The next frontier for the human body – GP talks space flight

Although Dr Chris Benton chose medicine as a career, he has been fascinated by space ever since he saw the first moon landing when he was eight years old. He began studying towards a Masters degree in astronomy in 2014, when semi-retired from his GP practice at Manly Medical Centre (where he was one of the founding doctors). His Masters thesis was on technical aspects, such as telescope optics, but a major project he undertook into what happens to the body on long haul space flights brought together his medical knowledge and passion for space flight.

In particular, he was looking at flights to Mars, which currently take around nine months each way.

Chris says the main hurdles for astronauts’ bodies on long flights are prolonged weightlessness, which affects every organ in the body, and exposure to radiation.

Poses with purpose: yoga raising funds for disaster relief

He notes that with more private, commercial flights into space in the coming decades, the physical hazards of the journey become more interesting to the general public.

“It could be your relatives or friends travelling on these pioneering missions,” he says. “Those physical hurdles are real, and significant but nothing we can’t overcome. Research and counter measures to those problems are well advanced.”

Asked whether he would like to take a space flight himself, Chris says a definite ‘yes’.

“Hypothetically, because of the cost, if I had the opportunity for space tourism I’d be at the front of the queue,” he says. “This is humanity’s next big adventure.”

He says after his talks, people often ask him – ‘why go to Mars? Why not sort out our own planet first?’

“It’s human nature to keep moving forward,” he says. “But anyway, we can’t afford to be a one planet species. Finding other options is like an insurance policy. It will take hundreds of years, but we have to start. We also learn a lot about the body, Earth and science in general – those are big spinoffs,” he says.

To share what he has learned, Chris, representing the Hibiscus Coast Astronomical Society, is giving a talk at Whangaparāoa Library on Wednesday, April 12. The talk is free, but bookings are essential. See What’s On, page 31 for details.

What’s on at Estuary Arts Centre

“Magical Aotearoa” by Susannah Law, Kim Boyd, Heather Maree Owens, and students of Red Beach Studio

“North South” by Sylvie Joyce

“Summertime” a group exhibition by the Hibiscus Coast Artists

“Jill’s Collection” painting and ceramics by Jill Bryce

April School Holiday arts

Available NOW view and book on: estuaryarts.arlo.co/w/

Yoga House studio owner Sophie Rado has put together a yoga class and raffle event to raise funds for disaster relief in NZ following the recent devastating floods and cyclone. The fundraiser includes a one hour outdoor yoga class taken by Sophie, at Arundel Reserve in Ōrewa, and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. All proceeds – a koha for the class, and raffle sales – will go to the Red Cross fund. Sophie’s husband, radio host and comedian Nick Rado, will run the raffle, which will be drawn after the class. Raffle prizes so far include aromatherapy goodie bags worth $150, a one hour massage, Paint and Sip double pass from Studio Rūma, and vouchers for local restaurants and eateries including Ōrewa Beach House Eatery and The Coffee Club.

The fundraiser is on Saturday, March 25, from 9am-10am. You can book online, or just turn up on the day to take part. To register or donate https://yogahouse.punchpass.com/ classes/12763373

Sheryl Takayama, Nutritionist sheryl@whyweightacademy.com

Bittersweet Easter

It’s not Easter yet, but the tempting chocolate eggs and bunnies have been in the shops since last month.

For several years, every time I reached into my pockets, I found hidden chocolate wrappers: evidence of a sneaky sugar habit that started when my children were young – that challenging phase of motherhood, when I was tired in the afternoons and there were more sugary foods in the house. What began as a treat for my children had quickly spiraled into an addiction for me, fueled by negative emotions.

Easter was a nightmare. The abundance of hot cross buns and chocolate eggs at work and home made it impossible to resist. I would begin Easter weekend with good intentions, only to end it feeling ashamed, bloated, and full of regret.

I took action and kicked my sugar addiction for good 10 years ago, but I know many others are not so lucky. As a weight loss coach of 12 years, I’ve seen that Easter can be the most challenging time of the year for those struggling with their sugar intake. If you are feeling apprehensive about the Easter holiday, here are some tips to help you navigate the weekend without falling face-first into the egg basket.

one weekend. If you decide you want a few Easter treats, enjoy them over one or two days rather than one or two weeks before and after.

• Make a plan: This is the best way to avoid overeating, especially if you are going away for the weekend. Plan nutrientdense, high-protein meals to stay full throughout the day.

• Have good alternatives available: It will be much easier to avoid temptation when you have good alternatives on hand. My favourite options include low carb hot cross buns (available in Ōrewa at Keto by D café), dark chocolate, sugarfree chocolate and keto cookies.

• Maintain your good habits: Fatigue and dehydration can lead to sugar cravings. Drinking at least two litres of water daily and getting enough sleep will help you to stay on track.

• Get moving: Exercise is a great way to manage stress and reduce the urge to eat. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or tempted to indulge in sugary treats, take a walk outside, hit the gym, or do some yoga.

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• Limit the festivities: Just because hot cross buns are available year-round, it doesn’t mean you need to overindulge. It’s important to remember that Easter is just

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When I finally quit sugar for good I still found Easter challenging, but implementing these strategies has made it much easier. With mindfulness, pre-planning and movement, you can have a wonderful weekend without ending up in a sugar coma!

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