Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i Good Health Choices Magazine NZ

It’s been a while since the slow movement sauntered onto the scene and encouraged us all to take things down a notch, and although I can certainly see its merits, in all honesty, the only thing I’ve been slow at is applying it to my daily life. The weeks seem to whizz by, until one morning you wake up horrified to find it’s the middle of the year already! But if winter has anything to offer us (and I’m not fully convinced), it’s the chance to hunker down and focus on the beauty in our everyday rituals. This issue, writer Elli Jacobs explains why when it comes to cooking, it’s about the journey, not the destination (page 60). As well as the therapeutic benefits of getting lost in a task,…

Those who moved more during their commute reduced their risk of heart disease or stroke MAKING A MOVE If you’ve been thinking about ditching the car for a more active commute, read on. A study published in the journal Heart followed more than 358,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a national population-based study that measures and tracks the health of adult residents in urban areas in the UK. Those who moved more during their commute – whether walking, cycling, or using public transport that saw them active some of the time – reduced their risk of developing heart disease or stroke by 11 per cent, and their risk of dying from these conditions by 30 per cent. Those who had more active patterns of both commute and non-commute travel reduced…

‘IT’S ABOUT REMOVING THOSE EUPHEMISMS – JUST SAY PERIOD!’ Since the beginning of time, periods were seen as something to suffer through in silence. From the ancient Roman myths that menstruating women made crops fail, to the Victorian idea that women on their period could turn wine into vinegar, the negative connotations have been around for centuries. Add to that the bulky cloths and later, the sanitary ‘holsters’ used right up until the 1950s, and having your period has long meant you were uncomfortable at best and a social outcast at worst. Fast forward to 2018, and you’re not about to be branded a witch for your monthly cycle, but misinformation lingers on, and we’re still breaking down taboos around women’s health. The good news is, with social media campaigns,…

During sleep, your brain processes the day’s events and creates memories BEDTIME STORIES A health issue, stress, a poor diet, drinking too much, not getting enough exercise, mental health problems and even smoking can all affect the quality of our sleep and lead to insomnia. For a healthy mind and body, it’s important to get the right amount of non-REM and REM sleep to maintain your natural sleep cycle and help you wake rested and refreshed. NON-REM AND REM During the non-REM stage, you’re just drifting off to sleep, and can be awakened easily. You may also experience sudden jerky movements and a sensation of starting to fall. As you enter a deeper, more restful sleep, your body relaxes more. This is considered the most restorative part of sleep, when…

Sleeping during the day will make it much more difficult to sleep well at night. If you love a regular nap, follow these guidelines: » If a nap is absolutely necessary (because you’ve had a late night, for example), limit it to about 30 minutes. Set an alarm if needed. » Make sure you’re not napping within four hours – at least – of your regular bedtime. » Watching TV can have a meditative effect on some people and see them asleep before the opening credits are done. But nodding off – even for a minute – can cause problems later. » If you’re a serial napper, try to nap at the same time every day. We often feel sleepiest in the early afternoon, around 2-3pm.…

Jetlag: When you’re travelling through different time zones, your body clock is thrown out of whack. While you’re adapting to your new time zone, which usually takes two to three days, short naps (no longer than 30 minutes) may help you feel more alert. Make sure you’re awake for at least four hours before you go to bed and try to adjust to the local bedtime as soon as possible. Try this: A short walk outside in the morning after you arrive at your destination can help your body get the light cues it needs to adjust to the local time zone. A hotel stay: For some, sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings is difficult, no matter how comfortable the room. The key is to stick to familiar bedtime routines…

‘Some head lice have become resistant to treatment ’ My kids keep getting head lice, despite us using head lice shampoo multiple times and washing their sheets and pillowcases. What else can I do? A Any treatment for head lice must be repeated after a week, as the eggs may not be killed and can hatch and continue the infestation. Some head lice have become resistant to treatment chemicals and don’t clear up despite multiple applications, so you may need to ask your GP to prescribe an oral medication, Ivermectin. This must also be repeated after a week, and you’ll still have to wash sheets and pillowcases. Several of my friends are becoming vegetarian, but I prefer the Mediterranean diet. Which is best for heart health? A Both a vegetarian…

It took just a single Carolina Reaper chilli to put a 34-year-old man in hospital. He was taking part in a chilli-eating contest when, as the event ended, he began experiencing recurrent ‘thunderclap’ headaches. Doctors initially thought he had a neurological condition, but a scan showed the pain was due to the chilli – one of the hottest in the world. It caused vessels supplying blood to his brain to constrict, and it took about five weeks for them to return to normal. The Scoville scale rates the heat of a chilli and was developed in 1912 by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, who measured how many times different chillies had to be diluted in sugar water before they stopped burning. Before the arrival of the Carolina Reaper (which measures 1,569,300 Scoville…

Superfood egg white scramble First up, I’m a huge fan of whole eggs; the yolks have all sorts of health benefits, so by all means keep them in here if you want a richer meal. I eat this a lot when I’m travelling because it’s really easy to have made at a hotel buffet, though I also eat it a lot at home, too. When I do, I never throw out the yolks – I’ll use them to make mayonnaise or aioli or I’ll add them to my homemade hair and beauty treatments. » SERVES 2 4 egg whites 2 egg yolks 1 bunch of kale, stalks removed and leaves finely chopped ½ cup (45g) finely chopped broccoli florets Handful of baby spinach, finely sliced 1/4 red onion, finely diced…

‘Some veges, like tomatoes, are better cooked’ Is it healthier to eat vegetables raw? A It’s popular to follow a raw food diet, but there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that raw is healthier than cooked. In fact, some veges, like tomatoes, are better cooked. One of the most powerful nutrients in tomatoes is the antioxidant lycopene; research suggests it can help to reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes, so we want to get as much as we can. Our bodies are able to absorb more lycopene from cooked tomatoes than raw. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t eat them raw too, but it does show that raw foods aren’t always better. Which meal-replacement shake should I purchase? A With everything from sugar-free, to vegan, to omega-3-boosted meal replacements…

“There’s a direct correlation between lack of exercise and back pain,” says Professor Ingo Froböse, director of the Centre for Health through Sport & Exercise at the German Sport University in Cologne. “If we don’t move our body enough, our deep muscles atrophy almost twice as quickly as the other muscle groups. The deepest layer of tiny, delicate back muscles are located around the spine, and ensure the vertebrae interlock like well-functioning cogs in the wheel. They provide the necessary stability, and also keep the spinal discs in place – as long as they’re exercised. If not, the spine becomes unstable during any rotating movements, and even bending results in back problems.” The deep muscular system in the back consists of several tiny muscles. We can’t consciously stretch them –…

SKIN SAVER AVEENO® Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion uses naturally active oats to restore moisture to extra-dry skin. It is shown to decrease itching in two minutes and improve dryness, itchiness, scaling and roughness in just one day. See aveeno.co.nz ADVANCED CARE Skinsmiths skincare range is specially developed to work with Caci clinic treatments to give you fresh, bright, healthy-looking skin. Created with love by our highly experienced team in New Zealand. At Caci clinics nationwide; caci.co.nz/Skinsmiths FLAWLESS FINISH Weleda Beauty Balms are certified 100 per cent natural and give a subtly-tinted matte finish to your skin, evening out tiny flaws. With extracts of organic iris, cucumber and witch hazel as well as skin-caring jojoba oil, the tinted moisturisers go on easily and leave pores unclogged. Available in nude and bronze,…

STAY IN LINE The structures that make our lips plump and full gradually break down with age, which leads to a thinner lip and the border of the lip line softening. To avoid your lipstick bleeding, create definition with lip liner – but you’ve probably been applying it wrong! Apply your liner on the outside edge of the lips rather than the inside as this will give the illusion of a fuller lip. FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH The biggest mistake women make is mismatching their foundation shade – often going for a shade paler than they should. Match foundation to your jawline, not the back of your hand, as it is the closest match to your face. EYES WIDE OPEN Lashes open up the eye area making you look more…

Leo JUL 24 – AUG 23 The August New Moon eclipse is in your sign, which means now is the time for you to think about what you want your life to look like. Make plans for how to achieve your goals, then back it all up by visualising it. It’s not going too far to say this month could be life-changing. Leave the past behind. Virgo AUG 24 – SEPT 23 The New Moon in your Spirituality Zone is a sign that it’s time for you to stop stressing and start trusting the Universe a little more. A daily practice such as meditation will help you tune into your Higher Self, the part of you that gives you the best advice, if you’ll just tune in and listen. Libra…

BREATHE EASIER I was interested to read the mention about Kiwi kids with asthma in a recent issue. My little boy is five and has bad asthma; we sometimes struggle to get it under control and I know his teacher at school gets very anxious about making sure he’s using his medication when he needs it and giving the right doses. Your article included a website [learnaboutlungs.org.nz] that’s perfect for teachers and gives them all the info they need to make sure they’re giving the best care to our children with asthma. I’ve shared this with my son’s teacher and it certainly makes me feel a bit more at ease knowing she has access to information like this. Thank you so much. – Laura GENETIC QUESTIONS When my mother succumbed…

‘I HURT MY BACK IN MY VERY FIRST ROUTINE... AND ENDED UP IN A&E!’ ‘We were practising for four to five hours a day – the dance world is brutal!’ If there’s one thing you soon learn about Kiwi actress and dance star Shavaughn Ruakere, it’s that she loves to tell a yarn. “I’ve got a funny story about that” are words she says often, usually followed by peals of raucous laughter. Whether she’s talking about her recent stint on Dancing with the Stars, her thoughts on turning 40, the time she dated NZ’s ‘first man’ Clarke Gayford, or her various acting gigs, she has the sort of engaging energy that makes you want to pull up a chair and join in the banter. Shavaughn was 18 months into a…

«A LACK OF CARBS Nobody has formally studied this, but I see many women really struggling on a low-carb diet. The body needs to be fully nourished to be able to ovulate, and undereating is becoming increasingly common. Menstrual disruption is one of the first signs that eating patterns might not be right. It’s also important to know that women have very different nutritional requirements to men, and women in their reproductive years have different requirements to those after menopause. «INFLAMMATORY FOODS & DRINKS For issues with PMS, it can be useful to cut back on foods that are inflammatory. The key culprit is processed sugar, but alcohol often gets left out of the conversation, but it’s really not good for women’s health either. «SOY I don’t see soy as…

In a recent consumer trial with SleepDrops, more than 95 per cent of participants saw an improvement in their sleep. So if your energy levels and mood are low, hormones are running rampant or sleep is evading you and you don’t wake ready to take on the world, it’s time to do something about it with SleepDrops. LYING AWAKE AT NIGHT? If you find sleep elusive, despite being exhausted, try SleepDrops for Adults, which offers support for both drifting off and getting back to sleep faster. STRUGGLING DURING THE DAY? When you’re tired during the day, grabbing that third coffee or sneaky chocolate bar might seem like the answer, but it only makes matters worse. The next best thing? Daytime Revive is the energy remedy that simultaneously calms the nervous…

“I used to be the kind of person who went to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, but when I turned 42, I realised that I was tossing and turning for a while before nodding off. That time got longer and longer, until I was lying there wide awake for up to an hour and a half, trying to go to sleep. Then a friend suggested I try taking magnesium before bed. I wasn’t keen on just taking supplements, but I went to see a naturopath, who recommended a good one for me. I also now rub magnesium gel into my feet at night while I watch TV. I don’t know whether it’s the foot massage or the magnesium, but most nights I’m out like a light.”…

1 Game on, not game over? According to a study conducted by Plymouth University in the UK, digital games with a high degree of optical stimulation, like Tetris, distract the visual working memory so that images of food can be erased – and appetite dissipates. 2 Outwalk hunger Studies by the UK’s University of Exeter and Austria’s University of Innsbruck have shown that a 15-minute walk reduces cravings and stops them for several hours. 3 Combat water weight with nutrients When our nutrient stores drop, we may feel tired and retain water, which can tip the scales. Regularly having your blood checked and taking vitamin supplements if necessary might help.…

A WORLD OF FLAVOUR YOUR TOOL KIT 1 ZA’ATAR Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice that combines a range of ingredients like thyme, sumac and sesame seeds, which gives it a tangy and nutty flavour profile. It is perfect for adding to your meat and roasted vegetables or sprinkled on top of flatbread and pita bread. 2 BLACK TRUFFLE SALT If you’re over pink Himalayan salt, you might like to try seasoning potatoes or meat with black truffle salt. A combination of salt and Italian black truffles, its earthy flavour and strong aroma will elevate your meals to the next level. Black truffle salt usually comes in small quantities and can be quite pricey, but it lasts a long time since you only need to use a little bit to…

Essential in the kitchen, the health-boosting credentials of herbs and spices has, until now, relied on their traditional use over centuries. But new scientific findings are adding credibility to claims that herbs and spices fight disease. Indeed, their use in countries such as France, Spain, Greece and Italy is partly why the Mediterranean diet is thought of as the healthiest diet in the world. ROSEMARY This humble aromatic herb, widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, is currently attracting the attention of international experts seeking to uncover the secrets of the remarkable longevity of 300 centenarians from the Italian fishing village of Acciaroli. The villagers, known for their liberal use of rosemary in cooking, not only routinely live to 100+, but are astonishingly free of heart disease and Alzheimer’s. This comes as…

Chicken yiros » SERVES 4 » PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES, PLUS AT LEAST 1 HOUR TO SET » COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES 500g chicken breast fillets, cut into thin strips 1 tsp each salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp dried oregano 2 garlic cloves, crushed Olive oil, for frying and brushing 4 pita breads 2 tbsp Greek seasoning [available at iherb.com, or make your own*] 1 onion, finely sliced 3 tomatoes, finely sliced Iceberg lettuce, shredded TZATZIKI 1kg (4 cups) Greek yoghurt 2-3 Lebanese cucumbers 1 tbsp olive oil 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 1 To make the tzatziki, line a sieve with a clean Chux cloth and place over a bowl. Spoon the yoghurt into the sieve and leave for…

SEEING RED Research has found that wearing red can give you a surge of energy during your workout. This simple psychological trick might make all the difference! ROLI ON BEDTIME  Invest in a foam roller and do a few stretches before going to sleep. Prepping yourself before lights out with foam rolling and stretches will release any tight muscles, relieve tension, and prime your body for a morning workout. FEELING FRUITY Add frozen fruit such as strawberries to your water bottle. It’ll keep it cold and add flavour to make rehydrating after your workout extra tasty. It’s the little things that count, after all. BE PREPARED  Keep a gym bag in your car or at work at all times, even if you weren’t planning to exercise. This will allow for…

Boost your willpower by focusing on improving your motivation. “If you’re motivated, you don’t need to rely as heavily on willpower,” says Hall. “It feels a tad easier to make those tough decisions.” If your goal is exercise-related, try planning rewards for yourself, such as working out with a friend and getting a coffee together afterwards, or motivate yourself with music by changing your playlist. Start small. “Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you become,” says Hall. “Try setting small goals and using willpower to help you achieve them. Be more mindful of when you use willpower during the day, then stretch it out a little by delaying gratification some more.” For example, instead of running off to buy new shoes, put money aside every few days.…

‘EVEN AS INDIVIDUALS WE ASK OURSELVES, “WHY ARE WE HERE?”’ Once upon a time, two people fell deeply in love, got married and lived happily ever after. Although endearing, this classic fairytale narrative neatly glosses over the fact that all long-term relationships will likely go through difficult patches, and not all of them will come out the other side – in fact, one in three marriages in New Zealand and Australia will end in divorce. So how can you tell whether a challenging period in your relationship is just a short-term hurdle or if it’s time to start packing your bags? Dr Monty Badami, an anthropologist with a special interest in relationships, says it’s completely normal to find yourself looking at your primary relationship from time to time and asking:…

For years now we haven’t given a second thought to the term ‘anti-ageing’, often seen stamped across our beauty products. However, without realising it, we’re buying into the negative idea that we can’t continue to look good as we age. We asked experts at the forefront of the industry to weigh in on the pressures of ageing today. There’s no ‘anti’ in ageing Today, we live in a progressive society that embraces standing up and speaking out. As women, we now celebrate diversity, encourage body positivity, fight for equality, live our lives how we please and build each other up not down – so why are we still buying into the archaic idea of ‘anti’-ageing? It’s not a condition that needs to be cured! In this new era of empowerment,…

1 Lancôme Advanced Génifique Eye Cream, $124. 2 Swisse Hyaluronic Acid Firming Eye Serum, $32.99. 3 Estée Lauder Cyrotherapy Instant Eye De-Puffing Wand* , $95. 4 Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Eye Crème, $135. 5 MitoQ Eye Renew, $140. 6 L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler [HA] Revolumizing Hyaluronic Concentrate Serum, $49.95. 7 Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum, $159. 8 Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift, $115. 9 Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior Eye Visible Dark Circle Eraser, $95. * TREND WATCH Look out for the latest beauty gadgetry in the form of cooling eye wands. After chilling in the fridge, use the wand to massage in your eye cream to refresh and reduce puffiness instantly.…

5 In this first step, look around at your surroundings and identify five things you can see at the moment, such as: Your hands, the sky, a book on your colleague’s desk, a coffee cup, people walking. 4 Name four things you can physically feel: Your feet on the ground? Your hand on a bench? A ball? A notebook? 3 Identify three things you can hear, such as: Music, the wind blowing, your breath. 2 Name two things you can smell: Coffee? Soap? Fresh-cut grass? 1 Finally, name one thing you can taste, such as: Gum, a mint, the fresh air.…

Embrace your desires and create an action plan This month brings a massive opportunity for anyone who wants live to the fullest. No matter where you are in your life, and no matter where you’ve been, now is the time to harness the eclipse energies. To do that, you need to set aside some time just after the New Moon eclipse. Most wisdom teachers suggest that wanting more, better and different is part of the human condition and nothing to be ashamed of. So embrace your desires and create an action plan. This is the third and final eclipse of the current ‘eclipse season’, which started last month. Let’s make the most of it. How to harness the eclipse energies: » Set aside time after dark. » Write a list…

‘Some of the world’s most common infections are proving drug-resistant’ The World Health Organization considers antibiotic resistance “one of the biggest threats to global public health”. A few years ago, then-US President Barack Obama also recognised the threat, and launched a National Action Plan to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. At that time, the US Government warned that the emergence of drug-resistance in bacteria was undermining our ability to treat bacterial infections and perform a range of modern medical procedures, including chemotherapy, surgery and organ transplantation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates drug-resistant bacteria already cause 23,000 deaths and two million illnesses each year in the US. In January, the World Health Organization published the first report of its new Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS), highlighting the scale of…

Lunette menstrual cups are a real game-changer. Made from medical-grade silicone, these bell-shaped cups are a safe, healthy and eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons, and hold 25 to 30ml of fluid. Vegan-friendly, without bleaches, fibres, dioxins, latex or BPA, they can be worn overnight or for up to 12 hours. These cups come in two models: Model 1 is smaller and softer for teens and ideal for active people, while Model 2 is best for those who experience a heavier flow or have given birth. Lunette menstrual cups are convenient and easy to use – simply fold and insert, then empty, rinse or wipe and reinsert two to four times a day, depending on your flow. WHY USE A MENSTRUAL CUP? » Convenient: It offers up to 12 hours…

Q. WHAT IF I CAN’T SHUT OFF MY MIND? A. Some people can’t switch off their thoughts. If this is a problem for you, set aside a ‘worry time’ in the evening to think about what has been happening during the day. This will help put your mind at rest so you’re less likely to stew over problems when you go to bed. Keep the hour before bed as your wind-down time. Q. WHAT IF I STILL CAN’T GET TO SLEEP, DESPITE MY BEST EFFORTS? A. Sleep is not something you can force. If you’re not asleep within 20 to 30 minutes of going to bed, get up. Sit quietly in a darkened room. Don’t watch television, use a computer, eat, drink or do housework. When you feel sleepy again,…

Sleep Health New Zealand sleephealth.org.nz Sleep Apnoea Association of New Zealand sleepapnoea.org.nz Health Navigator healthnavigator.org.nz The New Zealand Psychological Society psychology.org.nz Quitline quit.org.nz  Call 0800 778 778 or text 4006 Australasian Sleep Association sleep.org.au ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This health book was compiled using information from the Sleep Health Foundation, US National Sleep Foundation, Better Health Channel and the Mayo Clinic. GENERAL NOTE This is intended as a general introduction to the topic and in no way should be seen as substitute for your own doctor’s or health professional’s advice. All care is taken to ensure that the information contained here is free from error and/or omissions, however, no responsibility can be accepted by the…

1 GARLIC It’s the allicin in garlic that can help to fight those pesky viruses. Add a couple of cloves a day to your food to support your natural defences. 2 OLIVE LEAF Research reveals that antibacterial olive leaf can bolster immunity, and fight cold and flu viruses. Try it as a supplement. 3 MANUKA HONEY A great little immunity booster bursting with energising enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Eat a spoonful a day straight, or stir it into yoghurt or drinks like smoothies. 4 ASTRAGALUS Many herbalists say it’s worth taking this immunity-enhancing herb from the start of autumn until the first day of spring. 5 TEA – BLACK OR GREEN It’s an immunity must-drink. One study revealed that those who drank five cups of tea a day had more interferons…

While what we eat is important to maintain health, how we prepare it is also important. According to ancient wisdom our state of mind while we’re cooking directly affects the vibrational energy and the quality of the food. Therefore, just by cooking consciously in the kitchen we can turn every meal into a healing medicine. Here experts teach us how. In many cultures there’s an emphasis on intention and emotion in cooking. In the Greek tradition it’s customary to cook and serve food with ‘agapi’ (unconditional love) for good energy, and the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, teaches that the intention or mood of the person when cooking is actually transferred to the food. So it seems that to manifest a delicious meal that nourishes both body and soul,…

Due for a detox? TRY BIRCH No wonder the Finns like to drink birch tea while they sauna — the flavonoids in birch leaves activate the kidneys to encourage the elimination processes. » If you’re feeling a bit puffy, flabby and energy-poor, birch could help bring back vitality. Try making birch tea (1 tsp to a mug of water) or drinking birch juice in water two to three times a day for three to six weeks to gently cleanse your system. Hot flushes? TRY CALMING SAGE It has to be the herb of choice for those pesky menopause symptoms that wear you out. Clinical trials have shown that sage, along with liquorice root and anise, all decrease the frequency of and severity of hot flushes, while camomile and rose help…

This slice makes for a great post-workout snack I knew my buckwheat nutty chocolate slice was an absolute hit when I took some to my yoga studio for my teachers to sample and everyone asked for the recipe. This gluten-free raw slice is super-easy to make and tastes amazing; rich, crunchy, nutty and sweet. It’s a recipe that I’m confident you’ll love. Packed full of nutritious ingredients, it makes for a great post-workout snack or healthy treat with a cup of your favourite herbal tea. If you’re looking for a nut-free version, replace the nut butter with organic sunflower seed butter and skip the almonds, adding some additional seeds of your choice instead. Buckwheat nutty chocolate slice 1 cup pitted dates 3 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil 1 tbsp…

Exercise has long been praised for its benefits for mental health, though for many of us smashing out a full-on workout can be a challenge, especially if you’re not at your fittest, find it hard to keep up as you age, or if you’ve been struggling with your mental health already. Whatever the situation, if you’re more inclined to gentler workouts then tai chi can see you reaping the rewards of exercise on the brain. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that uses slow, meditative exercises that are designed for relaxation, balance and health. The practice is often referred to as a ‘moving meditation’ as the slow, graceful movements can be used as a means to provide a relaxed focus for the mind – particularly beneficial for those suffering…

‘It’s the mother who’s at risk of damage’ What should the damper setting be and where should I position the foot strap when I’m setting up the rowing machine? A The damper setting affects the resistance when you pull the rowing cable. The higher the setting, the greater the ‘wind resistance’ and the harder the cable is to pull; the lower the setting, the easier it is to pull. To mimic the resistance on the water, it’s recommended that you set it between 3 and 5. With regards to the foot strap, adjust it so it crosses over the ball of your foot. How do I know if I’m ready for HIIT [high-intensity interval training]? A A lot of emphasis is being placed on participating in HIIT, but that doesn’t…

1 A CHANCE FOR SELF-DISCOVERY Perhaps you’ve spent the last 10 years in an office and you’ve forgotten what life was like before it all. A short mid-career break is an opportunity for you to rediscover your passion. Maybe it’s travelling, volunteering, or if you want to stay close to home, picking up that paint brush or finishing the draft of that romance novel. 2 GET OUT OF THAT RUT Humans are creatures of habit and getting out of that 9-to-5 work week routine, even if it’s only for a short time, can work wonders in reviving your spirit. Fewer work responsibilities means that you can focus on yourself and explore what makes you happy. You could even try ticking off a few bucket list activities that you’ve always meant…

According to Elizabeth Neal, there are several ways you can help insulate your relationship against reaching crisis point. Here are what she regards as the hallmarks of couples in healthy partnerships: » They communicate daily (when possible), so each partner has awareness of the other’s emotional world – their stressors, worries, fears, aspirations and longings. » They genuinely like each other and verbally express their admiration and appreciation. » They respond to each other’s bids for connection and turn towards each other, rather than away. » They find ways to support each other’s life goals. This means each partner pursues things important to them outside the relationship, secure in the knowledge that they will come back together at day’s end. » They might still fight and disagree, but they take…

We cannot fight ageing but we can improve our skin so it looks its best at 30, 40, 50 and beyond. We’ll see a shift towards getting your glow back with some brands already leading the charge with language like ‘luminous’, ‘radiance’ and ‘light’, instead of the usual negative marketing. Take Lancôme for example, which launched a ‘Love your Age’ campaign in conjunction with the Génifique range, encouraging women to build a positive relationship with their age. A study conducted among 3,000 women for the campaign found that age-related social conventions are still very much present although they’re gradually learning to break free and instead place more emphasis on genuine personal fulfilment rather than a number. TRY: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Sensitive, $137; bareMinerals Brilliant Future Age Defense & Renew Serum,…

‘A good time to have sex is when you feel safe’ Is sex before the first date okay? A Are you looking for something long-term or casual? If you’re interested in a casual relationship, you might decide that also includes casual sex. But if your goal is to be in a meaningful partnership, you may want to wait a bit longer before you have sex with someone new, so you have more information about them. There’s no ‘right’ time – it comes down to individual preferences and situations – but a good time to have sex is when you feel safe, trust the other person and your relationship goals line up. My partner and I can’t resolve our problems, and we’re both becoming angry and resentful.…

Do you have any health rituals you couldn’t live without? I’ve been a bit of an apple cider vinegar convert over the last few winters. I put a splash in a mug with hot water and a teaspoon of manuka honey. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DISH FOR A LAZY SUNDAY BRUNCH? Huevos rancheros with lots of avo, chilli, lime juice and coriander. What’s the next spot on your travel wish list? I haven’t spent nearly as much time travelling in the South Island as I’d like, especially the Deep South. There’s a lot more of New Zealand I’d like to explore. What does the ideal weekend look like for you? Sunshine, walking in nature, fresh fish caught by my husband off his kayak, a stroll through some op shops, catch-ups with…