of the balances we must try to get right.

News

What a nut

Brazil nuts are considered a high source of selenium. Two or three Brazil nuts a day is considered sufficient for optimum selenium intake. Selenium is a protector of glutamate receptors from excitotoxin invasion. It is available as a supplement and small doses are recommended. Brazil nuts have about 2,500 times as much selenium as any other nut. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to

Walking it off

We’re all familiar with the perils of modern living; a high calorie diet, next to no exercise and the thought of how much physical work is required to turn that belly button from an ‘innie’ to an ‘outie’ is a thing of pure dread.

But it doesn’t have to be so, because arguably the best medicine is the very thing you’re designed to do best – walking. Not only is walking good for the mind, it’s great for the body. So here are some tips on how to make the most any walking routine and feel fitter, healthier and happier. Increase your mileage The simple way to burn more calories while you're walking is to increase kilometres. Something as simple as increasing the time and length of your walks can do as much as double the number of calories burnt.

Toxic chemical level falling

International and national efforts to reduce the level of exposure to some persistent toxic chemicals is working according to the latest results of a New Zealand study. The chemicals, called persistent organic pollutants, are harmful to people and wildlife, accumulate in our bodies and are retained for long periods. The latest study shows that the levels of persistent organic pollutants in our bodies has fallen by a further 40 percent in the past ten years. This follows the finding of an earlier study showing a 70 percent decline in the decade prior to the latest study. The chemicals include the banned pesticide DDT; banned industrial chemicals such as PCBs; and unintended industrial by-products like dioxins and furans. Similar declining rates have been shown in many other countries, though the study shows New Zealand has low relative levels compared to other similar countries. The study was done through testing breastmilk in young mothers. During the 10 years to 2008: • dioxin and furan levels in breast milk declined by 40 percent • dioxin-like PCBs levels declined by 54 percent • organo chlorine pesticides (like DDT) declined by 34-90 percent • levels of dioxins, furans, PCBs and OCPs tended to be higher in rural areas • levels of PBDEs (flame retardants) tended to be higher in urban areas. This survey looked for the first time at breast milk levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) including PBDEs. The New Zealand

protect against heart disease and cancers like prostate cancer. Brazil nuts’ high selenium content also discourages the ageing process and stimulates the immune system. In a study of patients with early Alzheimers disease, antioxidants including selenium - boosted mood and mental performance.

copper and iron. Like all nuts, Brazil Nuts are high in calories and fat. Calories in Brazil Nuts: 1 oz/25g = 186 calories

Like all nuts, brazil nuts are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Brazil nuts are high in minerals including zinc and magnesium, and contain useful amounts of phosphorous,

Tackle terrain Walking on or in rolling hills can really hit the spot – and Christchurch’s Port Hills are tailor made for this, with walking tracks all over the place. The resistance caused by inclines builds muscle, and more muscle burns more calories. You can burn up to 50 percent more calories just from walking up a slope. Hiking OK – so this is just walking in the countryside, only for longer and generally across rough terrain – but being a combination on the pervious two point all wrapped up in one makes for good exercise. You can burn around 100 calories more than walking, just by hiking. And adding something as simple as a backpack while you are hiking can burn 150 more calories – so get out there and get hiking.

calories. Weights are extremely effective and can help you burn around 60 more calories than without them. Pick up the pace Dawdling does not really count. Yes, a slow stroll can be very relaxing, however, boosting your strolling speed from 3 miles per hour to 6 miles per hour can make a massive difference. If you weigh around 45 kilos, walking faster by just three miles per hour can burn 180 calories more, every 35 minutes. And power walking can burn around 80 more calories above this. So if you just push the pace a little, remembering you are trying to burn fat, the extra effort will be well worth it.

Add more mass Speaking of backpacks, adding extra mass, like ankle weights or a pack, really helps burn more

levels of these compounds are moderate to low by international standards. Despite bans in some countries (US and Europe) many of these retardants remain in use internationally. New Zealand’s level of these chemicals is lower than the US and Australia (we have half the levels found in Australia) and similar to or higher than European countries (Belgium has half our level). The researchers note that the levels of these flame retardant chemicals are likely to be considerably higher in our blood. The Ministry intends to continue to monitor these chemicals. New Zealand’s exposure to fire retardants is largely from retardants added to foam in imported furniture; to plastics and to electrical or electronic equipment. Flame retardants are added to products to reduce their ability to burn and help add vital seconds to the time required for people to get out of a burning building. Younger mothers had lower levels of all dioxins, furans, PCBs and OCPs - but levels of flame retardants showed no link with age.

Toxic effects including cancer, damage to nerves and brain, reproductive and immune system disorders have been linked to POPs. In 2001, New Zealand became a signatory to the global Treaty on Persistent Organo-Pollutants (POPs) which aims to eliminate or reduce POPs, where possible, from the environment. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are organobromine compounds used as flame retardants. PBDEs are used in building materials, electronics, furnishings, cars, plastics, foams and textiles. They are similar to PCB’s and concerns about their persistence and health effects have prompted them to be banned or their use reduced in some countries. Breast milk is used as a marker for the presence of chemicals in human fat, because breast milk is high in fat. Breast milk is the healthiest food for baby and the Ministry of Health strongly recommends breast feeding. With time rates of chemical residues in children end up being roughly equal regardless of whether babies are breast or bottle.

Exposure to many of these chemicals is unavoidable - through diet and inhalation - and the best approach to reducing exposure is through international and national efforts to reduce the overall levels in the environment. Some brominated flame retardants have been added to the list of chemicals targeted for elimination or reduction under an international agreement called the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the European and US bans will encourage the use of different chemicals as flame retardants. Further testing of chemicals in the blood, some of which is planned for next year, is expected to show a continued trend of a slow reduction in the level of these chemicals in New Zealanders. The tests will also give an indication about whether the levels of flame retardants are increasing or decreasing over time. www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 7

News

Does nutrition labelling promote healthier food choices?

There is much debate about the best way to label food with nutrition information – on the front, on the back, with detailed nutritional analysis or simple health claims. But do any of these help New Zealanders make better food choices? Or are we in danger of increasing the amount of information given to shoppers, without giving practical help? The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) in Brussels attempted to answer these questions by looking at the labels of thousands of food products and observing and talking to thousands of shoppers across 27 European countries. Dr Josephine Wills, director general of EUFIC, visited New Zealand to share these findings at this year’s New Zealand Nutrition Foundation AGM in Auckland during October. ”Our research shows consumers know quite a bit about the nutrition content of food” Dr Wills

says, “but consumers tend to exaggerate what not to eat, rather than focusing on foods being good for them. “Unfortunately, most people we observed and questioned did not look at the nutrition labels, with only around a quarter taking note of the nutritional information; this being directly linked to their level of interest in healthy eating. What’s needed is a way of motivating those not interested but who most often need the information to improve their health.” Just as in New Zealand, a wide range of nutrition labelling systems is being used on food packaging across Europe. Whilst the major systems used in Europe were all equally able to help shoppers identify the healthier product, EUFIC’s research suggests those relating to guideline (recommended) daily amounts were used most, whereas colour-coded systems, such as the traffic lights pioneered in the UK, can be open to misinterpretation, with consumers not sure what the colours mean.

News | Global

Canterbury’s environmental ‘bridge’ with Papua New Guinea Landscape rehabilitation in Canterbury could provide a model for future work in Papua New Guinea.

Western Province trained and educated so that they are able to bring positive change to the electorate, the province and the country as a whole.”

Environmental management is one of a number of keys which a group of students from Papua New Guinea, now studying for qualifications at Lincoln University, will one day use to unlock new pathways for the development of their home district of Western Province.

Helping him in this commitment is New Zealand’s specialist land-based university, Lincoln University. The connection came about through one of Lincoln University’s graduates from PNG, training consultant Philip Yendowe, who brought the University’s specialist expertise in land matters to the attention of the North Fly MP.

The students, who arrived in New Zealand and started their studies in July, are from the North Fly District of PNG’s Western Province. The Fly River is one of PNG’s major waterways and flows for over 1000 kilometres from inland mountains to a broad delta in the Gulf of Papua. They have come to Lincoln University through the wisdom and foresight of the Member of Parliament for North Fly Open, the Hon. Boka Kondra, who until recently was also Deputy Governor of Western Province. The province has had a heavy economic dependence on copper mining but this activity is due to be phased out from 2013. “When the mining is finished, the people will be anxious and concerned for the future,” said Boka Kondra when visiting Lincoln University in June this year. “They will be left with only liabilities. What is the most sustainable thing I can do as a leader for the people? He said he saw education and training as the best thing he could offer. “This is the most sustainable of anything I can do. I would like to make a mine of the brain,” he says, and calls it the “big head” model.

A five-year Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Lincoln University and the North Fly Electorate Office in June and extended to cover the whole of Western Province by Boka Kondra’s successor as Deputy Governor, the Hon. James Ukin-Kiunga, when he visited Lincoln University in August. The MOU covers training, consultancy and programme development; research activities, education and extension; creating educational opportunities for the people of Western province through sponsorships for study at Lincoln University, and the placement of students from the area at Lincoln University. The first students to arrive under the MOU are - Taboi Awi, Herbert Bibina, Serry Ironeng, Serah Kondowa, and Imange Wakpi. Taboi is enrolled for a Bachelor of Environmental Management and Planning, Serah is doing a Bachelor of Tourism Management, Serry and Imange will start Commerce degrees after completing Foundation Studies and Herbert is doing a Bridging Course at CPIT.

Taboi says the environmental rehabilitation job in the mined-impact areas of Western Province “Western Province is rich in natural resources, and where the tailings have been dumped is but we lack knowledge. We need a ‘big head’. a big one. Mining tailings have blighted the I want to see the children of North Fly and 8 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

landscape and chemicals from the mining processes have contaminated the river systems. Sediment build-up has caused extensive dieback of vegetation on each side of the river.

Taboi Awi from Kiunga, Papua New Guinea, visits the rehabilitated gravel pit site which is now the Prebbleton Nature Park.

He is, however, confident the province can have a bright future, with tourism and land-based attractions among the options for development. The province has untapped resources of oil, gas, minerals and forestry and the hope is that these can be utilised without negative impacts. Before taking up the opportunity to study for a degree at Lincoln University, Taboi was an Environmental Health Officer for Kiunga Urban Local Level Government. He has a particular interest in compliance with environmental laws and regulations. It is the first time away from PNG for Taboi and he says that having been out of school and in the work force for a few years there is a bit of “catching up” to do in some subjects, but things are going well. He and the other PNG students are enjoying life and study at Lincoln University. So far, close to Lincoln University, Taboi has visited two rehabilitated land sites, both former gravel pits which for years had scarred the landscape but are now starting to flourish as nature reserves - Mahoe Reserve in Lincoln’s Boundary Road and the Prebbleton Nature Park on Springs Road. Taboi’s home town of Kiunga is a port settlement on the Fly River at its northern-most navigable point. The population is around 11,000.

Man of vision: The Member of Parliament for the North Fly Electorate in Papua New Guinea, the Hon. Boka Kondra, signs the Memorandum of Understanding with Lincoln University in the University’s Council Room in June this year.

Taboi Awi on the Lincoln University campus with one of his lecturers, Associate Professor Graeme Buchan.

The Academic Coordinator for Lincoln University’s English Language Programme, Scott LangdaleHunt, visited Kiunga in June to conduct language tests prior to the selection of the first students for placement at Lincoln University. Later this year Lincoln University’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Maori & Pacifica) Professor Hirini Matunga will visit the province. Professor Matunga is coordinating the North Fly project at the Lincoln University end. “With the Memorandum of Understanding we have created a bridge between Canterbury and Western Province, Papua New Guinea,” he says.

Taboi Awi inspects some of the plantings at the Prebbleton Nature Park.

News

Confronting climate change with a united front

Weekly eco market in New Brighton Local advocacy group the New Brighton Project is working on establishing New Zealand’s first weekly eco market. The goal is to launch the New Brighton market on October 31, running from 10am-2pm.

Local organisation 350 Aotearoa is joining an international campaign to unite the world around solutions to climate change. The mission is to inspire climate action in communities across New Zealand.

Aotearoa to put on their own working bee and initiate an action that will benefit your community, help reduce carbon dioxide emissions - and have fun doing it,” the movement says.

The Global Climate Working Bee, on October 10 (10/10/10), is a day when thousands of communities across the globe will come together again to celebrate climate solutions.

• Choose a working bee project, there are some ideas on the website

“We’re calling on groups (friends, workmates, businesses or community groups) across

For more information or to register, go to www.350.org.nz Global Climate Working Bee

nuts, seeds, legumes, herbs and spices, herb teas or fair trade tea and coffee, bread, cake and other baked goods, cheeses, free range eggs, oils, spreads, dips, chutneys, sauces, confectionery, etc

informative and fun workshops about anything and everything that fits within its agenda. That can be anything from healthy, sustainable living, communication training, parenting, travel talks, hands on arts and crafts to yoga and meditation.

Environmentally friendly products: Household and cleaning products, skin care, cloth nappies and other baby products, stationery (recycled or upcycled paper), clothing (merino, hemp, organic cotton, made in NZ), shopping bags and anything that helps reduce waste

Local community groups: As long as they share the values of the New Brighton Project, the market would like to give local community groups the opportunity to promote themselves, raise awareness and possibly advertise for new members. And where possible, offer some fundraising opportunities for these groups.

Plants and gardening supplies: Heritage seeds, seedlings, small plants, organic fertilizer.

Scrumptious wholesome food: Spray free or organically grown fruit and vegetables,

Workshops and presentations: The market wants to offer customers a variety of

The arrival of Spring sunshine is accompanied by new opportunities for learning about climate change, resource issues and what all that potentially scary global stuff actually means for everyday life, here in New Zealand. "The more we know, the better able we are to respond, with relevant skills and confidence," says Rhys Taylor from the Sustainable Living Education Trust, whose team of tutors runs evening classes around the suburbs.

Their next Sustainable Living series are: • Mondays at Sumner Primary School from October 11 (book at Sumner Bays Union Trust, 4 Augusta Street) • Tuesdays at New Brighton Community Gardens, Rawhiti Domain, from November 2 (to book, call Risingholme: 332 7359) • Wednesdays at the Addington Coffee Cooperative café in Lincoln Road, from October 13. Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury are both supporters of the trust. Tony Moore from Christchurch City says community education such as this helps to deliver the Climate Smart Strategy. “In the long run, new consumer choices also influence demand for council services, such as through garden water efficiency, or switching

Better balance begins with awareness By Jonathon Taylor

• Download the resources at www.350.org.nz to help you plan and promote your working bee • Have fun at your working bee on 10/10/10

Here some examples of what they’re looking for:

Learning about our climate

• Register your event at www.350.org.nz

The hope is to make 10/10/10 the biggest day of practical action to cut carbon that the world has ever seen.

Businesses: Any business with an environmental focus is encouraged to promote their services or products at the Eco Market. Businesses or organisations promoting a healthy lifestyle and sustainable living in the broadest sense are welcome.

All that’s needed now are stallholders, workshop presenters and non-profit organisations who would like to be part of this exciting venture.

• Get your friends, neighbours or workmates together

Welcome to the first edition of Awareness Today. The reason we’re here is because there’s a revolution afoot and considering recent trends, its occurring not a moment to soon. Like every revolution history has witnessed, the roots of this uprising are due to nothing more than every day people, living every day lives, looking up and around and deciding they don’t like what they see.

National and international organisations: Organisations with a focus on environmental issues and healthy living to have a stand at the market are more than welcome.

For more info check out http://www.newbrightonproject.org.nz/ eco-market.html and register your interest

road journeys from cars to active travel, or composting instead of sending kitchen scraps to landfill. It's the way to go." Sunday October 10 sees a fun day of events focused on climate awareness and some practical low-carbon responses. A Walk for wellbeing around Travis Wetland, a Frocktober women’s cycle ride from High Street to Beach Road and back, a free bike repair workshop at Linwood Community Arts Centre, a planting event with live music at SouthShore Spit and an all-day documentary film festival at CPIT are featured.

Details at 1010nz.com or text your postal address to 021 462 260

without measure and polluted without constraint. There’s nothing inherently evil about consuming natural resources, or the mechanics of capitalist economies – so long as it’s done in a balanced and measured way. What this revolution is doing is attempting to restore some balance – environmentally, commercially and spiritually.

What these ‘revolutionaries’ are witness to and acting against is the exact same thing we all see on a daily basis: consumption, pollution, conflict, cruelty and disease.

Individuals and their societies have paused, taken stock and become aware of the damage that’s been done and this is where Awareness Today enters the fray – representing the views, ideas and initiatives of those who desire a more balanced approach to how we interact with our environment and each other.

This cycle of inharmonious life’s one perfect flaw is its lack of balance. We have consumed

This revolution isn’t about invoking shattering revelations, but it does represent a paradigm

Letter from Editor

shift in thinking from the ‘consume, consume and consume some more’ altar we’ve bowed before since the dawn of the industrial revolution. Arguably the most persuasive component driving this wave of awareness is simply the fact that we can. We can now implement sustainable resource management practices, recycle materials, utilise alternative energy sources, burn fossil fuels more efficiently… and the list goes on. Having witnessed the damage to our environment and ourselves, the fact that we can means we must. So Awareness Today is the ears, eyes and voice in our search for better balance and I welcome you aboard as we seek knowledge and understanding so decisions made today enhance, rather than hinder, our future. www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 9

Events

Eco Living

Eco living has become the definition of good living The future of building is green, and the Eco Living feature at the Canterbury Home Show is back by popular demand. The feature is dedicated to bringing you the latest eco products, technology and expert advice with daily seminars on how to set up a sustainable eco-friendly lifestyle in and around your home. Visitors to the show who are looking to build can talk to ebode, Solarchitect, or Formation; they integrate natural solutions into the structure of houses to create a sustainable space to live in, with experience in passive solar design, energy effectiveness, and material choices. There’s a lot of talk this year about future proofing your home and setting up systems that

COPD Health Expo

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is when the breathing passages (airways) in your lungs are obstructed and your lung tissue is damaged. This causes difficulty breathing. COPD covers conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is estimated that COPD affects over 220,000 people in NZ. Smoking is the major cause of COPD. Asthma Canterbury in conjunction with the Canterbury Initiative Respiratory Team and Christchurch Hospital are organising a free health

10 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

will have long lasting economical and ecological benefits. Discover super energy efficient space and water heating options, new or retro-fitted double-glazing, natural insulation, and more. Whether you're building from scratch, renovating, retrofitting, or just exploring ideas - you'll find all the information, advice, and experience you need in the Eco Living feature. Build eco - build for a comfortable, affordable, and healthy future.

Eco Living has become the definition of Good Living. PO Box 26 030, North Avon, Christchurch T 03 3666781 | M 021 756 337 F 03 974 9878

expo to provide information, raise awareness and improve understanding about COPD. If you have COPD or another chronic lung condition, are a health professional or caregiver, smoker or ex smoker, or anyone who wants to know more about COPD - join us at The Canterbury Horticultural Hall, Riccarton Avenue. Free entry and free light refreshments will be available. All attendees will go into the draw for some great spot prizes. Venue: Horticultural Hall, Riccarton Avenue Date: Wed 17th November Time: 10.30am to 2.30pm All Welcome

World COPD Day is an annual awareness-raising event organized and sponsored by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). For more information please visit www.goldcopd.org//WCDIndex.asp

Life | Family Violence

White Ribbon day For many, their home is their security, their sanctuary. It is an environment in which their first personal relationships are formed and they experience what it is like to be loved and to have a a strong familial network they can identify with. But the reality of home life for others is a complete paradox. For one in three New Zealand women, their homes are a prison. Victimised by their partners, husbands, fathers and even their sons, these women are having their basic and fundamental human rights violated. Living in fear, their independence, confidence and self-worth diminishes with every act of physical abuse they endure. With every physical scar inflicted, a psychological scar is left too, ingrained in their memory. But unlike the skin deep wounds that will eventually fade with time, the emotional scars have a permanent nature. Women in these situations often feel they cannot leave because while they know the abuse is wrong, they fear the prospect of being alone more than staying. Many remain committed to abusive relationships when promises of change are offered by the perpetrators of these crimes, or periods of passivity bring a sense of renewed hope.

Financial dependence, social stigma, religious and moral values, concern for children and a lack of community support including affordable accommodation are some of many reasons women remain in abusive relationships.

Communities who wish to paericipation in the ride should register their interest at http:// whiteribbon.org.nz/get-involved/whiteribbon-ride/ or contact the Families Commission for further information.

Domestic violence is not selective; it does not choose its victims according to their age, ethnicity, religion or socio-economic status.

For more information on New Zealand’s White Ribbon day, which will be held November 25, 2010, visit www.whiteribbon.org.nz.

Domestic violence is a crime that takes the lives of approximately 14 of our women every year in New Zealand. Annually, there are more than 3500 convictions records against men for assaults on women and one in five women will experience sexual assault or sexual interference at some point in their lives. In New Zealand, we are making a stand against any violence towards women. In 2009, more than 500,000 New Zealanders wore white ribbons to represent their support of the White Ribbon campaign. The white ribbon represents a pledge never to commit or condone violence against women. In 2009, the White Ribbon Ride which was organised by the Families Commission as part of the White Ribbon campaign visited more than 35 towns and cities throughout the North Island with more than 200 riders taking part. For 2010, the ride will be led by the Patriot Motorcycle Club and Super Maori Fullas. The riders will be using the visibility and mobility of their bikes to encourage New Zealanders to demonstrate their support for the campaign.

White Ribbon Campaign Timeline 1991 - The first White Ribbon Campaign was launched in Canada by a group of men who were moved by the brutal mass shooting of 14 female students at the University of Montreal 1999 - The United Nations officially recognised November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The White Ribbon is a symbolic representation of hope for a world where women and girls can live without the fear of violence 2004 – United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) introduced White Ribbon Day to New Zealand. In 2004, volunteers made and distributed 15,000 ribbons via women’s organisations and human rights organisations 2006 - The Families Commission embraced White Ribbon day as a strong campaign to facilitate its work in raising awareness of family violence. The commission united with Women’s Refuge, National Network of Stopping Violence Services, Amnesty International, the Human

Rights Commission, YWCA, YMCA, Save the Children and Relationship Services to promote the campaign. 2008 – Contributions from the Ministry of Health, Police, ACC, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development.

The White Ribbon organisation has published nine common myths and misconceptions about violence towards women. Myth 1: Violence against women is an issue that only concerns women Myth 2: There is nothing we can do to stop violence against women Myth 3: Women should just remove themselves from abusive relationships Myth 4: Some people deserve to be beaten by provoking the violence Myth 5: Violence against women only occurs in specific groups Myth 6: Violent people are mentally ill or have psychopathic personalities Myth 7: Some people need the violence, enjoy it or are addicted to it Myth 8: Violence against women is caused by drugs and/or alcohol Myth 9: Violence only happens to a certain sort of woman.

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www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 11

Cover Story | Ag Research

Science in harmony with nature Science is stepping out of the labs, onto the fashion runways and into our lives. Thanks to scientific breakthroughs we are now sleeping in and wearing next-to-skin products made of material we never would have thought possible 10 years ago. Sheets and PJs are made from wool, underwear from bamboo and you can even throw your wool suit in the washing machine and tumble drier with no fear of it shrinking. At a time when consumers are increasingly demanding natural alternatives to synthetic solutions, science is creating a whole new world of textiles that are sustainable and environmentally friendly at the same time as being fashion first. At the sharp end of this fashion revolution is Lincoln-based AgResearch’s Textiles Group. Scientists used breakthroughs in nanotechnology to create properties in the fabric similar to what’s known as the lotus effect where water runs off the surface without wetting the leaf. Nanotechnology has developed treatments for surfaces that replicate this effect and is constructed into the wool fabric. While external water cannot penetrate the fabric, water vapour on the inside can move out of the fabric, maintaining its breathing properties. This means garments don’t need to incorporate the ‘gutters’ that synthetic material clothes have to let out perspiration. It’s a super hydrophobic fabric that will have significant applications in outdoor clothing as the wool material finish fabric doesn’t leave you in a sweat but keeps you warm, comfortable and dry - it’s essentially water and windproof.

Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand. The merger with Canesis Network has enabled AgResearch to link the entire R&D chain for wool and sheep production from genomics (the ability to modify and differentiate the fibre right back before it leaves the farm gate), to on-farm sustainable systems and textile development. AgResearch’s Apparel and Textile manager, senior scientist Surinder Tandon, says the group’s focus is on natural fibres that minimize the impact on the environment. “Textile innovations based on science and technology are aimed at meeting consumer needs of both fashion and functionality,” Dr Tandon says. “In the apparel industry we’re developing more natural, environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic solutions that marry functionality with the flexibility, aesthetic and tactile benefits traditionally associated with man-made substances. “We have developed new spinning technologies to produce yarns that are finer, stronger or bulkier, new fabric constructions and the development of new environmentally friendly chemical treatments and colouration techniques to enhance functionality and appearance.” Dr Tandon says once science has created the functionality, the fabric becomes fashionable in its own right.

Scientists have also made a breakthrough creating wool-based fabrics that are lighter, softer and finer than anything on the market.

“You see that with any of those brands that have next-to-skin merino products. Wool is breathable, machine washable, tumble dryable, anti-bacterial, anti-odour, water repellant, and dries quickly so that functionality becomes fashionable.”

The AgResearch institute was strengthened by the addition of Canesis Network, the former

Among the textiles developed by AgResearch are Natural Easy Care (NEC) Wool Suit and Shirt

12 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

fabrics. This material is a world first creating wool that is machine washable and can be tumble dried. The shirt fabric, developed for Australian Wool Innovations, is based on pioneering yarn technology that spins wool into a lighter-weight singles worsted yarn. Most manufacturing processes twist two single yarns together creating a fabric that’s too bulky and heavy for lightweight business-wear such as shirts. An added benefit of these modern textiles is that they don’t need the chemical treatments of yesteryear. These fabrics are made machine washable without chemical shrink-resist treatments. The AgResearch product is lightweight, easy care and is great to wear for all round comfort. It has natural stretch, drapes and breathes well, it also boasts a UV protection factor of as high as 50 UPF. Unlike cotton that can get wet and clingy when you get hot, the NEC shirting fabric stays cool because wool absorbs about 33 percent moisture before it gets wet on the surface. Cotton only absorbs 12 or 13 percent. The fabric weight of a traditional heavy wool bush shirt is about 300g/m2 while the new easy care shirting fabric is around 145g/m2. The fabric has also ready caught the eye of well-known Italian designer and manufacturer Nino Cerutti and Sydney-based designer Jayson Brunsdon and the fabric technology has been transferred to manufacturers in China, Korea, Japan, India, Mexico and USA. Dr Tandon and his team are working on this next generation of Next-to-Skin Superfine Merino knitwear. This is a product with all the benefits of wool but the lightness and softness of cotton. Being shown at Fashion Week 2010 is an Anti-odour & Antistatic Next to Skin fabric which has been picked up by designer Michael Pattison, Nyne and Sable & Minx.

This has unique permanent antibacterial and anti-odour properties that break existing boundaries. The fabric has a greater environmentally responsible production process than most existing technologies as the antibacterial agent doesn’t leach from fabric. But more revolutionary still is the Crinkled Woven Fabrics for which we are also seeking a commercial partner. These materials have unique pre-creased and wrinkled effect on their whole fabric length. The permanent effect withstands repeated washing/cleaning without using chemical setting treatment. “There is increasing environmental awareness in our markets around the world,” says Dr Tandon. “Consumers have high standards for the products they buy. They like to buy products made from natural fibres or renewable resources.” Manufacturing synthetic fabrics results in the release of fluorocarbons being deployed into the atmosphere and many fabrics have often needed chemical treatments such as those for shrink-resistance. So not only are the modern natural fabrics kinder on the environment, but they are less costly to produce. The 2010 line of new wool products from AgResearch includes high drape women’s wear, colour and texture effects including novel dyeing for producing two-sided colour reversible and patterned knits, new generation next-to-skin active wear, and high performance sportswear and outdoor clothing with multiple functionalities such as stretch-compression, antiodour and quick dry. Smart textiles include products such as stab and fire resistant wool fabric, heated socks that keep your feet warm, protective gloves that warn workers when they’re too close to the blade and a conductive vest for navy ship gunners that tells the bridge they’re hit. They may sound like something out of a science fiction movie but AgResearch scientists are already hard at work making them a reality.

Wellness | 5 + A Day

Taste the Difference! Bred and grown in the South Island, you will taste the difference. Sweeter and tastier than any other asparagus, Pacific Crown can be found in selected supermarkets throughout the South Island. Nurtritional Fact: Asparagus has higher antioxidant levels than most other vegetables. It contains high levels of folate, and vitamin C and the highest tested level of glutahione of any vegetable or fruit.

M G Marketing | Christchurch | Ph 03 349 1070 M G Marketing | Dunedin | Ph 03 466 4034 www.asparapacific.co.nz

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 13

Wellness | 5 + A Day

Mission Nutrition loves 5 + a day Mission Nutrition is a fabulous team of dietitians and nutritionist who provide advice about food and nutrition to help you eat well, perform better and feel incredible.

some top tips for getting more into your day, and get munching!

Mission Nutrition director Claire Turbull has some great advice to share about the benefits of including fruit and veggies in your diet. Here are some of her tips:

• Add fruit to smoothies and baking

Fruit and vegetables are nutrition powerhouses full of vitamins, minerals, fibre and special health-protecting compounds called phytochemicals. Research has shown that eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day can help prevent the development of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

• Cut up veggies like carrots, celery, cucumber and sugar snap peas for a yummy snack with hummus or a yoghurt based dip

Not only that - fruit and veggies also provide the essential nutrients that ensure you look and feel your best inside and out every day. I think it's important we all remember the '+' in '5 + a day'! For maximum health benefits, you need to have AT LEAST five servings a day (2+ of fruit and 3+ of veggies) of a variety of types and colours. A serving size is about a handful and fresh, frozen and canned fruit and vegetables all count towards your 5 + a day too. There aren't many foods that we can eat in abundance, so we may as well make the most of the unlimited recommendation. Getting enough fruit and veggies in your diet each day doesn't have to be a mammoth task - think one piece of fruit with breakfast, some raw veggies as a morning snack, some salad and a piece of fruit for lunch, and half a plate of veggies at dinner - and you’re done! Fruit and vegetables really are one of nature's amazing foods, so see below for

Top tips to get more fruit in: • Top your cereal with fresh or canned fruit • Add berries to porridge

• Have fruit as a snack and for dessert. Top tips to get more vegetables in:

• Add grated vegetables to mince dishes like spaghetti bolognese and burger patties • Make a big batch of roast veggies and add to salads, quiches, pizzas and more! If you are having steak, fish or chicken for dinner and need your half a plate of veggies, why not try: • Grated carrot and beetroot with 1 tbsp lite mayo and 2 tbsp currants or raisins • Broccoli and bok choy stir fried with garlic, ginger and 1 tsp sesame oil • Steamed savoy cabbage with green beans and courgettes sprinkled with chilli flakes before serving • Carrot, swede and onion mash – boil chopped vegetables together until soft; drain, mash and season to taste. Yum! For more information about Mission Nutrition log onto www.missionnutrition.co.nz or email info@missionnutrition.co.nz or call (09) 948 7999

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5 + A Day | Wellness

Increasing the fruit and vegetable consumption of all New Zealanders The evidence is clear – the more fruit and vegetables people eat, the healthier they are. New Zealand’s current Food and Nutrition Guidelines recommend at least five servings per day: at least three servings of vegetables and at least two servings of fruit. However, about half of New Zealanders do not currently consume the recommended intake. Evidence for a protective role for fruits and vegetables in cancer prevention is substantial, and current scientific evidence also suggests they play a protective role in preventing a range of other diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension and cataract formation. In order to improve their health, people need to increase their fruit and vegetable intake. The fruits and vegetables do not have to be `fresh’ – they can be processed, e.g. canned, juiced, and frozen, as long as they are nutritionally sound. When eating these processed foods, it’s important to take into account other nutritional components such as fat, sugar and salt (these should all be minimal). Many organisations already have schemes in place to promote greater fruit and vegetable consumption and the NZFAVA aims to complement these. NZFAVA provides simple, overarching messages that are evidence-based and apply as widely as possible, across all forms of fruit and vegetables.

These messages are made available to anyone who wants to use them and can be accessed on our website. So what are those messages? NZFAVA key message #1: “Fruit & Veg – more matters” • The more fruit and vegetables you eat the better your health will be. Adding even one extra serve can make a difference • Although the current recommendation is five serves per day, there is scientific evidence to suggest that we should aim for 7–9 serves and shouldn’t stop just because we reach the target five serves

• A mix of different types of fruit and vegetables will provide a range of nutrients and phytochemicals that will have different health benefits • All forms of fruit and vegetables are important. Many people have the mis-conception canned and frozen vegetables are `inferior’, but this is not the case. Processing can have beneficial effects on the health benefits of some foods, such as tomatoes. The nutritional composition of frozen fruits and vegetables can sometimes be superior to `fresh’ equivalents that have sat around in the supermarket and then in the fridge at home for a week

• Colour is important and can be a guide to eating a range of nutrients and phytochemicals. For example, yellow and orange vegetables contain carotenoids while green leafy vegetables are often high in folate • If 1/2 of your plate is vegetables you can achieve a nutritionally balanced meal that contains protein and carbohydrate and good fibre intake. NZFAVA key message #4: “Fruit & Veg: ready-to-go snacks” • It is important to think about consuming fruit and vegetables regularly and not just as part of a meal. Many forms of fruit and vegetables can be convenient to eat `on the go’

• Fruit and vegetable juices are OK in moderation; despite not having the fibre of whole fruits and vegetables, they contain important phytochemicals • The key with this message is that there is a clear guideline on appropriate serving size – just one glass should be consumed each day so as to limit sugar intake. Choose juices with no added sugar

NZFAVA key message #2: “Mix it up! – fresh, canned, frozen (one serve of juice or dried)”

• Variety is the key to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and avoiding getting bored with a limited range NZFAVA key message #3: “Colour half your plate with veges”

NZFAVA key message #5: “Just one glass = 250 ml fruit/vegetable juice counts!”

In addition to these statements, we have pulled together a list of 100 tips on ways to increase fruit and vegetable intakes The first 50 of these tips will appear in the October issue of Healthy Food Guide Hopefully these tips will make it easier for consumers to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat every day The NZFVA challenges each and every kiwi to add an extra serving of fruit and vegetables to the food they eat each day to improve their health and well-being By Carolyn Lister on behalf of the New Zealand Fruit and Vegetable Alliance The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Ltd Carolyn.Lister@plantandfood.co.nz The New Zealand Fruit and Vegetable Alliance (NZFAVA) was set up by a group of representatives from Plant & Food Research, food and horticulture industries, non-profit organisations and the Ministry of Health to promote increasing daily fruit and vegetable consumption for the benefit of all New Zealanders. Scientific evidence forms the basis of simple messages and practical tips on how to cook and include more fruit and vegetables into everyday life. For more information visit: www.nzfava.org.nz

• Fruit and vegetables are a much healthier option than other snacks (e.g. biscuits, chips, chocolate bars) and have flow-on benefits (e.g. reduced fat and sugar intake). Some fruits and vegetables are also cheaper. www.awarenesstoday.co.nz   Spring 2010 | 15

Wellness | 5 + A Day

Organic gardening in a small space

Can you do organic gardening if you only have a balcony, or a small inner city courtyard? The answer is yes! Even the smallest space can burst with luscious fruit and vegetables.

By Matt Morris

Raised beds

Vines

These can be constructed for any size, but make sure you choose un-treated timber as arsenic from treated timbers can leach. Fill with a good organic compost, which can be bought from any garden centre. Leafy greens will love it.

Vines need hardly any space – just something to grow up. Grapes are great, of course, but what about boysenberries, or even passionfruit (in sunny, sheltered spots!)?

Tyre stacks and bucket gardens An impressive harvest of potatoes can be got by growing them in a stack of tyres, or even in a bucket! Start off with one tyre, fill with soil and plant a sprouted potato into it. When the shoot is long enough, put on another tyre and fill that up too – carefully. Repeat until it’s four tyres high. So simple.

Matt Morris is Sustainable Practices Co-ordinator at the University of Canterbury, and former Chair of the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, publishers of Organic NZ magazine

Hanging gardens If space is really short, try growing food in something that hangs – a planter, a bucket or even a sack. Did you know you can grow tomatoes upside down? All you need to do is cut a small slit in the bottom of a sack, feed the roots of your plant through it and then fill the sack with a mix of soil and compost, then hang it in a sunny spot.

Red Jackets – potatoes with a heart of gold

They look good and taste great, with golden coloured flesh and delicate red skins these potatoes really are something special. You can leave their skin on and if you cook them gently they fluff up nicely and taste divine. Their distinctive colour makes your meals look fantastic. Red Jackets make great mash, are excellent in casseroles, roast well giving a sweet, nutty flavour and are perhaps the best baked potato you can make. Red Jackets are grown exclusively by Wilcox. We identified these potatoes as ideal for New Zealand growing conditions and New Zealanders certainly have taken to the taste of them. They are seasonal, which means you generally find them available for purchase from April through the end of September and after that, well you will just have to wait until next year – but some things are worth waiting for.

16 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Wellness | KB’s Bakery

Going gluten free We are proud to be associated with Kim, Karen and the team at KB’s Bakery Great people, great food and great service.

Congratulations on your 25th Birthday

For 25 years, KB’s has been a well-loved chain of bakeries in Christchurch. Where else would you get a bacon and egg pie for a picnic that tastes homemade? Or a gourmet spicy thai chicken pie with a donut to boot? Or a gingerbread man complete with icing and chocolate buttons as a special treat for a child?

KB is based down at KB’s headquarters, corner of Gasson and Kingsley Streets, the baking hub of the brand, where he continues to create the KB’s recipes to ensure new products keep your taste buds happy.

To ensure even more people can enjoy KB’s products, the company has just launched a range of gluten free options for those who are coeliac or gluten intolerant with an amazing variety from sausage rolls through to combo meals.

Now in 2010 KB’s celebrates it’s 25th anniversary by releasing its gluten free range of products… don’t panic, the regular and delicious range is and will always be on the shelves, only now there is the option to eat their tasty products without gluten content.

A bit of history

Why provide a gluten free option?

Kim Buckley, director and founder trained as a Cake and Pastry Chef back in 1983. Straight out of his apprenticeship KB bought Mayfair Cake Kitchen, aged just 22.

At KB’s they’ve been listening to their customers and their complaints – and one that kept popping up was that certain family members couldn’t eat KB’s because they were either coeliac or gluten intolerant. Kim Buckley’s own mother-in-law had been saying the same thing!

Creating a vision of great finger-licking tucker made from only the finest ingredients - sausage rolls, farm house pies, donuts, meat lovers rolls – was easy. But wondering how to brand his vision, a name was not forthcoming – so KB’s it was - Kim Buckley’s. Wind the clock forward to 1990 and there were then six KB’s stores in Christchurch. In 1995 KB

Total supply... ...Every occasion. Trents Wholesalers are proud to support KB’s Bakery and congratulate them on 25 years in Business.

unibag packaging limited Unibag Packaging Ltd is proud to be associated with KB’s Bakery and wishes them well for their future business and development. Unibag Packaging Ltd are suppliers of – plain & printed paper bags, plain & printed paper handle bags, cellulose bags and counter rolls

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PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH KB’S BAKERY & WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON A SUCCESSFUL 25 YEARS

www.coca-cola.co.nz

so no one misses out. This online ordering system will be up and running on the 1st October 2010.

decided to share the success of his formula and to franchise. Since then, KB’s franchises have popped up in just about every suburb throughout Christchurch. Today KB’s boasts 15 stores in Canterbury, one in Nelson and one in Stoke.

And unlike other products, KB’s gluten free range is made in a totally segregated gluten free room to ensure there is no cross contamination. KB’s, celebrating 25 years of yummy food with the launch of it’s gluten free choice range. Spread the word and enjoy! What is gluten? • Gluten is a protein which is found in wheat. Your tummy doesn’t need it and can find it hard to digest (it clogs you up) • Imagine gluten acting like gum in food, binding everything together • For the last 50 years gluten has been slipped into a ‘whopping’ amount of our foods. It is found in everything that is made from wheat (that’s a heck of a lot of food) • We just don’t need these gluten grains in our food, they can easily be replaced with other grains such as buckwheat, millet and quinoa it’s not that hard.

The end result is KB’s fabulous range of products, now available as a gluten free option. Initially KB and an equally excited small team re-opened the Hornby store as a KB’s Express. From this dinky wee store the gluten free range was baked and re-invented for 18 months until the recipes were just right. The key achievement Kim Buckley wanted was to have the gluten free option indistinguishable from the other food – and now he’s done this he’s ready to sell the gluten free range to the world (well, Christchurch for now). KB’s has been developing an on-line ordering system for out of town customers via its website www.kbs.co.nz for their gluten free products,

KB’s Bakery Gasson & Kingsley Street Sydenham | Christchurch T (03) 379 1634 | F (03) 379 1685 E office@kbs.co.nz

All types of eggs including free range | Pasteurised egg products Cooked egg products | Egg powder (0800) FOR EGGS www.zeagold.co.nz | www.farmerbrown.co.nz Proud to be associated with KB’s Bakery

Proud to be associated KB’s Bakery 183 Blenheim Road, Riccarton, Christchurch | Ph 0800 937 866 westonmilling.orders@gwf.com.au | www.westonmilling.co.nz

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 17

10 dollars 3 days 1 country are you up to the challenge?

Three days to give a child hope Cure Kids funds vital medical research into life-threatening children’s diseases. Join us in our mission, while having the adventure of a lifetime! Teams of two must complete three days of innovative and testing challenges, while making their way from Queenstown to Auckland with only $10. The Novotel $10 Queenstown Challenge is like The Amazing Race, but for an awesome cause and you may go to Geraldine instead of Beijing! To nd out more visit www.curekids.org.nz

18 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz CRK4313 Novotel Challenge_Mag_360x260.indd 1

21/7/10 11:23:40 AM

A Better Bake

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www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 19

Gluten Free

Coeliac disease Five important things you need to know. and... one more thing! By Prof Rodney Ford M.B., B.S., M.D., F.R.A.C.P. Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Allergist Author of “The Gluten Syndrome”

1) Anyone might get it: and you could have it Lots of people have coeliac disease. It is very common. Amazingly, one person in every 100 has it. But most affected people do not know they have got it because the classic symptoms of coeliac disease are uncommon. You can get better. Coeliac disease is a illness caused by gluten. The bowel can get badly damaged, but can fully recover on a gluten-free diet. Most people with coeliac disease have had their symptoms for years or even decades. That is because their symptoms have come on gradually. Consequently, they are often missed as having coeliac disease by both the family and their family doctor. No one has thought to get the tests done. “Sick, tired and grumpy” is a good way to describe how most gluten-affected people feel. Tiredness, lethargy and exhaustion are the most frequent symptoms in adults. Usually, symptoms of fatigue are also associated with low iron levels, bloating, and sometimes bowel disturbance (diarrhoea and/or constipation). In children, complaining of sore tummy is frequent, along with irritability, eczema and poor growth. The “Big List” of these symptoms can be found on the website www.DrRodneyFord.co.nz. 2) Everyone should be tested: no other way to tell

that can easily detect coeliac disease. Some of these tests are quite recent, so there is a bit of confusion about which ones to test for, and what they mean. To make it even more complicated, the different laboratories use different tests systems. There three main categories of test: 1) the ‘tissue damage’ tests to detect the damage that gluten causes in the bowel: tTG (tissue TransGlutaminase); DGP (Diamidated Gliadin Peptide) and EMA (Endomesial antibody). 2) the ‘gluten tests’ that detect the immune response to gluten: anti-gliadin antibody (IgG-gliadin and IgA-gliadin). 3) the ‘gene test’ (HLA DQ2/DQ8) that is positive in nearly every person who has the tissue damage from gluten. The webpage has more details. My preference for gluten/coeliac tests is on my webpage. Who might need an endoscopy? Do you? Currently, coeliac disease is defined by its characteristic intestinal damage. This can be identified by looking at the gut tissue samples under a microscope. To get these pieces of tissue, you have to get an endoscopy (also called a gastroscopy). This is still the “official” way to make a coeliac diagnosis. A positive genetic test is also useful to make the diagnosis. The blood tests have become so accurate, that I predict it will soon be unnecessary for everybody to have a confirmatory biopsy. However, endoscopy is also very useful to look for other conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. 4) Can you get an early diagnosis? Or do you have to wait for years?

I say test everyone! That is because it is almost impossible to work out clinically who has coeliac disease. To find out if you might have it, the best thing to do is to check out your symptoms and get your blood tests.

Coeliac disease is a progressive condition. It comes on slowly. New babies cannot have it (they have not yet been exposed to gluten). But with the constant consumption of gluten foods - such as bread, pasta and cookies - can eventually lead to gut damage in genetically susceptible people.

What tests? Please wait until you have had your blood tests before you go on a gluten-free diet. Accurate blood tests are now available

This damage can take months, years or decades to get established. As the gluten damage gets worse and worse, the symptoms gradually

20 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

develop. Finally, you get a very sick intestine and become very unwell. The blood tests often become positive a lot earlier.

You would need the gluten antibody test (IgGgliadin) to make this diagnosis. However, many of the medical laboratories do not offer this test.

Stop the suffering of children. Consider the following sequence of events: if a child was going to develop coeliac disease at 15 years old, you can imagine that if blood tests were done every year, then the results would steadily change as the coeliac disease became established: early tests would be negative; then midway (say around 10 years old) the tests might look suspicious; and eventually, by 15 years they would turn positive.

The Gluten Syndrome refers to adverse reactions in the gut, the skin and the brain which can be set off by gluten. It includes the myriad symptoms that can be experienced throughout your gastro-intestinal tract.

Disturbingly, this child might have had significant gluten symptoms for about ten years with tummy aches and pains, eczema, poor growth and mood disturbance. The big question is when should this child go on a gluten-free diet? I think early (when symptoms become obvious), but many physicians still wait until there is bad gut damage before starting treatment. 5) Do you want to get better? Is gluten-free the answer? The good news is that coeliac disease is usually completely reversed by a life-long glutenfree diet: the symptoms disappear, and the gut damage heals. But if this disease is not detected, then the gut damage will persist. This leads to serious problems such as: autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiency, malnutrition, and increased bowel cancer risk. It is therefore very important make the diagnosis early. Some people feel very sick with this disease, whilst others have few, if any symptoms. Therefore, diagnostic vigilance is vital. I recommend that anyone with any undiagnosed chronic illness should be tested for coeliac disease. Also, all family members of a coeliac household should be tested. And ... one more thing! What about gluten syndrome? Affects gut, skin and brain Coeliac disease is only a small part of the gluten problem. For every person with coeliac disease, there are another ten getting symptoms from gluten, but without the gut damage. They have negative tissue damage blood tests, and a normal endoscopy, but they react to gluten.

It also includes many other symptoms that do not stem from your gut, such as: brain and nervous disorders, behaviour disturbances, irritability and tiredness, skin problems, eczema and muscular aches and pains. Yes, gluten can cause very much more than only coeliac disease. Gluten-free is not so hard. The gluten habit can be initially hard to break. Foods crammed with gluten such as cakes, dumplings, steamed puddings and big hunks of bread are often referred to as “comfort foods”. For some, this comfort is probably derived from its morphine-like stimulation of gluten on the brain. Consequently, when gluten is suddenly removed from the diet, some people can experience a withdrawal effect. So, it is sensible to ease yourself into a gluten free diet over a week or so. You can take your time to learn all about gluten and how to shop. Within in a few weeks, most people adapt very easily and are relieved to feel so much better at last. Want to find out more? There is a lot more to learn about gluten, coeliac disease, and gluten syndrome. Check out your symptoms (see The Big List) and find out more about what blood tests to get (remember that you can’t tell if you don’t test). You can read all about it in the book “The Gluten Syndrome: is wheat causing you harm?” or visit Dr Rodney Ford’s website: www.DrRodneyFord.co.nz. Doctor Rodney Ford, M.B., B.S., M.D., F.R.A.C.P. is a Paediatrician, Gastroenterologist and Allergist. He is former Associate Professor of Paediatrics at the Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago. He runs the busy Children’s Clinic and Allergy Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has written over a hundred scientific papers and many medical books. These include a series of books on gluten: why it can make you ill and how to go gluten-free.

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 21

Have you ever asked yourself... Is there more cancer around these days? Why are there more pregnancy issues, infertility, or miscarriages? Why do more kids have ADHD now? Is male sexual dysfunction more prevalent now? What damage are we doing to our planet by using plastic? What’s causing the early onset of female puberty? Read on and you may find the answers... What is BPA (Bisphenol A)? BPA is widely used to make polycarbonate plastics such as those in baby bottles, water bottles and compact disc cases and is an ingredient in the resins used to line food cans. The chemical has been shown to leach into food or water. To see a complete definition of BPA, please go to www. safebottles.co.nz. The following is a direct quote from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). As you will see they acknowledge that BPA and other chemicals do leach into food and liquid. However, they also say that it’s not proven to be harmful and doesn’t cause cancer. “In some circumstances, chemicals in food packaging can migrate into the food product and vice versa, depending on the nature of the packaging and the food contained within.” Food Standards Australia New Zealand “the most toxic chemical known to man.” Dr Frederick Vom Saal

The facts on BPA The following are quotes relating to BPA and chemicals found in plastic water bottles. To see the full quote and source, please visit our website, www.safebottles.co.nz In men the oestrogen mimicking effects of BPA have been known to block some of the more important effects that testosterone has on sexual functioning. Those who were exposed to BPA were four times more likely than those who were not exposed to report some sort of sexual dysfunction. Associate Professor of Department of Reproductive Sciences - Yale

But even though PETE (used in many plastic bottles) doesn’t contain BPA (as seen on 60 Minutes 9/6/2010), it does contain other chemicals called phthalates - which are also believed to be endocrine disruptors. Mindfood.com Like BPA, these chemicals leach into the water more quickly when the plastic is heated, so don’t leave these water bottles in a hot car or out in the sun. A potentially deadly toxin is being absorbed into bottled mineral

water from their plastic containers. And the longer the water is stored, the levels of poison increase, research reveals.

There are enough warning signs to show the need to act sooner rather than later. There are growing concerns about bottled water in particular in plastic bottles. The safest option is stainless steel. Breastchek.co.nz

Jo Knowsley

Our findings suggest that exposure to low-dose BPA may have widespread effects on brain structure and function. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to classify BPA as safe, basing its ruling only on the findings of two industry-funded studies. There are over 200 independent scientists, not in conflict financially with this chemical (BPA), saying we find it relating to obesity, prostate cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, brain disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, liver disease, ovarian disease, disease of the uterus, low sperm count for men and the list goes on. David Gutierrez Natural News After years of insisting Bisphenol-A (BPA) posed no threat to the health of babies, six larger manufacturers of baby bottles have announced they will stop shipping new baby bottles made with the chemical. Mike Adams, Natural News A 2007 review of 700 studies involving BPA, published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology, found that infants and foetuses were the most vulnerable to adverse effects from this toxic substance. C W Randolph, MD The researchers indicated that such damage is a possible predictor of reproductive diseases in women, including fibroids, endometriosis, cystic ovaries and cancers. Earlier studies linked low dose BPA to female reproductive-tract disorders, as well as early-stage prostate and breast cancer and decreased sperm counts in animals. Andreas Moritz In 2004, one researcher counted up all of the studies done to date on just BPA. Of 104 studies done by independent researchers, 94 found adverse effects. Donna Jackson Nakazawa

The latest study showed that women with a history of miscarriages were found to have higher levels of BPA in their bodies. The women who had miscarriages were found to have BPA levels on average about three times higher than women who had successfully given birth. David Steinman

The National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health concluded that there is “some concern” that BPA may cause problems in foetuses, babies and children, including breast or prostate cancer early onset of female puberty, attention deficit disorder and other problems of the reproductive and neurological systems. David Gutierrez Bisphenol A is such a dangerous chemical that I have no doubt it will one day be banned from all food and beverage products. Frederick vom Saal The following are countries which have taken action against BPA - Canada, Denmark, Belgium and France - so far. Those with the most BPA in their urine had nearly three times the risk of heart disease more than twice the risk of diabetes, as well as signs of liver damage. Unfortunately, the levels of BPA that were associated with disease are within the EPA’s industry-friendly levels of safety.” Byron Richards The following research is by world expert Dr William Shotyk - who has vowed never to drink bottled water again - “I don’t want to shock people but here’s what I know: Antimony is being continuously released into bottled drinking water. The water in PET bottles is contaminated”. Antimony finds its way into water by ‘leaching’ from the plastic in the same way that water absorbs flavour from a tea bag. Jo Knowsley If you have a baby that you are formula feeding, you are likely to be exposing your child to BPA through the formula itself, which is almost assuredly packaged in a BPA-lined can. Aaron Turpen In most countries, BPA is legal in food storage including baby bottles, containers and so forth. Very few companies are using BPA-free containers for anything. Aaron Turpen To see each of the quotes in full and the source please go to www.safebottles.co.nz

Call 0800 777 444, text SAFE to 244 or go to our website www.safebottles.co.nz to order your SafeBottle today P.S. There’s an iron-clad, lifetime money-back guarantee on all bottles.

18/8 food grade quality stainless steel

BPA-free, toxin-free and eco-friendly 22 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Gary Collins Managing Director

I Fits most cup holders I FDA approved I Fits ice cubes I Doesn’t retain or leach flavours I Dishwasher safe

I Various sizes and colours available I Designed to last I 100% recyclable I No plastic liner I Free sports lid

The effects of plastic on the environment are already well documented...but what about the effects of plastic on our bodies? Research is showing that under special circumstances, certain chemicals from plastic bottles and containers are able to leach into the water (or food) held within. One such culprit is a toxic chemical known as Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical with estrogen mimicking effects that is linked to obesity, diabetes, breast cancer and hyperactivity. Another two common toxic chemicals present in plastic bottles are antimony and phthalates. Make a change for the better. Buy stainless steel BPA-free SafeBottles and reduce the impact of plastic on the environment and our bodies.

For more information and to see the full range of SafeBottles, please visit www.safebottles.co.nz or call our friendly team on 0800 777 444 or text SAFE to 244.

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 23

Health | Infectious Diseases

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www.hepchch.org With a record high of new HIV diagnoses in New Zealand last year the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) will be letting people know that HIV is close to home this World AIDS Day. Figures from the AIDS Epidemiology Group at the University of Otago show that since the beginning of the HIV epidemic in New Zealand in the early 80s, more than 3,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV. World AIDS Day is marked internationally each year on 1 December. On Friday 26 November hundreds of volunteers and the staff of the NZAF will be on the streets and in the malls of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland asking for donations in exchange for red ribbons. The red ribbon is the original ‘ribbon’ campaign. Created by New York artists in 1991 the red ribbon is an international symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS. Its creators chose red for its ‘connection to blood and the idea of passion - not only anger, but love, like a valentine’. The proceeds of the NZAF World AIDS Day Street Appeal will be used to continue to develop cutting edge HIV prevention interventions for New Zealand. 24 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Deaf Awareness

WHAT IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT? The cochlear implant is an electronic device for adults and children with a severe to profound hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which merely amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses damaged hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) and electrically stimulates the hearing nerve directly.

HOW THE EAR HEARS WITH A COCHLEAR IMPLANT SYSTEM Imagine yourself locked in a world of muffled sounds where speech is inaudible and your eyes have had to become your ears…this is the reality for those with a severe to profound hearing loss. Unlike a physical disability which is largely visible, hearing loss is largely invisible which makes it all the more harder to deal with. Those with a hearing loss can often come across as being very serious people due to the amount of concentration required to understand speech. They seem to lack spontaneity and can often be mistaken for being “snobs” due to the inability to hear unless they are directly in front of the speaker. They will often avoid conversations for fear of not being able to hear what is being said. It can often be embarrassing, isolating and depressing, sometimes extremely so. Receiving a cochlear implant is literally a life changing event for most people. It allows people to re-enter the world of hearing again, usually after years of struggle and dependency on others to cope with their hearing loss.

Typically the sound at activation of the device is described as being “ducky”, ”robotic”, “chipmunky”. As the brain sorts out the new information, speech starts to become more normal. Many appointments with an audiologist and a rehabilitationist are required during this process of relearning sound (or learning sound as in the case of very young children). For adults, the joy of hearing a bird singing for the first time in 20 years or a grandchild speaking is quite overwhelming. The fear and anxiety associated with hearing unidentifiable sound at best, and no sound at worst, disappears. The confidence, self esteem and independence that returns, or is gained, is a gift which is hard to imagine unless it has been lost. Cochlear Implants are one of the true technological breakthroughs of the 21st century which are continuing to evolve in terms of both size and performance.

Contrary to popular belief, learning to understand environmental sounds and speech with a cochlear implant takes time and intensive training, as the brain has to be reprogrammed to hear electrically rather than acoustically. Factors such as the length of time the person has had a loss and their auditory memory for sound, plays a large part in the speed at which they regain their understanding of speech and environmental sounds.

The Nucleus® Freedom ™ choclear implant system has both external and internal parts” - Nucleus Freedom speech processor (A) with coil (B) is worn behind your ear - Nucleus Freedom implants (c) is placed just under the skin, behind your ear 1. The Speech processor captures sound and converts it into digital code. 2. The Speech processor transmits the digitally coded sound through the coil to the implant just under the skin

Penny Monteath

3. The implant converts the digitally coded sound to electrical signals and sends them along the electrode array, which is positioned in the cochlea.

Adult Rehabilitationist with Bilateral Cochlear Implants

4. The implant’s electrodes stimulates the cochlea’s hearing nerve fibres, which relax the sound signals to the brain to produce hearing sensations.

THE WORLD’S THINNEST AND MOST RELIABLE COCHLEAR IMPLANT FROM COCHLEAR LIMITED

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 25

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26 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

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www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 27

Women’s Health

Overcoming osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major New Zealand health issue. It affects more than half of women and nearly a third of men above the age of 60 years. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, wrist, hip, pelvis and upper arm. Osteoporosis and its associated fractures are an important cause of mortality and morbidity. In many affected people, bone loss is gradual and without symptoms or warning signs until the disease is advanced. Osteoporosis is a global problem which is increasing in significance as the population of the world both grows and ages. For these reasons, osteoporosis is often referred to as the “silent epidemic”.

There are many misconceptions about osteoporosis, for example that it is “an old woman’s disease”. In fact, bone loss in women can begin as early as age 25 years. Worldwide, the lifetime risk for a woman to have an osteoporotic fracture is 30-40 percent. In men the risk is about 13 percent.

Good sources of calcium include low fat dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, cheese and ice cream; dark green, leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy and spinach, sardines and salmon with bones, tofu, almonds, and foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice and some cereals.

• More than 3,000 New Zealanders break a hip each year. This figure is expected to rise to 4,800 in ten years time as our population ages

Depending upon how much calcium you get each day from food, you may need to take a calcium supplement.

• About a quarter of people who fracture a hip die within a year from related complications. One third never return home, and those that do lose their mobility and independence

The body’s need for calcium changes - the need is greater during childhood and adolescence, when the skeleton is growing rapidly, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• More women are hospitalised with a hip fracture due to osteoporosis than through breast cancer.

Vitamin D

• In the next 50 years, the number of hip fractures for both men and women will more than double.

Here are some key facts about osteoporosis:

To reach optimal peak bone mass and continue building and maintaining bone tissue as you get older, there are several factors you should consider:

• Osteoporosis can be prevented

Calcium

• 56 percent of women and 29 percent of men will suffer a fracture after the age of 60 because of osteoporosis

An inadequate supply of calcium over the lifetime is thought to play a significant role in contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Many published studies show that low calcium intakes appear to be associated with low bone mass, rapid bone loss, and high fracture rates.

• Nearly 20 percent of people with hip fractures die from fracture-related complications within a year • Young people can suffer from osteoporosis too • The estimated cost to New Zealand is $1.1 billion each year.

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and in bone health. It is made in the skin through exposure to sunlight. While many people are able to obtain enough vitamin D naturally, studies show that vitamin D production decreases in the elderly and in people who are housebound. These individuals may require vitamin D supplementation to ensure a daily intake of between 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D. Spending 15-30 minutes outside each day helps ensure you have adequate vitamin D levels Information provided by Osteoporosis New Zealand. For more information visit www.bones.org.nz

National nutrition surveys have shown that many people consume considerably less than the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones.

Assess your risk factors for osteoporosis, answer the following questions: The more times you circle “Y” the more risk factors that you have for osteoporosis.

OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS WEEK 18–24 October

Over half of women and nearly one third of men over 60 years of age may suffer a broken bone due to osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor to find out more about osteoporosis and whether you’re at risk

1.

Are you male or female?

M/F

2.

Do you smoke cigarettes?

Y /N

3.

Are you taking prednisone?

Y/N

4.

Have you broken a bone after a slip, trip or fall?

Y/N

5.

Have you had a previous fracture?

Y/N

6.

Has a parent fractured their hip?

Y/N

7.

Do you consume 3 or more units of alcohol per day?

Y/N

8.

Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Y/N

9.

Did you go through menopause before the age of 45?

Y/N

10. Have your periods stopped for 12 months or more (other than because of pregnancy or menopause)?

Y/N

Cut out & take this to your Doctor or Nurse to find out more about osteoporosis and whether you’re at risk. This checklist has been provided as a resource to help raise awareness of osteoporosis risk. MSD (NZ) Limited, Newmarket, Auckland. 0800 500 673. FSP-10-NZ-5809-O First issued 27 August 2010 TAPSNA4357 BGA100818

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE USING FOSAMAX Plus (alendronate /colecalciferol) 70mg/140mcg (5600 IU vitamin D3) tablets: FOSAMAX Plus is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in select patients where Vitamin D supplementation is recommended. FOSAMAX Plus should not be taken by patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction, food pipe (oesophageal) abnormalities, low calcium (hypocalcaemia) and have an inability to stand/sit upright for 30mins. Precaution should be taken when administering FOSAMAX Plus to patients with active upper gastrointestinal problems or impaired renal function. Common side effects are: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, food pipe (oesophageal) ulcer, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), abdominal distension, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence and headache. FOSAMAX Plus is a PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE fully subsidised under special authority for those who meet specified criteria. Consult your doctor to see if FOSAMAX Plus is right for you, a normal doctors visit fee will usually apply. Use only as directed and if symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. Marketed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Limited, Newmarket, Auckland. For detailed prescribing information, consult the data sheet or consumer medicine information phone 0800 500 673, or refer to the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz . [MPI-FSP-8]

28 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Women’s Health

Proactive screening service now an option

which, combined with recommended fiveyearly screening for all procedures other than mammography, makes this a safe and practical way of complementing reactive health services.”

Following the success of the government funded national breast screening initiative, Pacific Radiology and Christchurch Radiology have introduced a proactive screening service for the colon, heart, arteries, bones and for female organs of the pelvis.

Pacific Radiology and sister company Christchurch Radiology is the largest radiology concern in New Zealand, based in Wellington and Christchurch, respectively. With time, the intention is to extend Pre-empt to Auckland and other key centres through partnerships with other radiology practices.

The service will also cover mammograms biennially, to complement the two yearly government-funded mammograms.

Pre-empt is offered in two variants – Personal Pre-empt for individuals and Professional Preempt for businesses and public organisations.

The service is called Pre-empt (www.preempt.co.nz) underlining its focus on identifying conditions before they present symptoms. Executive director of Pacific Radiology, Dr Tony Young says Pre-empt is motivated by a desire to address something radiologists see all too often; scans that show conditions that have existed long before being diagnosed. “Pre-empt’s promise is the thrill of a clean bill of health or the benefits of early detection.” The service will complement GP’s focus on diagnosis and patient wellness. “A service that identifies conditions before they are apparent will be a valuable complement to GP’s services. Whenever a condition is identified, the treatment decisions will be made by the individual’s GP in conjunction with a specialist,” Dr Young says. “In New Zealand we have some of the world’s most advanced screening technology

Patient Advocates for Natural Hormone Therapy Patient Advocates is a nursing health service that helps women and men to achieve and maintain their optimal health through the use of natural bio-identical hormones, diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation. Working in partnership with their General Practitioner, Patient Advocates incorporates the best of both allopathic (western medicine) and natural medicines. The most commonly

Felicity has over 30 years of nursing   experience and her clinic in Tauranga has been advocating for 11 years. Currently   Felicity and 4 other nurses advocate from the clinic through out New Zealand. The clinic has seen over 24,000 patients to date. Symptoms and conditions worsened by   hormonal imbalance include: • Post Natal Depression • Recurrent miscarriage • P C O S • Heavy Painful Period • Lack of Libido • Migraine headaches • Menopause • Poor short term memory

• Infertility   • Fatigue  • Concentration  • Endometriosis   • Insomnia   • Depression  • Weight gain  •PMS

We do not advertise but rely on word of mouth from existing and past patients.

recommended hormones are Progesterone, DHEA, Oestrogens, Testosterone and   Thyroid hormone. For two years from 1996-98 Felicity Sinden worked as the practice nurse with Dr Fenton Bennett, a leading Uro-Gynaecologist who introduced Bio-identical hormones and the Patient Advocate concept to New Zealand, after seeing its success in America. When Dr Bennett died in 1998, several GP’s asked   Felicity to continue the work she was doing with women who needed time and follow-up to help with their peri-menopause and   menopause symptoms. This therapy has now extended to also helping men.

We have a dedicated team of Advocates with backgrounds in nursing, natural therapies and biochemistry with in-depth knowledge of hormonal issues. No referral is necessary for an appointment to see us. Following an initial consultation and salivary or blood test, the role of the Advocate is to determine a possible course of action and to inform both Patient and Doctor regarding natural hormone replacement and related therapies.   Please visit our website for further information. www.naturalhormonetherapy.co.nz  taurangainfo@naturalhormonetherapy.co.nz  phone 07 577 1237  for your telephone consultation,  no referral necessary.

Managing director Andy Allison says Pre-empt expects strong interest from businesses, many of whom already provide senior executives with health checks, but without the diagnostic capability of advanced radiology. “Our research suggests organisations are looking for a point of difference for attracting and retaining top performing staff, and Pre-empt is a straightforward, practical means of achieving this,” Mr Allison says. “It offers the prospect of a major return on investment through increased loyalty, commitment and productivity of key people, and low levels of invasiveness means procedures can generally be undertaken without taking time off work.” On an annualised basis, Personal Pre-empt screenings range from $132 for males aged between 40 and 50, through to $692 for females aged 60 plus.

Clinicians Adrenal Support a synergy of ingredients to support adrenal gland function. Too much stress, fatigue, anxiety, and poor health can compromise the function of our adrenal glands. Clinicians Adrenal Support provides vitamins, minerals & botanicals to help support normal adrenal function.

Dietary supplements are additional to, and not a replacement for a balanced diet. Always read the label. Use as directed. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Pregnant or lactating women should consult their health professional before taking supplements. If symptoms persist, see your health professional. Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of young children. TAPS# DA968LD-82

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 29

Womens Health | Endometriosis

Understanding endometriosis It was that time of the month again and Lucy was doubled up in pain on the couch. Her mother Jane said she could have the day off school, but was naturally upset that this was yet another day her 13 year old daughter was crunched up in pain and unable to function. Jane noticed Lucy’s pain and other symptoms seemed to be worsening and doctors couldn’t find the cause. She’d had bowel tests, blood tests, x-rays and scans and everything came back normal. Jane had a feeling that others, including the doctors, disbelieved Charlotte and there were inferences that she might be dramatising, over reacting or even making it up. To make it worse, some family members told Jane to stop babying Lucy, that it was important to learn to ‘suck it up and get on with it’ as they had. But Jane knew her daughter and persisted in trying to get help and find answers. Lucy was told she had Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and appendicitis was suspected too. Finally, after trying just about everything, including a gluten free diet and medications, an appointment was made to see the gynaecologist at the local hospital. The gynaecologist performed a laparoscopy and endometriosis was diagnosed. Jane was so surprised. She had heard of the disease before but never dreamed in a million years, that this was the cause of her daughter’s very distressing symptoms. So Jane phoned Endometriosis New Zealand (ENZ) for advice on treatment and management and for support. Lucy’s story is sadly typical of endometriosis with symptoms usually beginning in the teen years. What’s horrifying though, is that it takes on average more than 10 years from first presentation of symptoms to a doctor before a diagnosis is made. Lots of girls and women are misdiagnosed usually with appendicitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or dysmenorrhoea which is simply the medical name for painful periods. So, what is endometriosis, what are the symptoms and what can you do if you suspect you might have it? Endometriosis is a very common disease affecting one in ten women and girls the world over and it doesn’t discriminate! Some gynaecologists specialising in endometriosis think the prevalence may be higher because of the under-reporting and lack of associating painful symptoms with the disease.

mood disturbances, bladder troubles and headaches can be a problem. What’s important is that you seek help. It’s best to see your GP who should be able to advise you on the most suitable treatment plan which will depend on your age, the impact your symptoms are having on your quality of life and your fertility needs. Early recognition and treatment is vital to improve quality of life and protect fertility. It’s usually necessary to have a referral to a gynaecologist who has a special interest in endometriosis. A surgical procedure called a laparoscopy (key hole surgery to view the pelvis) is required to accurately diagnose endometriosis which needs to be removed or cut out (resected). Best practice treatment usually involves surgery, a medical management plan to suit your needs and a big chunk of self care. For instance, nutritional changes can certainly help ease bowel related symptoms and exercise is very important. The disease can usually be well treated and managed. Endometriosis, often called the silent epidemic, can have a profound affect on quality of life, schooling, relationships, career and fertility causing major distress and distortion. It costs New Zealand millions every year in lost days off work alone! Endometriosis New Zealand is the organisation representing the tens of thousands of girls and women with the condition in New Zealand and those who treat it through an advisory Special Interest Group. ENZ offers outstanding services and programmes such as WISE in the workplace, the award winning ‘me’ educational programme in schools, Patient Partnering in hospitals and of course its renown support and information. ENZ is a registered charity and receives no government funding and yet 130,000 women and girls have this disease in NZ. Between the ages of 15 and 49, that makes it bigger than the numbers affecting those with breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes 1 and 11 and aids!! Join the BIG HUG campaign to help all women and girls - in your home, your school, at work and your community by making a donation to Endometriosis NZ.

Endometriosis is where tissue very similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found in places outside the uterus where it shouldn’t be. The tissue can form lesions and is found in the pelvis often on the side wall (peritoneum), uterus, bowel, Pouch of Douglas and ligaments. Endometriosis causes inflammation and it’s common for scar tissue and adhesions to form which can sometimes distort the pelvic anatomy. As well as painful periods, many women and girls experience a raft of other symptoms which can include diarrhoea with a period, bloating and painful intercourse. Other symptoms like lower back pain, tiredness and low energy,

Contact Endometriosis New Zealand T (03) 379-7959 E nzendo@xtra.co.nz www.nzendo.co.nz

30 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Men’s Health

Cancer brings change of mindset

The first sign that something was wrong appeared when I was hospitalised with food poisoning at age 39. A digital rectal examination to check that nothing was ruptured revealed a little swelling, but the doctor informed me that I was too young to have prostate cancer.

By Mike Burke

Six years later when I was 45, I had trouble passing water – “but being male, six foot plus tall and bullet proof”, it took the flu to get me back to the doctor. I asked for a prostate cancer test, and again there was a bit of swelling. Although the doctor told me not to worry about it, I did. I insisted on further test, which were inconclusive at first. Then in early 1996, cancer was diagnosed, and I had surgery. However the medical prognosis was that postoperative chemotherapy and radiation treatment would only give me about two years. “I felt cheated,” the youngest of my three daughters was in her last year of university. I wanted to be around and to enjoy their successes – and certainly not for them to remember me as an atrophied, emaciated jaundiced dad who just wasted and drifted away. So I decided not to have either treatment instead I would “get on with living life”. I

Hernia repair surgery - a common procedure

So, what exactly is a hernia? It is a lump that results from a part of the intestine (bowel) slipping through a weakness in the abdominal wall. The most common hernias are inguinal hernias (groin hernias). And they are most often found in men. The most common symptom of a hernia is a lump in the groin. Sometimes the lump is painful, but a small hernia may not even be noticed and may only be found as part of a routine examination. The lump often disappears when the patient is lying down, and may not be obvious after a night’s sleep. Most hernias require surgical repair to alleviate symptoms and to prevent possible strangulation of the intestines. The most common form of repair is to insert an artificial mesh in the defect, sometimes under local anaesthetic. General anaesthetic is more commonly used but may be precluded by a patient’s pre-existing medical problems. The operation for a groin hernia is one of the commonest surgical procedures.

stopped smoking modified my diet, enhanced my immune system with supplements which I still take today, left a stressful corporate lifestyle this had given me a wake up call. Later I joined an International Aid Organisation as a Business Development Manager which took me to third – world countries something that put my problems in perspective. A change of mindset and “sheer determination” I believe got me through it. I still have regular health checks, and at 61 so far the results are excellent. I see myself as a “crusader” to get men to be aware of their health. Blokes are still a bit shy when it comes to talking about symptoms or health issues. Often it’s wives, partners, mothers, daughters and sons who approach me. They are the ones who take action. It’s just not an “old bugger’s disease”. About 2500 new cases are diagnosed in New Zealand each year and 600 men die of prostate cancer – matching almost exactly the number of women who die of breast cancer. Today I live a fulfilling active life – I will die of it not with it. I coined a phrase “the helicopter theory” in other words “rise above it” my contact is: Phone: 03 385 4883 or healthnwealth@riseaboveit .co.nz

Why put up with Hernia pain? For a FREE info pack please phone 961 6666

Get back to work or play sooner than you think... call us NOW at the Hernia Clinic

incisions or by open surgery. Because it is less intrusive, keyhole surgery has a quicker recovery time, enabling you to get back to work more quickly. Whether it’s done by open surgery or by keyhole surgery, it is usually carried out under general anaesthetic in a day hospital, with good recovery times either way. From the time the patient wakes up from surgery, the repaired hernia is already stronger.

Our qualified and experienced team of gastrointestinal sugeons specialise in hernia repair by keyhole or open surgery

The Hernia Clinic will be able to assist you in your decision.

www.herniaclinic.co.nz Telephone: 03 961 6666

THE HERNIA CLINIC

Level 1 9 Caledonian Road Christchurch

Surgical repair can be carried out laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) with tiny www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 31

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MedicAlert®’s service can help protect and save your life. For more information go to:

www.MedicAlert.co.nz, call 0800 840111 or Ask your Doctor

32 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Testing blood glucose levels – the three W’s By Dr Nick Crook

In the wake of the global obesity epidemic, diabetes is a growing problem in New Zealand and worldwide. Current estimates put the number of New Zealanders with diabetes (predominantly type 2) at around 200,000, with another 100,000 who do not know they have the disease. Results from well-designed studies show that good control of blood sugar levels is associated with better longterm outcomes and fewer complications from diabetes. In addition there seems to be a “legacy” effect from good blood glucose control now, that pays dividends years in the future (good glucose control early in the disease process results in lifelong benefits). Patients are exhorted to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range to minimise the long term risks of complications. The national target is to get everyone with diabetes to have an HbA1c (the long term measure of blood glucose control) at seven percent or below, which equates to near normal average blood glucose levels. Tight glycaemic control is generally difficult to achieve and if you have diabetes, you have my permission to be irritated by anyone who says it isn’t. In addition, recent studies have suggested that there is danger in pushing too hard in the realm of blood glucose control.

One tool to help people with diabetes walk the tightrope of good glucose control is selfmonitoring of blood glucose levels (SMBG). In New Zealand we actually spend more on the means to test blood glucose levels than we spend on the drugs that we use to control the blood glucose level itself. This begs the question “Are we testing too much?” or at the very least “Are we testing in the most appropriate manner?” This brings us to the three ‘W’s. Who, Why and When should someone with diabetes benefit from testing their own glucose levels to get the best possible outcome? In my opinion, the answer is like many in medicine – it needs to be individualised, but there are some potential rules of thumb. Probably the easiest “W” is the who. • anyone who is on insulin, whether they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes • some people on sulphonylureas (drugs which lower blood glucose by stimulating more insulin release) • some people who are unwell • some people who have dysglycaemia (either high or low blood glucose levels). Why, could be for many reasons, but all too frequently I’m told that it’s “because the doctor expects me to”. For me the only reason for doing a test is to find something out. This also applies to working out what is wrong with someone as part of

the diagnostic process – we do tests to either confirm what we think we know, or to direct us in another direction. In both cases there is a plan of action to do something in response to the result. People with diabetes need to become the world’s leading expert on how their diabetes behaves. There are certain broad rules that apply to everyone’s basic physiology, but how this reacts in each individual is not surprisingly – individual!

• Illness. Tends to provoke high blood glucose levels which need to be managed. • Hypoglycaemia. When you’re not sure if your blood glucose level is too low or not. You’ll realise that there a lot of situations in which you might consider checking your blood glucose level. The use of self monitoring of blood glucose levels is a vital tool to enable individuals with diabetes to cope with the sometimes capricious nature of their disease.

So why should be “to learn more about my diabetes”, “to see if I got the dose of insulin right”, “to change my diet and see what happens”, “to see what effect that run had on my blood glucose” – or more generally “so that I’ll know how to deal with my diabetes better next time I do those things”. Why, is ultimately about empowering yourself.

However, I think the utility of “routine” testing is of doubtful benefit for a lot of people. From a purely theoretical standpoint, doing something for the sake of it doesn’t serve any useful purpose. On the other hand, focussed or targeted testing which aims to assist with day to day life, answer a question, or improve glycaemic control makes considerably more sense.

When flows naturally from the other two questions – whenever you change something and want to know what the impact of your actions have been. Here are only a few of the things that you might wish to think about:

The next time you take out your blood glucose meter to check what your capillary blood glucose level is, ask yourself “Why am I doing this?”

• Exercise. Different types/sports, intensities, and duration all affect glycaemic control, during and after the completion of the exercise

If you can’t think of a good answer then you probably need some more advice, or education about what to do with the result. That’s where your primary care team and specialist diabetes teams come in.

• Food types. Experimenting with different food choices, or the impact of alcohol on blood glucose levels • Medication changes. Any change is followed by a period of readjustment.

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 33

Diabetes

Bee-aware, bee-healthy and bee-more informed about diabetes Your local Diabetes Christchurch society along with 39 societies around New Zealand, are working towards providing more diabetes information and support during Diabetes Awareness Week this year. Diabetes Awareness Week is from November 16-22. The theme for the year is ‘Stay Sweet As’.

Complications of Diabetes

The aim is for people to bee-aware of the possible implications of unhealthy lifestyles marked by not doing enough activity to burn off the calories of the fuel they were taking on board. Mainly aimed at people without diabetes, it is nevertheless relevant to those with it. By developing an overall diabetes awareness week theme of Stay Sweet As (playing on the Kiwi vernacular use of the word as in ‘sweet as …’). Their will be a 1.2 million letter box drop off which will aim to give everyone ideas on how to better look after themselves and stay well. Some of the complications through poor management of diabetes includes stroke, heart attacks, amputation, blindness kidney and dental problems. Over 270,000 New Zealanders have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It is an epidemic. And another 270,000 don’t realize they may have it (this is called (pre-diabetes). Diabetes is caused by having too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. This happens because the pancreas cannot make enough insulin. Glucose is an essential source of energy for the brain and is one of the sources of energy for the body. There are three main types of diabetes Type 1(10-15% of the population ~ approximately 15,000 New Zealanders) People who do not make any insulin (or very little) have Type 1 diabetes. Because the immune system destroys the pancreas they have stopped making insulin, and their body is unable to use glucose for energy. They tend to lose weight very quickly because their body is actually being starved. Their health rapidly deteriorates and they would die if insulin were not given. They therefore require insulin by injection plus healthy eating to stay alive and maintain good health.The condition used

Stroke 2- to 4 - fold increase in cardiovascular mortality and stroke

Diabetic Retinopathy Leading cause of blindness in adults

Cardiovascular Disease 8/10 individuals with diabetes die from CV events

Diabetic Nephropathy Leading cause of end-stage renal disease

to be called ‘Juvenile onset diabetes’ but it is now recognised that Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, from babies to the elderly. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition that is not related to lifestyle. It is different to Type 2 diabetes, which is more common and usually occurs later in life. Type 2 (85-90% of the population) People with Type 2 diabetes are still making insulin but the production is sluggish or their body is resistant to insulin. Becoming overweight is almost always the cause of the body becoming resistant to insulin and can trigger Type 2 diabetes, even in young people. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with weight loss and regular physical activity. Medication in the form of tablets is often required to reduce the resistance to insulin or to stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in that the pancreas continues to get more sluggish over time. People with Type 2 diabetes may eventually require insulin. Diabetes in Pregnancy diabetes Gestational diabetes is when a pregnant woman has high levels of glucose in her blood.

34 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Diabetic Neuropathy Leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations

High blood glucose is caused because the mother cannot produce enough insulin (a pregnant woman’s insulin needs are two to three times that of someone who is not pregnant). Getting checked All people in New Zealand with diabetes are entitled to a free diabetes check with their GP or GP practice nurse once a year. Your local society Diabetes Christchurch is here to help you understand and become more informed and educated on how to manage your diabetes better and we have a range of support and exercise groups that will welcome you. We are located on the Ground Floor at 550 Hagley Avenue, and are open from 9am4pm daily. We have a great range of diabetes information pamphlets and videos, a good range of diabetes medical products, including blood testing meters, syringes, testing strips, ketone sticks, dextro, jams and sauces, diabetes socks and Crocs Shoes, and a range of sugar free sweets and drinks and much, much more. Call in or give us a call on 378-6266 for more information.

If you would like to support people with diabetes in the Canterbury region you can purchase a friendly “Barnaby Bee” soft toy. This is the mascot for people with diabetes. Phone the society now. The cost is only $20 for the bee and postage. If you would like to join and Bee-More Informed about diabetes give us a call now.

Blood

A battle forged in blood Leukaemia Appeal Week, 1-7 November 2010, is the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation’s (LBF) national appeal week. The LBF is a national organisation dedicated to supporting New Zealand’s patients and their families living with blood cancers or conditions. The LBF is committed to improving the quality of life for these patients and their families by providing patient support services, research, information, awareness and advocacy. It is estimated that there are 10,000 New Zealanders living with a blood cancer or condition such as leukaemia or lymphoma. Blood cancer can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning. Oftentimes, immediate treatment is necessary and that treatment can go on for months or even years. The results of being diagnosed with

a blood cancer can have a huge impact on the patients, their families and their income. This November, we need your help to increase awareness about blood cancers like leukaemia in New Zealand. Please help support the estimated 10,000 people living with a blood cancer or a related condition. So many of us know someone who has been affected by leukaemia; we urge everyone to support the cause. Please support the patients living with blood cancers and conditions. For more information, go to: www.leukaemia.org.nz

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www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 35

Healthy Life | Hayfever

The familiar flowers that decorate your table or garden from spring, all have a similar structure with bright colours and showy petals. But not all flowering plants cause allergies; in fact the primary culprits of pollen allergies are the best examples of wind pollination. All of the trees and shrubs that cause spring allergy are wind-pollinated. Their flowers have been stripped down to the bare minimum and are often grouped together in long dangling structures (anthers) that expose the pollen grains to the wind. During pollination the wind blows pollen off the anthers and carries it for various distances eventually to land on some surface (soil, lakes, nose and weyes of humans). Wind pollinated species sending clouds of pollen into the air, and because of this, individuals are

more often allergic to these species. Individuals can have allergic reactions to insect pollinating species, however similar symptoms to allergy (sneezing or wheezing) can occur in response to the aroma of a flower or plant. Trees flower in the springtime when temperature is increasing. For each type of tree, the flowering period is defined by specific conditions, which usually occur at approximately the same time each year, lasting roughly two weeks and the peak pollinating period (time when there are the maximum concentration of pollen in the air), lasting only a few days. The tree season in New Zealand is relatively short compared with Europe, where the birch season is several months long. Grass allergy is a severe problem because its season goes from August/September through to March. This makes New Zealand’s pollen season a ninemonth nasal marathon! Many people allergic to grass are allergic to more than one species creating a long protracted suffering period. We know that pollen concentrations vary in both space and time.

Learn to identify the plants that you are allergic to (there are many books to help you), find out where they like to live and know at what time of year they are pollinating, then stay away. The highest concentrations of pollen are within 10 metres of the plant and concentrations drop quickly as you move farther away, so you can significantly reduce your exposure to pollen by removing yourself physically from the plant when it is pollinating. Keep your windows closed during this time and stay indoors, especially in the morning hours. Before and after the pollination period, the plant should pose no harm to you (unless you have a contact type of plant allergy), so you can take walks in the woods at these times. Pollination is one of nature's wonders - learning about it helps us to cope with the bad luck of being allergic.

Based on information supplied by Christine Rogers - Department of Botany University of Toronto

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Get your daily dose of Vitamin D from your local Health 2000 store Visit our natural health professionals today: s !VONHEAD s "ARRINGTON

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Herbal Dispensary

Natural healing By Kate Pierson

When the Herbal Dispensary opened its doors in 1991, its owner and founder medical herbalist, Paul Mitchell was embarking on a new road to recovery – one which embraced a more organic approach to physical, social, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. In May 2011, the Herbal Dispensary will celebrate 20 years of business longevity and serving the local community of Christchurch. Built on the foundations of professionalism, integrity and holistic health care, the Herbal Dispensary is all natural. Understanding natural medicine Despite the early cynicism surrounding its credibility, natural medicine has well and truly cemented itself in today’s health market. Recognised and valued as a holistic, effective and complementary health care alternative, Herbal Dispensary founder and director Paul Mitchell says “Natural medicine is now able to stand alone because of the growing instances that it has done what it has said it will do”. The evolution of an organic approach to health and living originally manifested itself in the natural foods industry and Mitchell says he identified a niche and a need for natural medicine within this market. “Health stores originally sold health food in those days and there was no outlet for herbal and naturopathic practises,” he explains. The Herbal Dispensary has since worked to foster a complementary health environment, whereby the company’s qualified staff will endeavour to work collaboratively with a patient’s general practitioner. “We don’t operate as an exclusive model and we always choose an eclectic range of products because we know everyone is different,” Mitchell explains. Offering over the counter advice and treatments for acute (short term) illnesses, which are provided by one of the qualified herbalists and naturopaths working for the business, the Herbal Dispensary’s practitioners are specifically trained to prescribe natural medicines and

Services offered:

• Cardiovascular conditions: high blood pressure, angina, palpitations

• Aromatherapy • Australian bush flower essences • Ayurvedic medicine and massage • Bach flowers • Biofield therapy/healing touch • Bowen therapy • Counselling • Ear candling • Gestalt therapy • Medical herbalism • Midwifery • Natural fertility management (NFM) for both conception and contraception • Naturopathy • Neuro Linguistic Therapy (NLP) • Nutrition • Reflexology • Reiki/bodywork • Relaxation massage • Sound healing • Sports massage • Weight management.

• Musculo-skeletal conditions: arthritis, osteoarthritis, poly-myalgia, injury and surgical recovery. 20 years of natural health

have undertaken extensive formal training at recognised training establishments for a period of three to four years. During the diagnostic process of an acute illness, a brief history of the illness will be taken and any medications the patient is taking are recorded, as are any pre-existing health conditions. Individualised treatment options are then prescribed, which can include liquid herbal formulations, dried herbs, herbal and/ or nutritional tablets including “state of the art” practitioner only products. The practitioner will also recommend any dietary and lifestyle changes that could benefit the patient. Private consultation within the Herbal Dispensary’s Health Clinc is also available for the treatment of more complex conditions. Patients will be referred to the Health Clinic if a practitioner believes the patient’s illness is complex, longstanding or will require the introduction of a number of prescription medicines. Natural medicine can benefit: • Common childhood complaints: colds, digestive upsets, constipation, ear infections, tonsilitis, poor immune function, eczema, asthma, poor appetite, failure to thrive, mood problems, ADHD, sleep problems • Emotional wellbeing: stress, anxiety, low mood, depression • Business people and students with demanding schedules: Nutritional and herbal support to enhance overall performance, memory and concentration during energy demanding tasks and activities

Crediting a combination of factors for the business’ longevity, Mitchell identifies the staff as being a defining element of the operation. “Our staff are exemplary and they really care for people. Because of this, we have a very loyal customer base and the referral business we receive is massively important to us. In this day and age having integrity is what keeps a business going and people won’t have reservations about recommending its services.” With 80 to 120 patients on average per day, Mitchell says the company’s days are enriched with diversity due to the broad nature of enquiries and needs of customers.

Herbal Dispensary 220 Kilmore Street | Christchurch T (03) 365 1906 | F (03) 377 2425 E help@theherbaldispensary.co.nz www.theherbaldispensary.co.nz

“Over the years the dispensary has become the first port of call for families whereas in the past, it used to be the last. This has been a significant and quantifiable shift – we have families who have been coming to us for almost 20 years,” he reveals. Throughout its operation, the Herbal Dispensary has diversified its product range to include practitioner only products including MediHerb and BioConcepts; body care and cosmetics from Dr Hauschka (Germany) and Weleda (New Zealand); organic products; aromatherapy and massage oils and homeopathic remedies. Books and magazines, over the counter supplements and natural body and hair care products are also available through the store. For the future, Mitchell says the focus will be on expanding the business’ existing facilities. “We’re really looking at expanding the clinic with new treatment and diagnostic options – it’s a little bit of watch this space.”

• Skin conditions: eczema, acne, psoriasis

‘Support for times of stress’.

• Digestive complaints: irritable bowel, liver problems, constipation, bloating, excessive wind, reflux, heartburn, stomach and duodenal ulcers • Pregnant and breastfeeding women: health problems associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding • Respiratory system complaints: asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, sinusitis, hayfever • Women’s health: challenges related to female reproductive system • Male health: impotence and prostate problems

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your health care professional.

Are you Tired all the time? Do you wish you had more up ’n’ go, more ‘pep’, and more energy? Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina improves energy levels and stamina, gives a long lasting natural energy boost and delivers a vast amount of natural organic nutrients.

Thompson’s Ultra B Thompson’s Ultra B is a high potency B complex with a selection of key nutrients and herbs designed specially to assist the body in dealing with stress. Always read the label and take as directed. Dietary supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Integria Healthcare ( New Zealand) Ltd

Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina t 1SPWJEFT B MPOH MBTUJOH OBUVSBM FOFSHZ CPPTU t *NQSPWFT FOFSHZ MFWFMT BOE TUBNJOB t " SJDI TPVSDF PG JSPO BOE QSPUFJO t " WBTU BNPVOU PG OBUVSBM OVUSJFOUT Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina More energy, all day, every day Available at the Herbal Dispensary

5BQT 11

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 37

COPD

COPD:

the silent killer By Michael Aitken from the Asthma Foundation.

Malcolm Aitken is the communications manager at the Asthma Foundation. Malcolm has a background in journalism and public sector communications.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are at the top of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s list of priorities as the foundation emphasise the significant economic cost, let alone the social costs, associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). COPD is a silent killer because so many New Zealanders are unaware of how prevalent it is or what it does to people’s lives. Lung function typically declines with age and ongoing smoking. We have an aging population and a significant portion of whom used to smoke or still do.

that eventually they have difficulty absorbing enough oxygen to oxidise the blood.

respiratory health. Giving up at 55 rather than 60 can mean a much better outcome.

Being short of breath does not mean you are short of oxygen. Low oxygen levels over months or years can put a strain on the heart. The vast majority of people who get emphysema smoke tobacco or used to and the symptoms range from feeling short of breath to breathing difficulties that require having oxygen administered 24 hours a day.

A small proportion of people who develop COPD have never smokes. They may have been exposed to industrial dusts in their work or they may have an inherited genetic deficiency called Alpha-1 Antitryspin, the only hereditary risk factor known to cause COPD.

Some COPD symptoms are:

The reality is shocking with an estimated one in seven New Zealanders aged 45 and over has COPD, with 85 per cent attributable to smoking.

coughing increased phlegm breathlessness

We have Maori and Pasifika people’s respiratory health outcomes differing sharply from other New Zealanders and we have a tobacco industry ever willing to apply sophisticated marketing tools to their own ends - and some crude ploys to boot.

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation recommends that everyone aged 35 or over who smokes or used to, undergoes spirometry to measure the speed at which their lungs can be filled and emptied of air, indicating how well their lungs are performing.

Oxygen therapy for the heart

Preventing COPDs

When we breathe, air travels through our airways to our lungs. Having a COPD, means that your airways are obstructed and your lung tissue is damaged. With emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs are gradually destroyed, so

A number of factors contribute to the ill respiratory health but the biggest one is smoking. The Foundation recommends strongly against smoking, but very importantly, it does matter when you give up in terms of your

38 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Treating COPD If a person is diagnosed with a COPD it is vital that they are given a self management plan and seek out their nearest support group on www.asthmafoundation.org.nz Preventers Preventers are a steroid medication working on the swelling, mucus and the tight muscle in the breathing tubes. Preventers come in inhalers and tablets. Only a few people with COPD are helped by preventers. Relievers Relievers help to keep the breathing tubes open. Normally taken through an inhaler (puffer), they also come as tablets or nebuliser solution. For information www.asthmafoundation.org.nz

Asthma

Pure protection

Home is where the heart is. They are our safe places, where we relax, entertain our friends and raise our children.

Recently, PureProtect has expanded its service programmes into providing allergen control services where it focuses on improving indoor air quality in homes (and businesses).

We certainly spend a lot of love, time and energy on our homes - from baby-proofing them against inquisitive toddler hands, to setting up burglar alarms and putting in vegetable gardens. Painting the tired front fence and redoing the kitchen. But a lot of underlying issues mean our homes are not as healthy as we would like them to be, especially for those with asthma or allergies. That’s where PureProtect steps in. PureProtect is a national network of franchise owners who provide a range of very specific hygiene and environmental services. These include mould investigation and remediation using a range of unique products and specific services it has developed over many years.

“We can assess the situation and get started on fixing it right away.” In the fight against mould, PureProtect utilises only natural products for indoors and outdoors.

One example is the new range of air purifiers and ionisers. The air purifiers will remove mould spores, allergens and even dust from indoor air, creating cleaner air to breathe. They are also introducing a unique range of bedding to eliminate the risk of dust mites and bed bugs – perfect for those who struggle with the tiny itchy insects, or those who suffer from allergies. Make sure your home really is your castle – free of dust mites, mould and damp air - and give PureProtect a call today. Pure Protect at a glance

Anyone who has lived in a damp, mouldy house knows the havoc those conditions can wreck on your body. Red, weeping eyes, a nasty cough and a constantly running nose makes life miserable – and when it’s your home causing this damage, there’s not much medicine can do to fix it. “I highly recommended anyone with a mouldy home, or who suspects they have a mouldy home, to give us a call immediately,” PureProtect managing director Rob Seymour urges.

PureProtect is also introducing a new range of products to make homes healthier and more hygienic.

• Is a national network of franchise owners, providing specific hygiene and environmental services • Finds and gets rid of mould, using natural products • Improves indoor air quality with a range of products • Offers solutions for bed bugs • Sells anti-dust mite bedding.

PureProtect Ltd Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre 135 Broadway Newmarket, Auckland T 0800 999 349 E nogerms@pureprotect.co.nz

It’s time to filter out the dust mites, allergens! From your Home or Your Office t 4QSJOH $MFBOT t .PWF 0VU $MFBOT t 3FHVMBS $MFBOT t $BSQFUT 'VSOJUVSF t 8JOEPXT t 0WFOT t -BXOT (BSEFOT All in a day’s work for Busy Bees Canterbury team Great service – Experienced & Trusted Operators Amazing Results Call us Now 0800 287 923

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 39

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40 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

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Sustainability | Cornerstone

An insulation and structural cornerstone We’re perched uncomfortably above a tectonic plate minefield. But that knowledge didn’t lessen the shock of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that tore through Canterbury, leaving a mass of destruction in its wake. An estimated 100,000 homes were damaged in the quake and subsequent aftershocks - nearly half of Canterbury’s dwellings. But Cornerstone Building system inventor and developer Mary Ginn says homes built using the Cornerstone Building system performed exceptionally well.

“Our Cornerstone Licencee in Timaru, Peter Mc Kirdy, who does not live in a Cornerstone home, has cracks in his floor and plastered walls, but when checking on all the Timaru homeowners found no damage and happy clients to the many homes he has built in the area,” Ginn says.

“As we’ve been checking off the homes which have been built using the ‘Cornerstone Building system’, even the homeowners who were more challenged with regard to engineering requirements, have proved the laboratory test results carried out at BRANZ.

“Another licencee, Richard Murray experienced the quake in his Cornerstone barn and was amazed at the flexibility of the structure, as he was awoken in the upper floor area which was swaying.”

“All those contacted were glad they made the choice to go with the Cornerstone Structural Insulated Panel system (SIP). One client in the Lakes subdivision in Kaiapoi had ground displacement, and was obviously hit quite hard, but he was very happy the Cornerstone Building system, clad in corrugated iron, had no movement. Brick over Cornerstone has remained intact in Prebbleton, Kaianga and St Albans - areas which were hit quite hard.

So why does the system perform so well? “The system is a polystyrene formwork housing reinforced concrete columns and a continuous bond beam. When the wet concrete is poured into the cavities of the 200mm thick minimum polystyrene wall, it adheres to the polystyrene packaging which work together as a flexible wall, but not as flexible as timber frame. “Just as we have polystyrene for helmets to protect from head damage, the polystyrene

protects the concrete structure, allowing it to have some flexibility in high winds and earthquake. Of course the thickness of the polystyrene also serves up an R value of 5.75 for the 250mm thick wall.” Multiple Benefits But standing up to earthquake damage is not the only benefit of building with the Cornerstone system. Recent reports found more than one million homes are not adequately insulated and the cost of un-insulated houses is high. Yet, building an energy efficient building often costs no more than building an inefficient one. Good passive design with high insulation, orientated to the sun is the key. Healthy choices are important in the design stage, choosing products that don’t rot or break down or allow water to penetrate such as UPVC windows, where the corners are welded. Options such as claddings, which are the raincoat of the structure, need to be considered thoroughly; that they will perform, the maintenance required and the implications. The Cornerstone Building system is an example where the cost is sometimes even cheaper than standard options, with the added benefits of less energy requirements in set up and ongoing use and stronger in earthquakes and high wind conditions. The Cornerstone Building System is an SIP building system also known as Insulated Concrete Form (ICF). It’s a construction type quickly forging a name as a preferred building system for both now, and the future due to its insulating properties and structural strength. Most new buildings are insulated only to the minimum levels required by the Building Code and one of the key areas lacking are the walls themselves.

SPECIFY PALLISIDE WEATHERBOARDS

Many recognise windows as requiring double glazing, but the remaining and largest part of the wall area (70 percent) end up ignored. In winter a lot of our damp and draughty homes cannot be kept above the World Health Standard recommended minimum temperature of 16 degrees celcius. The Cornerstone Building system not only ticks all the boxes for its structural strength, but has the highest insulation rating with an R value of 4.3 (m2degC/W) for the 200mm wall and 5.75 for the 250mm wall - more than double the insulating value required to meet Building Code requirements. Space heating equates to about 26-30 percent of the average electricity bill, making a huge impact on the individual carbon footprint. Crafted from 90 percent polystyrene and 10 percent reinforced concrete, there is nothing to rot or break down. Polystyrene itself is made from 98 percent air and just two percent matter from of the waste or by-product of oil. But even if oil was to run out, polystyrene can be made from orange peel or the polymar from wood waste, options being seriously considered . It may have once been hard to convince people that polystyrene was the best system to build their biggest investment. Today there are homes, schools, motels and many more buildings saving time, money and energy with the Cornerstone Building system.

Cornerstone Building System Ltd Head office PO Box 21 080, Edgeware Christchurch T (03) 381 6612 0800 4 CORNERSTONE E cornerstonebuildingsystem@gmail.com www.4-cornerstone.com

Heatech

Boiler

MADE IN NZ FOR NZ CONDITIONS

INDUSTRIES LIMITED NEVER NEEDS PAINTING MADE IN NZ COST EFFECTIVE 25 YEAR GUARANTEE INDEPENDENTLY TESTED SUSTAINABLE

MADE IN NZ BY DYNEX EXTRUSIONS LTD PHONE 0800 439 639 FAX 0800 737 375 pallisideinfo@dynex.co.nz www.palliside.co.nz

A great domestic favourite, stylish designing to compliment your living area. M400 is a super-performer, requiring just one hour of ‘burn’ in summer month for instance to produce enough hot water for the average family for two days. Powerful enough to run a series of heating options - including radiators and underfloor heating, this will slash your power bills for ever. It is also available as an auto-diesel model.

Rotorua 100 View Road Phone: (07) 348-5146 Fax: (07) 346-2029 Email: smi@quicksilver.net.nz www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 41

What you put in your pet’s bowl can affect their life now – and in the future

Mention th advert this is & receive 3 month 0% off first purcha your se

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Call us for a S fre and inform e sample atio Canidae & F n on elidae

Once again voted one of the best pet foods in the world – The Whole Dogfood Journal.

What you feed your pet directly affects how long they live and the quality of their life 11 Reasons why you should feed your pet Canidae all natural pet food 1.

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“It has been almost a year since I switched and Chynna is doing great” After the recall scare, I decided to switch dog food for then 11 year old terrier mix dog, Chynna. The food she was on was not one of the recall but she has been having bladder infections her entire life, and was overweight despite giving her a food for overweight dogs. After reading about all the stuff that was in other dog foods and all the great reviews for Canidae, I decided to let her try it. It has been almost a year since I switched and Chynna is doing great. She has lost close to five pounds, has a lot of

energy and no bladder infections. I adopted another dog six months ago and immediately threw away the food the pound gave and started her on the Canidae All Life Stages dry food formula. Canidae is more expensive than other food, but the money that I saved in medicine for bladder infections and vet visits more than make up for it. One thing to be thankful for with the food recall, it made me more aware about the nutrition of my dogs. Linda, Houston

“Thank you for making a great pet food” I just wanted to say that I recently switched my two dogs to Canidae All Life Stages and it is wonderful. They are both doing great on it and their coats have never looked better. If I can budget it in I plan to switch our two cats to Felidae

when the bag of food we currently have runs out. I’m sure they will do equally as well on it. Thank you for making a great pet food and saving me, I’m sure, hundreds in future vet bills.

How to order All orders are couriered to your door FREE. If you place your order by 2.00pm most orders are received within 48 hours, unless it’s a rural delivery.

Simply go to our website www.canidae.co.nz or call us toll free on 0800 101 729 and ask for a FREE sample and information pack, or place your order today.

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Mention this advert this month & receive 30% off your first purchase. PLUS Call us for a free sample and information on Canidae & Felidae

For more detailed information call on 0800 101 729 Level 3, 818 Colombo St, PO Box 1879, Christchurch. Fax: 03 961 5112 - Email: info@canidae.co.nz - Web: www.canidae.co.nz 42 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

9OUR DOG WILL PROBABLY DIE FROM CANCER 4HAT´S RIGHT OVER OF DOGS GET CANCER 4HE QUESTION YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF IS WHY )S IT DUE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT )S IT DUE TO EXCESSIVE CELL PHONE USE /R COULD IT POSSIBLY BE DUE TO THEIR DIET 7HAT YOU FEED YOUR CAT OR DOG DIRECTLY AFFECTS HOW LONG THEY LIVE AND THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIFE .OT ALL FOODS ARE CREATED EQUAL 4HERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO ESTABLISH WHAT YOU´RE REALLY FEEDING YOUR PET READ THE INGREDIENTS

)F YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ANYTHING WE´VE MENTIONED OR WOULD LIKE TO GET SENT SOME INFO AND TESTIMONIALS PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE TO SEE THE DOZENS OF RAVING TESTIMONIALS AVAILABLE )N FACT A LARGE NUMBER OF CLIENTS ARE BREEDERS WHICH IS TESTAMENT IN ITSELF AS THESE PEOPLE TAKE FEEDING THEIR PETS THEIR BUSINESS VERY SERIOUSLY 4HESE PEOPLE NORMALLY SPEND A LOT OF TIME RESEARCHING ALL OPTIONS AVAILABLE AND WE´RE PLEASED TO SAY THEY´RE MASSIVE FANS OF OUR PRODUCT

)N TODAY´S COMPETITIVE PET FOOD INDUSTRY IT´S HARD TO BELIEVE WHAT MAY GO INTO YOUR PET FOOD -ANY COMPANIES OWNED BY MULTI NATIONAL CORPORATIONS HAVE EXTENSIVE MARKETING BUDGETS THAT PORTRAY A HEALTHY PET JUMPING AROUND ALL THANKS TO THEIR FANTASTIC PET FOOD (OWEVER THEY SELDOM TALK ABOUT INGREDIENTS !ND TO BE FRANK THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY TASTE "ECAUSE LET´S FACE IT IF YOUR PET DOESN´T LIKE THE TASTE THEY SIMPLY WON´T EAT IT 5NLESS IT´S A ,ABRADOR (ERE´S THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT 4HE INGREDIENTS )´M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU HOW HAPPY YOUR PET WILL BE OR HOW HIGH THEY WILL JUMP BY USING OUR PET FOOD )´M SIMPLY GOING TO GIVE YOU A QUICK LESSON ABOUT INGREDIENTS AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND WHAT TO AVOID 4HE WAY INGREDIENTS ARE LISTED ON PACKAGING IS THE ORDER THAT THEY ARE ACCORDING TO THE PERCENTAGE OF FOOD SO THE ½RST INGREDIENT LISTED IS THE PRIMARY INGREDIENT AND SO ON DOWN THE LIST 3OME LIST ±BY PRODUCTS² AS THE ½RST INGREDIENT USUALLY CHICKEN OR BEEF .OW THIS DOESN´T HAVE TO BE A BAD THING /NE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS WITH BY PRODUCTS IS WHAT CAN GO INTO THE MIX 3O FOR COWS THIS CAN MEAN BONES HOOVES HIDES HAIR INTESTINES OR WITH POULTRY BY PRODUCTS IT CAN MEAN FEET BEAKS FEATHERS BONES INTESTINES AS WELL AS THE SMALL TRIMMINGS THAT ARE LEFT BEHIND AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN BONED OUT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

interesting fact!

"Y LAW BY PRODUCTS DON´T HAVE TO INCLUDE ANY MEAT AT ALL IN ORDER TO BE CALLED CHICKEN OR BEEF BY PRODUCTS

%ACH YEAR 4HE 7HOLE $OG *OURNAL ARGUABLY THE BEST DOG JOURNAL IN THE WORLD RATES DOG FOODS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AND CREATES AN ±APPROVED LIST² WHICH INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY FOODS &OR MORE THAN YEARS #ANIDAE HAS FEATURED 4HE FOLLOWING

#ANIDAE AND &ELIDAE CONTAIN SKIN AND COAT CONDITIONERS WITH BALANCED /MEGA AND /MEGA FATTY !CIDS CHICKEN FAT ½SH MEAL ¾AX SEED SUN¾OWER OIL LECITHIN LINOLEIC ACID ROSEMARY SAGE VITAMIN % AND BIOTIN

7HY HAVEN´T YOU HEARD OF US 3IMPLY BECAUSE WE´RE RELATIVELY NEW INTO .EW :EALAND

4HIS RESULTS IN TWO THINGS &IRST YOU WILL HAVE TO FEED MORE OF THE PRODUCT TO YOUR PET TO SATISFY ITS NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 3ECOND THERE WILL BE MORE ±UNHARVESTED REMAINS² LEFT TO BE PICKED UP OFF YOUR LAWNS /NE OF THE HUGE BENE½TS OF FEEDING YOUR PET A FOOD THAT USES HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS IS THAT THERE IS LESS STOOL VOLUME BECAUSE THE ANIMAL IS ABLE TO DIGEST MORE OF IT !NOTHER NOTABLE BENE½T

4HE #ON½DENTIAL $OG &OOD 2EPORT ANALYSED OVER PET FOODS AND CAME UP WITH THE BEST NINE #ANIDAE WAS ONE OF THEM 4HE FOLLOWING DOG FOODS AVAILABLE IN .EW :EALAND WEREN´T ON THE LIST "ENEFUL %UKANUBA )AMS 0EDIGREE 0URINA /NE 0URINA 0RO 0LAN 0URINA $OG #HOW AND 3CIENCE $IET

#ANIDAE LISTS CHICKEN AND TURKEY MEAL AS THEIR ½RST INGREDIENTS #HICKEN TURKEY AND LAMB MEALS ARE DRY AND ARE LESS THAN MOISTURE AND CONTAIN MEAT PROTEINS

0LEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE OR GIVE US A CALL FOR THE FULL $ECLARATION OF )NGREDIENTS 7ITHOUT A DECLARATION OF INGREDIENTS HOW DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT´S GOING INTO YOUR PET´S FOOD

0RODUCTS WITH BY PRODUCTS WILL OF COURSE LOOK LIKE ANY OTHER PET FOOD BISCUIT 4HE ORGANIC CHEMICALS THAT MAKE UP THE MUSH THAT REMAINS WILL STILL REGISTER AS AMINO ACIDS AND PROTEINS ETC YET THE FACT IS THAT A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF IT WILL BE COMPLETELY INDIGESTIBLE TO YOUR PET´S DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 4HIS MEANS YOUR PET WILL BE UNABLE TO HARVEST GOODNESS FOR ITS BODY OUT OF MUCH OF ITS FOOD

(ERE ARE RESULTS FROM THREE INDEPENDENT STUDIES

IS THAT YOUR ANIMAL´S STOOLS WILL SMELL A LOT BETTER WHEN THEY ARE FED A HIGH QUALITY NATURAL HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE FOOD THAT DOESN´T HAVE RANCID MEATS AND FATS IN IT

7E HAVE HUNDREDS OF SATIS½ED CLIENTS AND THIS YEAR WE´VE DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF CLIENTS FROM LAST YEAR AND THIS IS LITERALLY GROWING DAILY (OWEVER #ANIDAE FOR DOGS AND &ELIDAE FOR CATS HAVE BEEN SELLING IN !MERICA FOR MANY YEARS AND ARE CONSISTENTLY RANKED IN THE TOP FEW BY LEADING PET JOURNALS AND PUBLICATIONS INCLUDING 4HE 7HOLE $OG *OURNAL 7E ALSO DON´T HAVE THE MARKETING BUDGET OF THE HUGE CORPORATIONS )N FACT WE HAVE RELIED HEAVILY ON WORD OF MOUTH WHICH WORKS WELL BUT WE ARE NOW STARTING TO DO PRINT AND RADIO

DOG FOODS AVAILABLE IN .EW :EALAND AREN´T ON THE LIST "ENEFUL %UKANUBA )AMS 0EDIGREE 0URINA /NE 0URINA 0RO 0LAN 0URINA $OG #HOW AND 3CIENCE $IET 0ETSUMER 2EPORT ALSO DOES AN INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RANKS PET FOOD OUT OF ½VE WITH ½VE BEING THE ABSOLUTE BEST (ERE´S SOME OF THE RESULTS "ENEFUL #!.)$!% %UKANUBA )AMS 0EDIGREE 0URINA /NE 0URINA 0RO 0LAN 0URINA $OG #HOW 3CIENCE $IET

(ERE IS A QUOTE THAT ) RECENTLY READ IN 4HE 7HOLE $OG *OURNAL ARGUABLY THE BEST INDEPENDENT DOG JOURNAL IN THE WORLD ±)´D LIKE TO QUICKLY DISMISS THE IDEA THAT ANY OF THE GIANTS ¯ )AMS AND %UKANUBA 0URINA 3CIENCE $IET COULD POSSIBLY MAKE DRY DOG FOODS THAT ARE AS GOOD AS THE FOODS THAT HAVE A REGULAR PRESENCE ON 7$*´S ±APPROVED FOODS² LIST SUCH AS #ANIDAE 4HE FACT IS THOUGH OF COURSE THEY COULD THEY HAVE ALL THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO DO SO 4HEY COULD BURY MOST OF THE COMPETITION IN THE ±NATURAL AND HOLISTIC² NICHE IF THEY FOLLOWED THROUGH AND USED ONLY THE SAME HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS TYPICALLY USED BY THE SMALLER BOUTIQUE BRANDS "UT THEY GENERALLY STOP SHORT ¯ PERHAPS BECAUSE THEY ARE UNACCUSTOMED TO PAYING A LOT FOR THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR MARKETING THE PRODUCTS AT A CORRESPONDINGLY HIGH SALES PRICE ² .ANCY +ERNS 3AVE YOU TIME AND MONEY !S MENTIONED THIS IS A PREMIUM PRODUCT AND IF WE SOLD IN PET STORES OR VETS IT WOULD COMMAND A HUGE PRICE TAG (OWEVER AS WE DON´T HAVE A ±MIDDLE MAN² WE CAN SELL IT AT A PRICE COMPARABLE TO OTHER ±PREMIUM² PRODUCTS )N ADDITION TO THIS YOUR PET WILL ACTUALLY REQUIRE LESS AS HE SHE WILL ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO DIGEST AND UTILISE MORE OF THE FOOD WHICH ALSO CREATES LESS STOOLS )N ADDITION TO THIS WE WILL TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF DRIVING TO YOUR PET STORE LUGGING THE FOOD INTO AND OUT OF YOUR BOOT AS WE WILL DELIVER TO YOUR DOOR FREE OF CHARGE 9OUR SATISFACTION IS ASSURED EVERY TIME YOU DEAL WITH US THROUGH OUR -AKE 9OU (APPY 'UARANTEE )F WE EVER LET YOU DOWN WE´LL ASK ±WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE YOU HAPPY ² 3O FAR WE´VE NEVER REFUSED A CUSTOMER´S REQUEST !ND OF COURSE THERE´S A FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ON THE PRODUCT IF YOUR PET DOESN´T LIKE IT

er anywhere P.s We deliv in NZ free 'ARY #OLLINS /WNER

#ALL FOR A &2%% SAMPLE AND MORE INFORMATION OR CALL NOW TO PLACE AN ORDER )F YOU PLACE AN ORDER THIS MONTH 7%´,, 4!+% /&& 9/52 &)234 /2$%2 WHEN YOU MENTION THIS ADVERT 9OU´RE PROBABLY WONDERING WHAT´S THE CATCH 7ELL WE KNOW THAT ALMOST EVERYONE WHO BUYS FROM US ONCE BUYS AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN

0H WWW CANIDAE CO NZ

www.awarenesstoday.co.nz    Spring 2010 | 43

Sustainability | Environment Canterbury

Dry wood is the secret to more heat and less smoke By Charlene Smart

Kim Drummond oversees the work at Environment Canterbury on air quality, with specific responsibility for enforcement of the clean air rules.

Winter air pollution and air quality have been top environmental concerns for people in Canterbury over the past decade. In recent years, people have become more aware that winter air quality in our towns and cities is an important issue.

“More than 18,200 people have received assistance from the Clean Heat programme in Canterbury to date.”

Kim Drummond says that Environment Canterbury has worked with local communities to produce its Air Plan which is aimed at improving air quality in towns and cities so that the health-based National Environmental Standard for air quality can be met.

Financial incentives through the Clean Heat programme are available to homeowners in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Ashburton and Timaru. More information can be found at www. cleanheat.co.nz or by calling 0800 EC WARM.

“Winter pollution affects people’s health because tiny particles produced by burning wood or coal can become trapped in the lungs, causing health problems, some of them serious.

Mr Drummond says that no one wants or likes a smoky burner. Getting the best results from a burner has a lot to do with the wood used, so people should follow three simple steps to get more heat and less smoke out of their burner.

“Clean air rules already apply in Christchurch and Kaiapoi and will apply in Ashburton from May 2011. Rangiora’s don’t apply yet and Environment Canterbury is working together with the Timaru District Council to find the best way to address the issue of winter air quality there.”

Step 1 – order dry wood well ahead of winter.

Mr Drummond says that Environment Canterbury enforcement officers have investigated more than 750 complaints about smoky chimneys this winter.

“Macrocarpa or Oregon seem to suit most burners. People should also service burners regularly – cleaning burners and getting chimneys swept once a year will reduce the smoke and the likelihood of a chimney fire,” he says.

“Most complaints have come from within Christchurch so far this year because the use of open fires and burners more than 15 years old is banned from April 1 to September 30. Through their investigations, our officers have found that many people’s chimneys smoke because they are burning wet wood.” Another common theme with smoky chimney complaints is burning painted or treated wood, often from building site clearances or renovations. In a smaller number of cases, people are burning household rubbish.

Step 2 – order enough for the whole winter mid winter deliveries may not be ready to use. Step 3 – ensure wood is stored under cover so it will stay dry.

If you want to report a smoky chimney or an outdoor fire in a residential area, please call the 24 hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 76 55 88. More information on the air plan can be found at www.ecan.govt.nz/air Charlene Smart is a communications assistant at Environment Canterbury

“Apart from the smell of the smoke from these fires being offensive, it is particularly bad for you, your family and community health as it can contain toxins like arsenic and can damage your burner too.” With winter domestic home heating contributing more than 75 percent of winter air pollution, Mr Drummond is encouraged by the way the people are prepared to work with Environment Canterbury to change how they heat their homes for the sake of cleaner air. “Air quality has improved significantly in Christchurch which has had the benefit of Clean Heat’s financial incentives since 2003 and clean air rules that took effect for the first time this winter. 44 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

Environment Canterbury is the regional council working with the people of Canterbury to manage the region’s air, water and land. We are committed to the sustainable management of our environment while promoting the region’s economic, social and cultural well-being.

Sustainability | Eco Panels

Solar sources We’ve been grappling with renewable energy sources for years and the unlimited power source of the sun has put solar energy at the forefront of the sustainability craze.

When the PVL panels are used in conjunction with the Solar Rib, the system is capable of being used for grid connection or off grid applications, compliance with AS 4777, AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 5033 standards, includes a 25 year roof and power output warranty for new installations and water run-off from the roof is safe to be collected as potable (drinking) water.

Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun have been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Only a miniscule fraction of the available solar energy is used and those uses are limited only by human ingenuity.

The system provides electricity capable of being sold back to the national grid. If this is on your house, office or batch, it will produce electricity from dawn till dusk all year round, trickling back into the grid, collecting credits from your power supplier, or off grid, back into the battery bank for use during night time.

Calder Stewart Roofing Ltd’s latest addition to the cause is an innovative power generating roofing profile. Dubbed the Solar Rib, it uses the latest PVL (photo voltaic laminate) panel technology, supplied by Alphatron Pacific, to provide electricity for residential, commercial and industrial applications. The roofing profile is just that - a roofing profile. The difference is that the Solar Rib is capable of having the latest PVL panels installed into it. Other similar products using these systems require full substrate support. But the Solar Rib profile allows cost effective, simple solar cell installation with no external frameworks, structures or roof warranty worries. Manufactured from either steel based or H36 grade (marine grade for coastal applications) aluminium, the Solar Rib has three 52mm high ribs with two wide pans and gives an impressive metre wide cover, which is capable of working down to a three degree roof pitch. Solar panels can be added straight away during the installation of the roof, or in the future. The Solar Rib has been independently tested to AS4040 and can be drape curved to produce architectural roof shapes. With a spanning capability of up to two metres for roofing, the profile is capable of being used on any conventional long run roof or cladding project. Fixing the roofing sheets is the same as attaching standard long run roofing, using load spreading washers at every crest on standard roof purlins. With no stainless steel tanks, angled strutures or glass panels, the Solar Rib requires no maintenance other than standard periodic cleaning of the roof, as with any normal prepainted metal roof product. Specially designed ridging allows for all wiring to be completely hidden from view and the panels can be added at a later date if you choose to do so - creating a seamless and wireless roof design.

Even on cold, foggy or cloudy days, the panels will be making energy; perfect for New Zealand weather conditions. The system is also capable of being used with any compatible source of power generation ie. wind turbines, hydro schemes or petrol/diesel generators. The benefits of roofing with the Solar Rib • Custom manufactured to clients’ needs • Requires no additional maintenance than standard roofing • Provides building integrated solar generation without the need for the need for additional support structure. • Can provide ‘green energy’ capable of being sold back to the grid • Works down to a three degree pitch • Can be drape curved to produce architectural roof shapes • Can be supplied without solar panels to be ‘solar ready’ if required in the future.

Tansley Electrical is well versed in all aspects of solar power and can advise on what’s best for your particular circumstances. There are a number of solar energy systems on the market but Tansley Electrical only works with the best, including Solar-Rib®, the first self-contained power generating steel roof in New Zealand.

Calder Stewart Roofing 127 Wrights Road Christchurch T (03) 338 0013 E info@calstewart.co.nz www.roofer.co.nz

Dunedin (Head Office) PO Box 992 Dunedin ph - 03 455 1105 fax - 03 455 6119 email - dn@tansley

Invercargill PO Box 1115 Invercargill ph - 03 214 7738 fax - 03 214 7741 email - inv@tansley.co.nz

Queenstown PO Box 912 Queenstown ph - 03 442 9641 fax - 03 442 9781 email - qt@tansley.co.nz

www.tansleyelectrical.co.nz

Milk your roof areas for more profits Alphatron Pacific provide solar roofing systems that enable you to provide shelter from the weather and generate electricity at the same time. The flexible thin-film photo voltaic solar panels from Alphatron stick directly to the roof itself to save on installation costs and materials. They are the most environmentally friendly panel on the market and the best performing panel on the market. The panels work well under the cloudy conditions experienced in New Zealand. They do not require roof penetrations or mounting hardware and are theft and vandal proof. You can either consume the energy on site or feed it back into the grid to build up credits on your power bill. Contact Alphatron by the end of the month and ask us about our special price offer.

127 Wrights Road Christchurch P. (03) 338 0013 F. (03) 338 0791 p. 09 9414 5520 | f. 09 9414 5580 sales@alphatron.co.nz | alphatrononline.com

info@calstewart.co.nz www.roofer.co.nz www.awarenesstoday.co.nz   Spring 2010 | 45

Sustainability | Springclean

The Sustainability File By Rhys Taylor

Rhys Taylor is a freelance writer and educator, organic gardener and the National Coordinator of SLET.

One advantage of having your clutter scattered across the floor by an earthquake is the realisation that so much of it is stuff you could probably survive happily and healthily without.

Spring cleaning feels more purposeful this year, so the surviving Charity Shops around the city may become better stocked? Sustainable Christchurch's Recyclingplus.org.nz website is useful too: it helps locate new homes for stuff that is unwanted yet deserves a new home, rather than a dark damp eternity in the Kate Valley landfill.

traditional ingredients such as white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and eucalyptus oil that Gran knew about, but modern supermarkets might prefer we forget, in favour of the TV advertised miracle-workers ("one shake and your purse is empty"). Those high-tech microfibre cleaning cloths that only require water are impressive, too.

There is less damage done outside, so, unless you had sand volcanoes or fallen bricks or trees, the garden may feel a safer place for rest and recreation. It's planting season.

Sustainable Living classes may prove popular in Term Four, as 'simpler living' and less expensive lifestyles grow in relevance. The Christchurchbased Sustainable Living Education Trust has courses starting on Monday evenings at Sumner School from 11 October and Tuesdays at New Brighton Community Gardens from 2 November. There may be sessions held in an Addington café this spring, too. Booking details on the Canterbury page at sustainableliving.org.nz or text your request to 021 462 260.

For those considering digging up the front lawn to grow a bigger emergency stock of fresh veges, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer quarterly gardeners' sessions at their attractive potager garden next to the Curators House Restaurant in Rolleston Avenue. The next one is on Saturday afternoon 16th October - book at the Gardens Info Centre. I'm trying out some home made chemical cleaner recipes this year, based on the

Not taking the car when you shop, using a phone to price compare larger items and clutching a shopping list to beat impulse buying might save you the cost of an evening class series (about $45) in just one better-disciplined trip to the mall. Buying NZ made and locally grown can help save Kiwi jobs in this recession it's where you choose to apply your hard earned dollar that matters, so shop with Awareness!

These evening classes look at consumer habits and choices, non-toxic cleaning materials and how to reduce waste when you go shopping.

www.sustainableliving.org.nz

Sustainable Living

A large selection of natural soy candles hand poured in Aotearoa are available now. Earth friendly, long burning, toxin free, lead free, smoke free, cool burning

P. 03 366 2393 | F. 03 366 2392

Don’t bin them... Recycle your old light bulbs! In Canterbury take used bulbs to your hardware store Home sized box available

Christchurch and Dunedin 0800 10 21 31 info@interwaste.co.nz

46 | Spring 2010   www.awarenesstoday.co.nz

www.interwaste.co.nz

Cut power bills | warmer, drier homes | grow backyard veges | make good compost reduce waste | shop smarter | avoid toxics | save fuel | help nature Freepost Sustainable, PO Box 13121 Armagh Street, Christchurch 8141 Register my interest in learning, trying out and discussing practical new eco-lifestyle skills, at: (tick) [ ] an evening course, or [ ] a daytime or weekend course, or [ ] a workplace course Next Christchurch courses start Oct and Nov 2010, and February 2011. Low fees. They’re fun. Most convenient suburb or locality: [ ] Name: [ ] Phone: [ Email or postal address: [ ]

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TAKING ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE FOR yrs OVER

20

join the action @ www.greenpeace.org.nz

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