Where one starts in a career as a Shakespearian actor? (6).

WOMEN’S HEALTH Pinkie’s back for breast cancer tour

Aucklanders will have the opportunity to visit Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s iconic Pink Caravan, ‘Pinkie’, for free breast health advice from this week.

For the ninth year running, Pinkie will spend the spring and summer months travelling around New Zealand with two specialist breast nurses on board with the aim of taking breast cancer awareness out to communities.

PINKIE WILL BE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCAL SITES BETWEEN 9AM-2:30PM EACH DAY:

„ PaK’nSave Botany on Wednesday, September 28 „ PaK’nSave Ormiston on Thursday, September 29 „ Howick Village Market Square on Friday, September 30

During 2020 and 2021 Pinkie made more than 160 stops around the country, where nurses addressed the questions and concerns of over 6000 people.

“We encourage people to come and chat to our friendly and knowledgeable nurses who can offer advice about how to lower your risk of breast cancer, what signs and symptoms to look out for and how to get enrolled for breast screening,” said Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner.

“On board you’ll find lots of information and resources, including a silicon breast model, Bessie, showing what lumps and other symptoms look and feel like. Early detection is the best way to beat breast cancer, so the health education work that our nurses do saves lives.”

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, with around 1000 women diagnosed in the Auckland region every year. The good news is it’s most easily treated when detected early – the 10-year survival rate for women who are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer through screening is 95 per cent, compared to 85 per cent for women who are diagnosed from their symptoms. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ encourages women to be breast aware from the age of 20 and to consider starting mammograms at 40. h Visit breastcancerfoundation.

org.nz/pinkcaravan to learn more about the Pink Caravan.

Pinkie will spend the spring and summer months travelling around New Zealand with two specialist breast nurses on board with the aim of taking breast cancer awareness out to communities. Photo supplied

10,000 steps for asthma advocacy

By ZOE GARDEN

An east Auckland resident is averaging 10,000 steps daily in a bid to raise awareness and money for the respiratory community.

Respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnoea affect 700,000 (one in six) New Zealanders. Aimee Scott, owner of local gym Aimz Fitness, is one of those many Kiwis, having dealt with asthma since she was a child.

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation (ARFNZ) is asking Kiwis to challenge themselves to do at least 16 minutes of lung exercise a day during the annual Breathe Better September.

Participants set themselves, their families or their teams up with a challenge that suits them - anything from taking the stairs at work or performing a dance - and, in the process, get sponsored by friends and family.

All the proceeds raised go to ARFNZ for awareness, advocacy, research and support for people living with respiratory conditions.

Scott’s challenge for September is to walk an average 10,000 steps every day.

She told the Times that she set that goal for the purpose of it being consistent, doable, and maintainable past September.

“But while this (asthma) is my biggest struggle, it is also what makes me strong,” she says.

“I live, breathe, walk and talk fitness to my clients. The importance of being fit and healthy is an investment we should all put at the top of our list. “I want to give them (Kiwis with asthma) hope with my story that living with asthma doesn’t mean you can’t participate in exercise, but that exercise should be used to help improve the strength of your lungs and help you understand breathing to improve symptoms.”

Scott raised $1400 for the same goal last year.

ARFNZ chief executive Letitia Harding says that, as the foundation receives no government funding, they are dependent on donors, sponsors and community funding organisations.

“We rely heavily on generous Kiwis like Aimee who understand the seriousness of respiratory conditions and who want to make a difference. We are so grateful for all her efforts.

“She is fantastic example of someone who has not allowed her condition to be a barrier to a full and active life.”

AFRNZ hopes to raise at least $20,000 to put towards its work for the respiratory community.

Aimee Scott is walking 10,000 steps daily throughout September to raise awareness and funds for AFRNZ. Photo supplied

Ready for you now

Welcome home to Fairway Gardens –a stunning five-star retirement village set alongside Pakuranga golf course. With a mix of high-end facilities and activities coming very soon, Fairway Gardens will suit you to a tee. Don’t wait to book an appointment to visit our brand new show home and discover it for yourself!

For the life you want to live

call Jo Ashby on 0800 600 701 joa@metlifecare.co.nz Corner Cascades Road and Botany Road, Golflands | fairwaygardens.co.nz

FACILITIES FOR COMPLETION EARLY 2023

A spectacular wellness centre including swimming pool, spa, gym and hair salon

Enjoy catching up with friends and family in the cafe, bar or dining area

Take time out to read a book in the library or unwind in the lounge and activities room

Grand entrance with reflection pond

Beautiful embankment walkways Beautiful one, two and three-bedroom homes ready now from $749,000^.

Limited availability so don’t miss out!

^ Prices are for an Occupational Right Agreement secured by a first ranking mortgage in favour of the statutory supervisor on behalf of the residents. Currently under construction. Select apartments available now, with more available for move in from late-2022.

Apartment image is an artist’s impression.

Note: Visitors must be feeling well to enter a Metlifecare site. Mask-wearing within a village is optional.

For full Metlifecare COVID-19 guidelines, please refer to our website www.metlifecare.co.nz