TRAVEL BREAKS

Ross Thorby: This wasn’t a tour for the faint of heart...

This morning we anchored in front of Panama City. For the day, our ship would be resting in the shadow of the world’s newest metropolis, with a mass of beautifully designed concrete and steel skyscraper monoliths reaching all the way down the coast into the hazy distance. This is Dubai on steroids.

The last time I transited the canal, we had ex-president General Noriega’s prison pointed out to us; set in amongst the sweaty mosquito ridden jungle, and even though he died only a few months later, his legacy still lingers today as Panama struggles with its past.

The old city of Panama has been rebuilt three times. The Spanish devastated the city in 1549 to steal its gold, the Americans bombed it in 1982 in an attempt to kill Noriega, and now the money that the canal provides means that the new city is now the powerhouse financing the old city’s regeneration.

Once a haven of crime and danger it has now been transformed by a government determined to reclaim it from the gangs, and with the creation of a community police force the criminals have now left for ‘new’ Panama, and the revitalisation of the ‘old city’ has begun in earnest.The beautiful old Spanish and French architecture is being restored, cafes and restaurants have popped up along the cobbled lanes and churches, statues and monuments are being re-polished, repaired and restored.

Our guide for the day was Victor, who was born and raised here. Victor concentrates his tours on the raw side of Panama; the areas where he hung out as a kid, skirting around the edges of the gang culture.

This wasn’t a tour for the faint of heart. This was both raw and shocking as well as colourful and invigorating. It may still be the poor part of town, but street art abounds on every corner, and colour and vibrancy fill the streets.

Victor often stopped vendors and street sellers so that we could try the various donuts and frozen tamarind ices that they were hawking. Old ladies waved dolefully from behind caged doorways and young ladies on street corners blew us kisses from afar.

Escaping the heat into a saloon, we were introduced to the local beer and also a chance to try the local firewater, Panama rum. My eyes were burning with the fumes from close proximity to the glass, but hey when in Rome. Stepping back into the light from the cool, shady darkness of the bar, we found ourselves in the middle of the “Old Quarter”. Sitting under a shaded iron roof was a group of old gentlemen passing the time of day playing dominoes. Beckoning us over they insisted that we sit and play. Tentatively at first but encouraged by Victor, we sat at a table as one of his old friends planted himself in an empty chair and demanded a game. Apparently...”he who loses buys the beer”.

Two games later and we, the gringos, were winning. Our new found friends’ smiles began to droop and there was not quite so much laughing in the air. While conscious of the growing tension, curiosity got the better of me and when I asked Victor why they kept calling him Noriega he explained that our opponent had in fact been General Noriega’s personal chef.

Fearing retaliation, or that he might still retain credentials matching that of his ex and now late boss, we all began to delicately extricate ourselves, backing out of the shade and towards the safety of the street. But then I realised I had an opportunity too good to pass up.

Regular Ponsonby News readers know that it has a page devoted to travelling readers having their picture taken in exotic settings, holding the magazine. There have been some spectacular images - such as photos taken from Everest Base Camp among others. Some have even been photographed while traversing the Sahara on camels. But surely fate delivering the connection to one of the 20th Century’s most brutal dictators, was too good an opportunity to miss.

Without a hard copy of the magazine at hand (note to self, ALWAYS travel with a copy of the Ponsonby News) we discovered that despite being in the backwaters of Panama, we could enjoy an extremely modern version of the internet - also on steroids. With a copy of the front page downloaded onto my trusty iPhone and within seconds fame and renown were just a deadline away.

So a challenge has been laid down. We may still be fighting Covid-19, but do your best dear travelling reader and top that. (ROSS THORBY)  PN

We are so lucky to have the freedom to travel all over the country. From our ski fields and vineyards to our beautiful towns full of art, boutique shopping, culture and community there is so much to choose from. Of course, being one of the most covid-safe countries in the world, we are also well positioned to take advantage of international travel deals when they come online. They say planning is half the fun, so start researching your next adventure.

GREAT TRAIN JOURNEY Enjoy one of the world’s great train journeys through Australia on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin and back. For 90 years The Ghan has provided sumptuous dining and travel in elegant private cabins with attentive service and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers. HELLOWORLD TRAVEL PONSONBY, 221 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby T: 09 360 0443, ponsonby@helloworld.co.nz, www.helloworld.co.nz/ponsonby MATAKANA - ONLY 45 MINUTES AWAY… Former gallery owner and Ponsonby local Clare Mora is connecting the works of local artists with the homes of many. The gallery connects objects, sculpture and pieces to your memories of a place and time. From the gallery in the hub of Matakana Village you are within easy reach of all the wonderful vineyards, bars and eateries nearby. ARTFORM, 6/2 Matakana Valley Road, T: 09 422 9125, www.artformgallery.co.nz

@helloworldponsonby @helloworldponsonby ZOOM TO RUAPEHU World renowned Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park set the backdrop for a truly unique New Zealand experience. Whether it’s adrenaline you’re after or to relax with a good coffee while enjoying the stunning scenery, there are plenty of things to do in Ruapehu that are easily accessible, action filled, or family friendly. VISIT RUAPEHU, 54 Clyde Street, Ohakune

@VisitRuapehu @visitruapehu

E: info@visitruapehu.com, www.visitruapehu.com

WHERE WILL YOU GO, WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT? Boutique travel company World Journeys was founded in Ponsonby in 2007, offering tailor-made travel to some of the world’s most exciting places. While the world isn’t open right now, we invite you to start planning your next travel experience for when the time is right. Let’s chat about ‘where’, and we’ll deal with the ‘when’ later! WORLD JOURNEYS, Level 1, 10 Federal Street, Auckland T: 09 360 7311, www.worldjourneys.co.nz

With all the fear and loss of life associated with Covid-19 there is a glimmer of hope coming out of the U.S.

A group of critical care specialists, including Dr Paul Marik Head of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Sentara General Hospital Norfolk Virginia, have been successfully treating very ill patients with a protocol they have collectively developed. The group of doctors are from several hospitals and they have published their MATH+ protocol on a website for the benefit of other specialists around the world. https://covid19criticalcare.com/

Their MATH+ treatment is specifically designed to help hospital doctors to counter the body’s overwhelming inflammatory response to Covid-19. The protocol is based on numerous medical journal publications over decades. Dr Marik and his colleagues state that “it’s the hyper-inflammation, not the virus itself that damages the lungs and other organs and ultimately causes death.”

They say that their focus is to address two medical emergencies associated with Covid-19: • The overwhelming and damaging inflammatory response. • The systemic and severe hyper-coagulable state causing organ damage.

Their MATH+ protocol is based on the use of methylyprednisolone, a steroid drug combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which are both given intravenously to combat the inflammatory response. They say that the steroid drug becomes more potent when administered together with ascorbic acid and this combination has multiple synergistic physiologic effects. Thiamine (a B vitamin) is also given to optimize cellular oxygen utilisation. Heparin a blood thinning drug is administered to prevent and dissolve blood clots that appear in Covid-19 patients. The + part of the protocol involves supplementation with melatonin, zinc and vitamin D.

Re the use of a steroid drug to control inflammation, it’s very interesting to note that recent British research which was reported worldwide as a major breakthrough, linked the use of the steroid drug, dexamethasone, to significantly reduced deaths in Covid-19 patients. Dr Marik and his colleagues acknowledge this research, but Love your legs Vein & Laser was established on the North Shore in 2005 and also runs a satellite clinic at 80 Jervois Road every Wednesday. The medical professionals at the clinic have a passion for their chosen specialty – veins! The experienced team at Vein & Laser spend their days examining and treating their patients’ problematic veins, from tiny thread veins to large varicose veins. Every patient’s varicose vein pattern (map) is different, and a number of treatment options are available. We try to provide the most appropriate treatment for each client; it’s fascinating and rewarding work. Dr Elisabeth De Felice and her team all share the philosophy that the service provided must be of the highest level without compromise and that people matter. Approximately 35% of our population suffer with varicose veins. Varicose veins can lead to leg aching, tiredness, heaviness. Often the long-term problems of swelling, itchiness, leg cramps and ulcers are not recognised as being associated with veins. Modern-day treatment is usually non-surgical (injections or laser) and greatly improves a varicose vein sufferer’s quality of life. Most they believe that methylprednisolone is more appropriate for use with Covid-19 patients.

The critical care doctors have found that when patients who have low oxygen saturation when breathing are supported with a nasal cannula, using heated high flow oxygen and increasing the flow as needed can improve outcomes. Mechanical ventilation may ultimately be the only option for some patients, but Dr Marik says, they try to reduce the need for this intervention as much as possible. They are also ‘proning’ (face down) patients to help improve oxygen saturation.

They say that in all Covid-19 hospitalised patients, the therapeutic focus must be placed on early intervention. Timing is a critical factor in the successful treatment of Covid-19 patients. Patients must go to hospital as soon as they experience difficulty breathing.

MATH+ was developed from a protocol that Dr Marik pioneered at Sentara Hospital with sepsis patients (Sepsis kills more than 8 million people in hospitals around the world every year). Type ‘ Chance discovery could save millions from Sepsis’ into google and watch a brief video filmed in Sentara Hospital.

As to the efficacy of the MATH+ protocol, Dr Marik and Dr Varon report hospital mortality rates of just 6.6% and 3.3% in their hospitals. This is based on patient records of more than 100 cases. They and their colleagues are in the process of gathering patient data involving many more cases in order to scientifically prove the efficacy of their MATH+ protocol. An Italian study using this protocol, was submitted for publication and results could be disclosed soon.

With the medical community aggressively conducting many research studies in an attempt to find treatments for hospital patients with Covid-19, the success that Dr Marik and his colleagues in several hospitals have achieved is indeed encouraging. A simple, totally safe and effective treatment readily using available drugs is already saving lives. (JOHN APPLETON)  PN

Varicose vein sufferers have a local resource in Ponsonby, the Vein & Laser clinic.

www.johnappleton.co.nz health insurance companies cover varicose vein treatment but not

cosmetic (thread vein) treatment.  PN For assessment of your varicose vein and advice on vein care, vein treatment and treatment cost, call T: 09 410 0990,

Are your varicose veins making you uncomfortable?

Talk to us about treatment options

www.veinandlaser.co.nz

COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE

How to lose weight through creating health

Are you doing everything ‘right’ but not seeing the results you want?

Many people, particularly women, come to the BePure Clinic because they want to lose weight. In the tunnel-vision pursuit of weight-loss, the part where we actually look after our body, often gets neglected. Caloric restriction, dieting and exercising to ‘burn calories’ are stressors to our precious bodies. When our body is in a state of stress or imbalance it holds on to fat to keep us alive. Anything from gut issues, excess exercise, busy lifestyles, sleep deprivation, too much caffeine, or a lack of wholesome food and nutrition are all perceived by our body as stress. At the BePure Clinic, we like to shift the focus from ‘losing weight to get healthy’ to ‘gaining health to lose weight’. We focus on establishing energy levels, mood stability, better digestion, deep sleep and general wellbeing for an easier life, just to name a few. The natural side effect of creating a healthier you, is a physical body that reflects how you feel inside. “Calories in vs calories out,” is a saying you will have heard before. Whilst calories matter, they’re not all that matter. Everyday common stressors are a large part of the weight loss equation, contributing to our body holding onto that extra cushioning. Tips for Creating a Healthier You: 1. Nourish Your Body We have so many opportunities to nourish our body and let it know it is safe. We like to encourage people to “practise picking nourishment over punishment” through the food we eat, the way we eat, the people we spend time with, the exercise we do, and the way we speak

to ourselves. 2. Practical Acts of Self-Love Self-care is cultivated through many tiny actions in our day. Life is busy, and naturally we’re drawn to shortcuts. If you can, make and take the time to prepare a nourishing meal, ask for help when you need it and swap the HIIT workout for a walk or stretch if you’re tired. Most importantly, speak kindly to your body; it hears everything you say and think.

3. Conscious Coffee Many people drink coffee in a rush as a quick energy boost. Instead of relying on caffeine, we recommend eating, sleeping and living in a nourishing way to support better energy levels overall. Coffee can then become a lovely treat and an opportunity to slow down and be present.

Everything in the body is connected. Solely focusing on reducing calories and increasing exercise to try and force weight loss isn’t helpful to creating lasting change. Instead, we help our clients cultivate a mindset that supports nourishing the wellbeing of your whole being to enjoy a happier, healthier you; the weight part will take care of itself.

Stop by the BePure Clinic anytime for a chat or to try any of the BePure products. We’re located at 5 Crummer Road, Ponsonby, Monday - Friday from 9 until 4.30pm.

BEPURE, T: 0800 52 54 52, clinic@bepure.co.nz, www.bepure.co.nz

Experts in gut and hormone health since 2005.

Call 0800 52 54 52 ext. 1 to book your free 15-minute consultation.

Bodybydesign Endermologie

Ponsonby News asked Vanessa King, the founder of BodyByDesign, to tell us about her business.

How did BodyByDesign evolve? I originally tried Endermologie in Los Angeles. I was completely blown away by how silky smooth my skin became, and how much lighter, slimmer, and firmer I felt after just one session. I had never heard of Endermologie so I did some research and discovered that while it is non-invasive, and feels lovely and relaxing, there were also a lot of scientific studies proving its effectiveness. It aligned perfectly with my beliefs of natural beauty and health from within, so when I got back to New Zealand, I opened BodyByDesign and we have now been operating for nearly 16 years.

Stephanie and I have been working in Endermologie since 2004, and Letitia has been the head therapist in the city clinic for almost a year now. We all love having the treatments ourselves; we try to squeeze one in whenever we can. We adore our lovely clients and it is so satisfying to see how happy they are with their results. I recently moved up to beautiful Matakana and I am excited to be opening a clinic there. I still come down to the city at least twice a week and see clients – so I get the best of both worlds.

What services are on offer? Most of our clients are usually interested in programs targeting stubborn diet and exercise resistant areas of fat, tightening, and toning up their tummies post baby, or smoothing out cellulite; as well as anti-aging Endermologie face treatments, to plump, lift, tighten and smooth the face, neck, hands and décolletage. Endermologie is also helpful for a wide range of treatments that are not just aesthetic. We provide pre- and post-surgical treatments that reduce pain, swelling and bruising, and help speed up recovery. We can help with soft tissue injuries and post workout recovery, as well as with tight shoulders and back pain. We also get wonderful results for clients with fluid retention problems or circulation issues, including Raynauds disease.

Tell us about the team.

What results can clients expect? Our treatments are tailored to focus on the very specific goals of the clients, be it slimming, tightening, or smoothing, but no matter the program, we always get feedback about how relaxing the treatment is. Clients feel light and energised afterwards. Muscle tightness is released, sleep, circulation and digestion improve, tummies feel flatter, puffy knees and ankles slim down and the skin feels smooth and soft after each session.

How many treatments are needed? This is the question I hear most frequently from interested clients. Because everyone has different goals, genetics and lifestyles, we offer a free 30-minute consultation so that we can answer any questions, and give an indication of the amounts of sessions required and the type of results an individual can expect.

BODYBYDESIGN, 40 St Benedicts Street, Newton, M: 021 900 989, www.bodybydesign.co.nz

Target and release diet and exercise resistant fat. Smooth cellulite. Tighten, slim and firm the body and face. Non-invasive, personalised, scientifically proven results. Book your free 30 minute consultation.

BODYBYDESIGN.CO.NZ 40 ST BENEDICTS STREET, NEWTON 1010 021 900 989

Caring for your winter woollies

Wearing winter woollies creates a cosy, ‘hygge’ feeling of comfort. Caring for them correctly will multiply this feeling by helping you get even more wear out of each piece.

How to handwash knitwear The sink should have room to easily rinse or swirl garments. To conserve water, wash more than one piece at a time, from light to dark colours.

1. Use warm water and a little mild wool wash. Submerge the garment in the water and let it soak for about 5 minutes.

2. Gently squeeze to work the soapy water through the fibres, but don’t agitate. What to look for in a wool wash against AWTA approved Woolmark test methods.

3. When you’re done washing, replace soapy water with clean lukewarm water, and carefully rinse.

4. Remove from the rinse water and gently squeeze out the water. Naturally derived eucalyptus or lavender are excellent fragrance and baby clothes.

5. Lay it flat on one end of a bath towel and roll it up inside the towel.

Gently squeeze or wring the towel.

sunlight.

Tip: The water temperature is right when you can’t feel it. Think of how you’d test a baby bottle. A mild liquid detergent with a neutral pH will rinse away more easily in warm or cold water, without residue. It should also be formulated

choices, and repel moths. Ecostore Eucalyptus Wool & Delicates is ideal for wool and cashmere, fabrics like lace and silk, black garments 6. Unwrap and place flat on a dry towel or airing rack away from

It’s a good idea to only wash knitwear a couple of times a season. Between washes, give it a good airing and de-pilling, and check for food or other marks. Properly washed and folded, quality knitwear will last for years.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz