25 minute read
Health
Brain fitness
Movement isn’t just good for our bodies, it’s also one of the most powerful tools we have to keep our brains healthy. Dr Marissa Kelaher explains how exercise can stimulate chemical changes in the brain that enhance learning, mood and thinking.
Being physically active is proven to help our mental health and our brain function, improving concentration, memory, decision making, and creativity. Exercise also protects our brain from damage, making it more able to recover from illness or injury. Plus, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the risk of dementia.
Ways physical movement helps our brain health:
• Increases heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain.
• Reduces insulin resistance (high insulin causes type 2 diabetes, and can also damage brain cells).
• Triggers the release of hormones such as BDNF.
This is a chemical that stimulates growth of new brain cells and blood vessels in the brain, keeps brain cells healthy, and helps new brain pathways form.
• Promotes neuroplasticity.
• Reduces inflammation in the brain and helps remove damaged brain cells.
• Increases the size of our hippocampus (part of the brain involved in learning, memory, and mood).
• Increases the size of our prefrontal cortex and medial temporal cortex (parts of the brain which help concentration, creativity, memory formation, and decision making). Exercise helps us grow new brain cells and connections, and boosts our ability to rewire faulty connections, in a process called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is crucial for ongoing learning and is a key part of reducing stress and pain levels, as it literally changes how our brain works. Brain growth from regular exercise can occur in as little as six months.
It also improves mood and sleep, both of which are important for a healthy brain. Exercise also has an antidepressant effect due to the release of ‘feel good’ hormones (dopamine, endorphins, serotonin) and the reduction in stress hormones (cortisol). This is what gives us the ‘exercise high’, and makes exercise oddly addictive! You don’t need to go to a gym to get the benefits of exercise - the key is finding movement you enjoy and doing it daily. Exercising in the outdoors has extra benefits as it can help reduce stress hormones and boost mood even more.
For good health we need at least 150 - 300 minutes of moderate intensity cardio each week (or 75-150 min of high intensity), as well as balance and flexibility exercise most days, and resistance exercise 2-3 days a week. These all have different benefits and give our body and brain variety and challenges. Many forms of exercise combine these, like hiking, yoga, paddleboarding and dance.
Dr Marissa Kelaher is a GP and lifestyle medicine doctor. She runs health courses and offers one-on-one consults at yourlifestylemedics.com
Talking weight loss surgery with Dr Mark Stewart
Tasman Day Surgery’s general and bariatric surgeon, Dr Mark Stewart is changing people’s lives with weight loss surgery and enabling them to lead a less restrictive lifestyle.
Weight loss surgery is not cheating, says Dr Stewart. “It is a transformation that offers life-changing benefits to those who need it. It’s an option for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35 (you can calculate your BMI online). Weight is an issue that still carries a lot of stigma around it. It shouldn’t be this way. Obesity, when severe, is an incurable disease caused largely by an interplay between genes and our modern society. Once someone is obese, the body ‘defends’ that high weight, setting up an endless and ultimately futile battle to lose weight with diet and exercise.”
Obesity carries significant health risks to every system in the body, lowers the quality of life and shortens it through consequences like strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and arthritis. “There are some medications that are good for weight loss, but they have significant limits. Weight loss surgery is a tool that offers a long-term solution, by disrupting the body’s ‘defence’ of a high weight and reversing the health risks of obesity, including diabetes.” ‘Life changing’ is exactly the way to describe the outcomes, he says. “People after surgery no longer need to fret about food and dieting. They can start to focus on more important things in life. It’s immensely rewarding to see the transformations that people go through and the things they can achieve when set free from this battle.”
Dr Stewart is proud to be bringing a world-class level of care to people in the region. “Honestly, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the smiles of patients whose lives have been totally transformed. Freed from the limitations of their previous weight they come alive and do exceptional things physically, mentally, at work, and with their overall health. I offer consultations to patients exploring weight-loss solutions, as well as other surgical issues including reflux, abdominal and anal problems, skin cancer and hernias. I perform day cases and endoscopy at Tasman Day Surgery.” Don’t battle obesity alone. Talk to your GP about a referral or make an appointment directly with Dr Stewart, through one of the friendly and experienced Tasman Day Surgery team.
Developed with the simple philosophy of providing high quality, patient centered day stay care to our community in the top of the south.
Our team of caring health professionals will support your health journey every step of the way. Contact us directly to make an appointment with one of our specialists or visit your GP for a referral. Please check out our website for our specialists.
341 Lower Queen Street, Richmond 0800 827 329 | enquiries@tasmandaysurgery.co.nz www.tasmandaysurgery.co.nz
Tomas Gu at Nelson Denture Clinic with a happy customer.
Denture service comes with a beaming smile
Bringing his highly specialised dental skills to the region for the past four years, director and clinical dental technician of Nelson Denture Clinic and Merivale Denture Clinic in Christchurch, Thomas Gu, excels at restoring peoples smiles, health and quality of life in a caring and compassionate way. Beginning his career at the University hospital in Otago, Thomas worked his way up becoming head of department in removable oral prosthetics within the dental laboratory, overseeing complex postgraduate and hospital cases for many years. “I worked in a private practice for a few years after leaving the hospital and it’s been over four years since I began running my own business, Nelson Denture Clinic.” As the director of both denture clinics, Thomas prides himself on providing the best possible quality of service and outcome for all of his clients. “We ensure a full and comprehensive free consultation and oral exam for proper diagnosis in finding out exactly what is possible, what improvements are needed, what the limitations may be, and provide a solution that best accommodates every individual’s wants and needs.” From initial consultations, and producing results, through to after-care and follow-up appointments, Thomas covers all restorative treatments whether it’s partial dentures, full dentures, conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures or oral prosthetic restorative/rehabilitation treatment. Travelling regularly between Merivale and his Nelson practice on Waimea Road to treat every patient personally, Thomas brings his years of experience, knowledge and understanding to the industry, making customised dentures for every individual. “Everybody is different and unique and we treat every case as such. I have worked on extremely complex cases over the years working at the university hospital, as well as private practices, and I may be able to provide treatment solutions that patients may not have been given as an option from others, catering for difficult cases as well as high aesthetic demands.” Thomas and his exceptional team go the extra mile for all of the clinic’s clients, ensuring a fully informative consultation is had within a comfortable and caring environment. His down-toearth demeanour combined with his extensive years of experience ensure a service that is second to none. “Dentures aren’t something you can pick off the shelves and away you go. They are oral prosthetics. They should be designed to the specific conditions of each patient’s mouth to adequately restore essential functions such as speech, and the abilities to eat and smile, which a lot of us take for granted.” Check out Google Reviews for treatment testimonials and get in touch with Nelson Denture Clinic to find out how they can help you smile with confidence.
Nelson Denture Clinic 03 548 1478 35 Waimea Rd, Nelson nelsondentureclinic.co.nz
With years of specialist experience in the skin care and beauty industry and a clinic with top-of-the-range treatment options and equipment, Rebecca Spiers brings a warm and engaging empathy to everyone she treats, along with a deep understanding of the difficulties that skin problems can cause, emotionally, physically and psychologically. Discover how technology, along with expert knowledge and advice, can assist to rejuvenate your skin—let your skin represent you. Experience being blissfully pampered by Rebecca in a warm, relaxed environment. Skin Ethics advanced skin and beauty treatments offers include:
• The world’s leading micro needling technology,
Dermapen 4, to improve the look of wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, stretch marks and more. • Ultrasound Product Infusion (Sonophoresis), a non-invasive treatment that helps the skin to absorb ingredients by ultrasound. • Carbon Facial treatment (the ‘China Doll Facial’) in huge demand the world over that can help achieve a flawless complexion. • Juvenate and O Cosmedics which are high-grade, innovative products to help skin feel fresh, young and flawless. • Ultrasound Body
Contouring which improves the body’s silhouette by reducing pockets of fat without the need for invasive surgery. • MediLUX LED technology with all five wavelengths for the ultimate in light therapy to heal and enhance the skin.
• Radio Frequency Skin Tightening to treat loose and sagging skin and give a more youthful appearance. • IPL, a non-invasive treatment technique for hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments including redness reduction and pigmentation removal.
• Tattoo Removal: Using The Ultralase Q-Switched
Nd YAG Laser.
LUXURY INTRO FACIAL TREATMENT, $70
A luxurious facial to leave your skin looking radiant and super hydrated. Consultation included.
Skin Ethics 03 539 4404 207 Bridge St, Nelson skinethics.nz
8 OCTOBER 2022
MARLBOROUGH’S MOST SCENIC RUNNING EVENT
The Link Run 24km | The Snout Run/Walk 13km Marina 2 Marina Run/Walk 9km | Kids Dash 2km
www.marina2marina.co.nz
Nicole Curtis has just opened Nelson Vascular Ultrasound at Manuka Street Hospital.
Nelson’s vascular ultrasound specialist
Nicole Curtis who recently won the Australasian Sonographers Association ‘NZ Sonographer of the Year’, has launched Nelson’s only specialist vascular ultrasound facility. She talks to Nelson Magazine about her new clinic and the importance of blood vessel health.
What is vascular ultrasound? It is a safe, non-invasive form of imaging that uses high frequency sound waves to look inside at the blood vessels rather than using radiation. What sparked your interest in this as a career? After obtaining a degree in nutrition, I worked as a nutrition researcher before landing in a medical research laboratory that used ultrasound. My boss saw that I was good at it and offered to train me as a sonographer. It fascinated me because it is such a great tool for helping to solve the puzzles around health problems. It’s like being a Sherlock Holmes for the body. Why did you see a need for this type of service in Nelson?
Vascular problems tend to occur after the age of fifty, and with its mature population Nelson had a great need for one. Obtaining the advanced accreditation for vascular sonography provides me with another level of expertise to improve the health outcomes of patients. What are the most common types of conditions you are ultra-sounding to gather information on and how are people referred to you? The most common are aneurysms, strokes, varicose veins and circulation problems, such as those found in people with diabetes. People can book directly. They don’t have to go through a GP if they don’t wish to. Local clinicians also refer their patients to me. What do you love about your job the most? It’s a cool combination of skills. I get to interact with people from all walks of life and use exciting technology. This uses both my physical and mental skills to direct patients on their health journey. What are the best things about living in Nelson? I love how close everything is. Nature is so easy to access. I feel like I’ve gained so much more of my life back by being here. Being close to family is amazing too, especially now I have a young son. Seven top tips to improve your circulation: 1. If you smoke, visit quit.org.nz/ to get free support to quit 2. Eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies 3. See your Doctor to keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugars 4. Walk and move your body every day 5. Wear good fitting shoes and regularly inspect your feet for changes or wounds. 6. If you get coldness, numbness, or pain in your feet or legs talk to us 7. If you have a family history of aneurysms, stroke, or circulation problems get checked early
Nelson Vascular Ultrasound 03 923 3046 36 Manuka Street, Nelson nelsonultrasound.co.nz
First Year Bachelor of Commerce student, Lily Barlow, says winning a School Leavers Scholarship to study at NMIT has been life changing.
Future bright after winning $6,500 NMIT Scholarship
For 19-year-old Lily Barlow, winning a $6,500 scholarship last year to go towards her study fees means she’s not only set up for study success but a debt-free future as well when she graduates. “I should have little to no debt when I finish my degree,” says Lily, “getting this scholarship has enabled me to stay in Nelson and study and that’s really cut my costs overall.” Lily will continue to live at home with her parents while she studies, and although she will keep her part time job at a local supermarket, won’t have the stress of mounting student debt or having to work long hours while she completes her degree. “I won’t have to spend as much time working and can instead focus on my studies and getting good grades,” says Lily. Not having to deal with the stress of moving to a new city and set up from scratch while trying to find suitable accommodation is also a big relief for Lily. “I thought about going to Canterbury, but after doing the numbers realised it was a much better option for me to stay in Nelson and do my degree here at NMIT.” Lily applied for several scholarships last year and says the application process was really easy. “All I needed to do was write a bit about myself and then get some references,” says Lily, “my accounting teacher at Nayland College and boss at work were more than happy to support my application.” Lily says the smaller class sizes and one-on-one tutoring at NMIT has had a really positive impact on her first year of learning. “Tutors are more involved, and you have discussions with them all the time to help you understand more,” says Lily, “At university, you’re just listening to someone give a lecture.” Lily now has her sights set on securing a placement with a local Nelson chartered accountants’ firm and one day, in the not-too-distant future, thanks to being debt-free, owning her own home.
2023 scholarships are now open, learn more at NMIT.ac.nz/scholarships
McCashin’s Tap Room
Platters, pizzas and tasting trays! The perfect excuse to get out of the kitchen, grab your friends and visit McCashin’s Tap Room. With a mouthwatering menu to choose from and fine beverages made right there at the brewery, your next meal or after work drinks gathering is sorted. Try our new outdoor dining area or stay cosy inside, there’s plenty of room to sit back, relax and catch up.
660 Main Rd, Stoke 03 547 0329 mccashins.co.nz
Mapua Village Bakery
Open for breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day, choose from their fantastic menu full of all your favourites. Dinner is sorted with fabulous take home family pies ready to heat and enjoy or pop in the freezer, plus takeaway cakes for dessert. A great place to have a work meeting or breakfast, then indulge in one of the many tempting treats. Their amazing coffee will add a bounce to your day too. Open 7:30am to 4pm Mon to Fri and 8am to 4pm on the weekends.
Red16
Off the beaten path while still being centrally located, Red16 is the perfect place for dining out. Specials include tacos and margaritas on Tuesdays, burgers and beers on Wednesdays, plus the very popular Open Mic Night every Thursday. The full menu is available from 3pm to 10pm Mon to Sat, with a wide array of drinks available until late.
19 New St, Nelson 022 188 7262
The Indian Café
With three great locations you can enjoy Indian Cafe’s delicious food no matter where you are. Head in and find out why Indian Café is the favourite choice for anyone looking for the highest quality food and a memorable cuisine experience. All venues offer intimate restaurant dining and courtyard settings and takeaway options.
94 Collingwood St, Nelson | 03 548 4089 266 Queen St, Richmond | 03 544 8979 201 Songer St, Stoke | 03 547 0008 theindiancafe.co.nz
Miracle Restaurant
Famous for classic Chinese and signature Thai family dishes, Miracle Restaurant offers rich and diverse Asian fusion cuisine with Yum Cha available all day. Come and meet Mira - Miracle’s friendly robot who will deliver dishes to your table and even sing happy birthday. Popular set menus are available for individual diners, and all menu items can be ordered online for takeaway. Fully licensed and open 7 days for lunch and dinner.
Anchor Restaurant and Bar
Top quality food is best served with amazing ocean views! Blessed with a fantastic spot on the water, you will feel welcomed and won’t want to leave. Specialising in local seafood and steaks, there are also delectable choices for non-meat eaters, people with special dietary needs and kids.
Made with fresh tuna steaks, mango and avocado, this healthy and delicious Solander tuna poke bowl is ideal for spring/summer eating.
Serves 4 Ingredients: • 1½ cups black rice • 450 grams fresh tuna steaks (If fresh tuna is not available, substitute with frozen tuna poke cubes) • 2 tablespoons each white and black sesame seeds • 2 tablespoons sesame oil • 1 mango • 1 red chilli, thinly sliced • ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra leaves to serve • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • juice 1 lime, plus wedges to serve • 2 avocados, sliced Method: Bring 2½ cups water, the black rice and ½ teaspoon of salt to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is almost absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside with the lid on for 15 minutes. Fluff up using a fork. Place the sesame seeds on a large plate. Press the tuna steaks into the sesame seeds, making sure to coat all sides. Heat sesame oil in a large non-stick frypan over a high heat. Fry the tuna for 1 minute on each side or until sesame seeds are golden. Remove from heat and set aside. Cut mango into 1cm cubes and place in a bowl with the chilli and coriander. In a separate bowl combine the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and juice of 1 lime, then add to mango and mix. Serve tuna thinly sliced with black rice, avocado slices, mango salsa, extra coriander and wedges of lime.
Springtime Ceviche
Spring is in the air, the days are getting longer, and freshness is on the menu. Paula from Sweet not Sugar shares one of her favourite spring dishes with us, ceviche with dressing made in the Thermomix®️. It is a delicious, fresh, and tantalising plate to share.
Ingredients: • 250 g fresh fish (I used Snapper) slice into 1cm thickness • 2 tsp avocado oil • Mandarin segments Dressing: • 1/2 fresh jalapeño chilli, deseeded and cut in half • 6 celery leaves • 6 coriander leaves • 2 pinches ground cumin • 20g shallot, peeled and cut in half • 30g freshly squeezed lime juice • 1tsp mandarin zest Thermomix® method Serves two.
Method: Place all dressing ingredients into the Thermomix®️ and blend for five seconds at speed seven. Strain through a sieve. Place fish in a bowl with the dressing and leave to marinate for five minutes.
To serve: Arrange fish on a serving plate. Drizzle with avocado oil and garnish with mandarin segments, micro herbs and black sesame. Serve with kumara chips. Wine match with a local Neudorf Moutere Pinot Gris.
THERMOMIX®
If you would like to see what a thermomix® could do for you contact: Paula Kilkelly Thermomix® Consultant Nelson paula@sweetnotsugar.co.nz
TOP 10
REASONS TO VISIT SPRIG + FERN MOTUEKA
Pete Fry and Sue Bloomfield owners of Sprig + Fern Motueka share 10 reasons why you should visit their Sprig + Fern Tavern.
1 Sample an outstanding selection of craft beer and local wines, including low and non-alcoholic options. 2 Meet and socialise with old and new friends in a safe, friendly environment. 3 Relax and unwind on our comfy sofas. 4 Enjoy the attention from our friendly staff with table service where possible. 5 Sample from our Tavern style food selection, great for sharing. Plus we have meals just for the kids.
6 Bring along your sports teams for postmatch celebrations or committee meetings to plan and plot future conquests. 7 Take part in our weekly quiz (March -
December) on Thursday nights. Currently in our 12th year and still going strong with big personalities hosting the quizzes. Over $300,000 raised for community groups so far. 8 Celebrate special occasions privately in our upstairs lounge, with no charge to hire. 9 Enjoy our outdoor spaces at the front and back of the building. 10 Enjoy the buzz of a busy community Tavern.
Offering 18 core beers and ciders on tap, as well as limited release products which are often experimental in style, or the hops used. From hazys through to porter, hard seltzer and ciders, there is something on tap for everyone. Open 2pm every day until late.
The Veggie Guy
Limes are packed full of vitamin C and certainly pack a flavoursome punch to your cooking, baking and your gin and tonic! Plentiful and cheap right now, stock up now, juice them or freeze them whole and you can add their zest and zing all year round.
theveggieguy.co.nz
The Junction Shop
The Junction stocks multiaward-winning cheese and dairy from local producers, Thorvald and Little River Estate as well as Oaklands A2 milk, free-range eggs, and artisan bread. Pop in, fill your own milk, grab some cheese, cured meats, pate, crackers, and a bottle of wine to make staying home a pleasure. Contactless home delivery is also available.
thejunctionshop.co.nz
Sublime Coffee Roasters
Go straight to the source! Replenish your coffee bean supply by heading into Sublime Coffee Roasters Brew Bar and Roastery on New Street. Check out the roasting team in action and get extra good vibes if you bring your own container to refill.
sublimecoffeeroasters.co.nz
Solander Gourmet Seafood
Marlborough oysters available now! The very best seafood available in New Zealand and around the world is easily accessible to you via online order and home delivery. Select from the finest seafood and other gourmet products, to ensure that your dining experiences are healthy, delicious, and incredibly well priced. Delivering gourmet seafood direct to your door.
gourmetseafood.co.nz
Gostoso Cuisine
Empada is a traditional Brazilian pie with home-made pastry and delicious fillings, made by Davi. Try one for yourself at the Nelson Farmers Market, every Wednesday, 8am - 1pm.
Sprig + Fern Brewing Co.
It’s not spring in Nelson Tasman unless you’ve spent time at a local Sprig + Fern Tavern enjoying a pint of craft beer or cider. Real beer, real people, really local. Sprig + Fern Milton St, Sprig + Fern Hardy St, Sprig + Fern Tahuna, Sprig + Fern Upper Queen, Sprig + Fern The Meadows Sprig + Fern Brightwater, Sprig + Fern Mapua ,Sprig + Fern Motueka
sprigandfern.co.nz
Seagrass restoration project partners.
Seagrass restoration project aimed at fighting climate change
Words: Amy Russ
Partnering with Cawthron Institute, OneFortyOne joins forces with Port Nelson and Westpac NZ Government Innovation Fund in what could be a game-changing seagrass restoration project to help improve the eco-system and fight climate change. As a business that is built on plant life and sustainability, the sponsoring of such a project seemed like a no-brainer to the OneFortyOne team. Communications manager for OneFortyOne, Kylie Reeves explains the significance. “As foresters we get really excited about plants. And this project uses a very similar kind of science. From a ‘plant geek’ perspective, it is really exciting because if it works, any group of people can apply these methods to similar parts of the coastline around New Zealand.”
Aiming to fight climate change and improve ecosystem health the three-year seagrass restoration project will develop a blueprint for seed-based seagrass restoration that can be carried out across the country. The aim is to enable large-scale restoration of seagrass meadows, helping to support biodiversity, improve water quality and sequester carbon. Seagrasses are plants that live in coastal sandflats in estuaries and harbours, and further out to sea in underwater meadows. They support ecosystem health in coastal areas and are an important resource in efforts to mitigate climate change. To be trialled right here in Nelson, Kylie says the idea that it is a New Zealand first being led from Nelson was also a huge drawcard for the company. Up until recently, it was thought that seagrass flowering was very rare in the New Zealand species of seagrass, but recent research by Cawthron Institute has revealed that isn’t the case. New Zealand’s species of seagrass does have flowers but they are difficult to spot. Last summer Cawthron scientists found lots of seeds and flowers in the Nelson haven and managed to get one of the seeds to germinate for
the first time in Aotearoa. This suggested it might be possible to restore seagrass meadows in New Zealand at the scales required to achieve meaningful carbon sequestration results using seed-based techniques. The amount of carbon a seagrass meadow stores can vary depending on the species and the environment it is situated in, but overseas studies have shown that some meadows can sequester carbon up to 27 times faster than forests on land.
Currently, seagrasses cover only about 0.2% of the planet’s seabed, but the mighty plants account for 10% of the carbon’s our ocean sediments store. By harnessing the seeds and sowing them directly back into the wild, it will help to support biodiversity, improving the water quality and absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Other projects around the world have been successful using this method and the team at Cawthron Institute are pleased to have the support of prominent local businesses saying they believe collaboration is key to tackling to tackling some of the big environmental challenges humanity faces in the future.
Project co-leader Dana Clark, restoration ecology team leader at Cawthron Institute, says unfortunately seagrasses are being lost at an alarming rate globally. “Restoration projects around the world have achieved success by directly sowing seed into the wild and we plan to trial a similar approach with the aim of identifying the most effective method for New Zealand’s unique environment.” Acquiring Nelson Forests Limited and Kaituna Mill in Marlborough in 2018, OneFortyOne understands the Nelson Forest estate has a rich history in the region, with plantings first taking place in 1927. Innovation has been a hallmark of the Nelson operations and that extends further than just their sector. Supporting projects such as seagrass restoration is a huge motivator for OneFortyOne, says Kylie. “It is part of who we. We are strongly tied to where we live and work and want to play our part in supporting vibrant communities and protecting our environment. As part of a cog in the great environmental wheel, we feel strongly about doing our bit to invest in and protect our ecosystem. There are so many benefits to this project, if we can be one of the early investors and help bring awareness and momentum to this project, then that is a very worthwhile investment that communities all over New Zealand will benefit from.” Supporting local organisations is part of the ethos of the business, with the Nelson contingent Cawthron Institute
backing essential organisations such as Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, Habitat for Humanity, Department of Conservation’s Wasp Wipe Out program and supporting other community projects with grant sponsorship.
